From Overworked & Underpaid to Locking in $1.2M Build

A growing residential builder shares the uncomfortable truths that forced an identity shift from “on the tools” to business leader. We unpack how paid pre-construction flipped his sales process, why a detailed quote document beat a cheaper competitor for a $1.2M new build, the discipline of PSR 1-3-1 problem solving, and the accountability equation that makes tough conversations doable. We also get into marketing beyond Instagram posts, fixing the accountant relationship, and building momentum when cash is tight.

Key Points

• [00:02:14] – “I realised I was working harder than ever and making less money than when I worked alone.”
  A brutally honest reflection on why he joined TPB and what wasn’t working in his business.
• [00:06:30] – “I started my business just to make ends meet—then I realised it could be something more.”
  The early motivations: weekend cash jobs, financial pressure, and the leap from teaching to full-time business.
• [00:12:17] – “Hiring my first apprentice was terrifying.”
  Why that first hire is harder than it seems, and how most owners default to labour instead of admin support.
• [00:19:10] – “We just started our first $1.2M build—here’s what changed.”
  How leadership, team building, and proper quoting systems led to winning larger, better projects.
• [00:23:47] – “We teach PSR 1-3-1: One problem, three solutions, one recommendation.”
  How this simple habit trains your team to solve problems without dumping them on you.
• [00:29:11] – “Accountability is just expectations, measurement, and feedback.”
  How to structure crucial conversations and break the ‘mate vs. boss’ tension.
• [00:36:30] – “My tax bill blindsided me—I had $1,000 in the bank and $150K in overdraft.”
  The harsh financial lesson that forced him to switch accountants and take control of his cashflow.
• [00:41:22] – “I used to apologise for my prices… now I say it with confidence.”
  The mindset shift from “please accept my quote” to “this is the professional service we deliver.”
• [00:53:10] – “Success is freedom—financially and in my time.”
  Why he wants a business that can run without him, and how he’s designing it to get there.
• [00:58:40] – “That $1.2M job? We won it because our quote was 40 pages, not four.”
  How quoting depth and a Prelim Package beat cheaper builders—and why he’s now charging for every pre-construction engagement.