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The Site Shed

The Site Shed

By: Matt Jones - Helping Tradies Build Smarter Scalable Businesses
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About this listen

The Site Shed is a global podcast for tradies and trade-based business owners, designed to educate and inform around the topics that matter most in running a business.

Hosted by former plumber and digital agency owner Matt Jones, the podcast covers real-world conversations on apprenticeships, marketing, systems, technology, hiring, leadership, and more — all tailored to the trades.

Each episode features practical insights, honest lessons, and expert guests from across the industry. Whether you're a plumber, builder, electrician, landscaper, or any hands-on business owner, you'll find ideas and experiences you can apply straight away.

If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, The Site Shed offers tools, ideas, and perspectives to help your business move forward.

© 2025 The Site Shed
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • AI For Tradies in 2025: How To Streamline Quotes & Save Up On Costs | ft. Roland Ligtenberg | Ep. 454
    Jul 8 2025

    In this episode, host Matt sits down with Roland, co-founder of Housecall Pro – a leading software solution for job management in the trades industry. Recorded after their chance connection at a trades event in Fiji, this conversation is a deep dive into how AI is transforming the home service sector. Roland shares the journey of how Housecall Pro began, what truly sets their platform apart, and how AI-powered features are empowering “standing jobs” (like plumbers, HVAC, and electricians) to cut down on admin work and focus more on growth.

    Matt and Roland unpack the practical ways that AI is making life easier for tradespeople, from automated customer service to intelligent business analytics and coaching. They discuss best practices for adopting new technologies in your business, the importance of staying curious, and how leveraging data can help tradies grow faster and smarter. Tune in to hear real-world insights, learn what’s next for AI in trades, and get tips on maximizing your own business potential in this rapidly evolving landscape!

    🎥Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/-XXVEhxU-vc

    ====== Timestamp Chapters =====

    00:00 AI Talk Leads to Unexpected Connection
    04:57 AI: Impact on Jobs
    08:20 AI-Powered Customer Service Solution
    14:04 AI's Role in Business Growth
    16:45 Startups’ Tech Advantage: Easier Operations
    19:45 Embrace Curiosity in Business
    22:23 "If It Ain't Broke, Explore"
    25:40 "Optimize Time in Business"
    29:46 Forward-Looking Strategic Planning
    33:59 Integrating Human Touch in Automation
    36:36 "Optimizing Business Processes with Data"
    38:30 Optimizing Low-Intent Social Leads
    41:43 "Explore Housecall Pro Demo"


    ==== What You'll Learn ====
    ✅ How AI “team members” can fill admin gaps and stop missed leads
    ✅ Why your time is best spent on site, not stuck on after-hours invoicing
    ✅ Real-world results: 30% growth and more jobs booked—faster

    Get FREE marketing insights for your business when you complete the Opportunity Scorecard - https://go.tradiewebguys.com.au/

    Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

    🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

    Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

    👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

    📲 Stay Connected:

    • Facebook: The Site Shed
    • Instagram: @thesiteshed
    • LinkedIn: The Site Shed
    • Website: thesiteshed.com
    • Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed


    ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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    47 mins
  • Streamlining Workplace Safety: WHS Compliance Tradies and Contractors | ft. Glen Fitzgerald | Ep. 453
    Jul 1 2025

    In this episode of The Site Shed, Matt Jones speaks with Glen Fitzgerald from Worx Safety about how tradies can tackle workplace safety compliance without drowning in paperwork. Glen shares how digital tools and automation can help simplify your WHS systems, reduce admin, and increase operational efficiency.

    They chat about the differences in compliance requirements for residential versus commercial businesses, the challenges of staying on top of paperwork, and what triggers a compliance audit. You'll hear practical advice on how business owners can automate induction, training, and documentation processes, plus insights into how technology—from digital software to potential AI solutions—is making safety more accessible and efficient for everyone in the industry.

    🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://tradie.wiki/listen

    ==== What You’ll Learn: =====

    ✅ How to streamline WHS compliance using digital tools
    ✅ Common compliance mistakes and how to avoid them
    ✅ The future of AI in safety and contractor management
    ✅ Why automation is the key to simplifying your operations

    =====Timestamps: =====
    00:00 Intro to Glen Fitzgerald and Worx Safety
    06:29 Workplace Incident Liability Concerns
    08:40 SOP Implementation for Safety Training
    12:32 Contractor Responsibility for High-Risk Work
    15:31 Contractor Responsibility Increase Trend
    17:23 "Prototype AR Glasses Hazardous"
    20:43 Compliance and Training Essentials
    25:19 "Safety Info Access Guide"


    If you're a trade business owner looking to stay compliant without sacrificing productivity, this episode is a must-listen.

    📌 Learn more about Worx Safety: https://www.worxsafety.com.au
    📌 Book a Free Demo: https://www.worxsafety.com.au/request-a-demo

    Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

    🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

    Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

    👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

    📲 Stay Connected:

    • Facebook: The Site Shed
    • Instagram: @thesiteshed
    • LinkedIn: The Site Shed
    • Website: thesiteshed.com
    • Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed


    ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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    29 mins
  • Why Your Marketing Feels “Icky” (And How to Fix It!) | Rai Cornell
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt Jones and Rai Cornell discuss the psychology behind marketing and why it can often feel uncomfortable or 'icky.' They explore the importance of authenticity, relationship building, and creating valuable content that resonates with audiences. The conversation delves into overcoming fears of content creation, the role of marketing beyond traditional ads, and introduces the 'Four M's' framework for effective marketing. The episode concludes with key takeaways for listeners to implement in their own marketing strategies.

    You can watch it on 🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Nro-yhQTxg

    Timestamp:

    00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Rai Cornell
    02:30 - The disconnect between sales and marketing
    04:00 - Why "I hate marketing" is a red flag
    08:00 - Why content doesn't have to include YOU on camera
    11:30 - How to create content without stress or perfection
    14:00 - Feel-Good Marketing: The 4 M's Framework
    21:00 - Real-world examples of creative mechanisms
    26:00 - How to build trust through relevance and consistency
    30:00 - Final thoughts and resources

    📚 Resources:

    • Guest website: https://www.cornellcontentmarketing.com/demandgenkit
    • ELITE Method Framework: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jjer_vwYii-nAGkAgy78mwof52PDpLns/view?usp=sharing

    📓 Read our blog on this podcast here: https://tradie.wiki/452-Why-Your-Marketing-Feels-Icky

    Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

    🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

    Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

    👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

    📲 Stay Connected:

    • Facebook: The Site Shed
    • Instagram: @thesiteshed
    • LinkedIn: The Site Shed
    • Website: thesiteshed.com
    • Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed


    ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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    34 mins
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