From Tradesperson to Proactive Leader

Gareth sits down with Michael Pilcher of Michael Pilcher Builders, a custom home builder in Central Victoria. Michael shares his journey from tradesperson to leading a professional building company, focusing on the rapid growth his business has experienced since 2020.

They discuss the impact of identifying “holes and cracks” in business systems before scaling further and how working with a selections expert elevated their brand to the boutique market. Michael emphasizes the shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive management and the critical role of strong leadership in developing his team. He also shares insights gained from multiple coaching experiences, highlighting why builder-specific support was crucial.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [00:53] Starting 14 years ago at age 23
• [01:19] Growing the team to 9 members
• [01:37] How a selections expert elevated their brand
• [02:54] Identifying system “holes and cracks” before scaling
• [03:17] Using higher margins for fewer, better projects
• [03:58] The shift from reactive to proactive building
• [06:11] Personal learning: The power of strong leadership
• [06:30] A good leader makes good leaders
• [07:54] Building trust and security with clients
• [09:12] Advice: Back yourself and invest in coaching early