If you’re running a plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or any trades business and the “Thursday beers” keep turning into a weekend you can’t remember… this one hits hard.

Ron Isherwood is the founder of The Truth About Addiction, which he launched in 2020 after more than 42 years working with people in recovery across a wide range of rehabilitation settings. Drawing on both his professional experience and his own journey through addiction and recovery, Ron identified a major gap in how addiction is understood and treated. That insight led him to build The Truth About Addiction, a program grounded in lived experience, compassion, and a strong belief in transformation. Ron also hosts The Truth About Addiction Podcast, continuing the conversation and sharing real stories that help people find a better way forward.

In the podcast, Ron shares his story; heroin addiction, prison time, recovery, and the mindset shift that changed everything:

“You’re not a bad person trying to get good. You’re a sick person trying to get well.”

They unpack why cocaine has become a silent epidemic in the trades, how “functional” addiction hides in plain sight, and why the opposite of addiction isn’t willpower… it’s connection. This isn’t a scare campaign. It’s a wake-up call with a path forward.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. Why addiction isn’t weakness, it’s pain looking for relief
2. “Functional” addiction vs street-level addiction (and why both destroy lives)
3. The real cost of hangovers, comedowns, and missed mornings (you’re not just losing time, you’re losing trust)
4. Ron’s 8 demands for rebuilding a life: openness, acceptance, reliability, consistency, congruence, thoroughness, respect, honesty
5. Why mentorship is non-negotiable when your “one bag” turns into three
6. How trade business owners can get help without blowing up their work and family life
7. Why taking ownership is the first step to recovery

Episode Highlights

“Recovery means finding what you lost: yourself.”

“The opposite of addiction is connection.”

“If you can’t guarantee your behaviour once you start… you need a mentor.”

“When you show up hungover, you’re stealing from your boss, your family, and yourself.”

In this episode:

00:00 You’re not a bad person, you’re a sick person trying to get well

04:20 Cocaine + alcohol in the trades: the real-world fallout

06:45 The 8 demands that rebuild character (and business standards)

12:40 Ownership: the “Porsche with a flat tyre” lesson

16:05 Street-level vs functional addiction (and why denial is deadly)

18:00 Why “party drugs” aren’t a party, they destroy families fast

22:30 The trades epidemic: big money, no support, bad habits

25:40 How Ron’s program works (mentorship, flexibility, real accountability)

29:30 Why people don’t ask for help (and the consequences)

37:30 Identity...]]>In this episode of TradesFormation Unlocked, Adrian Fadini sits down with Ron Isherwood to have the conversation too many trade business owners avoid… addiction, recovery, and what it really takes to get your life (and business) back.

If you’re running a plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or any trades business and the “Thursday beers” keep turning into a weekend you can’t remember… this one hits hard.

Ron Isherwood is the founder of The Truth About Addiction, which he launched in 2020 after more than 42 years working with people in recovery across a wide range of rehabilitation settings. Drawing on both his professional experience and his own journey through addiction and recovery, Ron identified a major gap in how addiction is understood and treated. That insight led him to build The Truth About Addiction, a program grounded in lived experience, compassion, and a strong belief in transformation. Ron also hosts The Truth About Addiction Podcast, continuing the conversation and sharing real stories that help people find a better way forward.

In the podcast, Ron shares his story; heroin addiction, prison time, recovery, and the mindset shift that changed everything:

“You’re not a bad person trying to get good. You’re a sick person trying to get well.”

They unpack why cocaine has become a silent epidemic in the trades, how “functional” addiction hides in plain sight, and why the opposite of addiction isn’t willpower… it’s connection. This isn’t a scare campaign. It’s a wake-up call with a path forward.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. Why addiction isn’t weakness, it’s pain looking for relief
2. “Functional” addiction vs street-level addiction (and why both destroy lives)
3. The real cost of hangovers, comedowns, and missed mornings (you’re not just losing time, you’re losing trust)
4. Ron’s 8 demands for rebuilding a life: openness, acceptance, reliability, consistency, congruence, thoroughness, respect, honesty
5. Why mentorship is non-negotiable when your “one bag” turns into three
6. How trade business owners can get help without blowing up their work and family life
7. Why taking ownership is the first step to recovery

Episode Highlights

“Recovery means finding what you lost: yourself.”

“The opposite of addiction is connection.”

“If you can’t guarantee your behaviour once you start… you need a mentor.”

“When you show up hungover, you’re stealing from your boss, your family, and yourself.”

In this episode:

00:00 You’re not a bad person, you’re a sick person trying to get well

04:20 Cocaine + alcohol in the trades: the real-world fallout

06:45 The 8 demands that rebuild character (and business standards)

12:40 Ownership: the “Porsche with a flat tyre” lesson

16:05 Street-level vs functional addiction (and why denial is deadly)

18:00 Why “party drugs” aren’t a party, they destroy families fast

22:30 The trades epidemic: big money, no support, bad habits

25:40 How Ron’s program works (mentorship, flexibility, real accountability)

29:30 Why people don’t ask for help (and the consequences)

37:30 Identity change: how transformation actually sticks

Connect with Ron

Search: “The Truth About Addiction”

https://www.instagram.com/ronisherwood/

https://www.instagram.com/thetruthabout_addiction/

Connect with TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Learn to Sell. Build your systems. Lead your team.

If this episode reminded you of someone; a mate, a staff member, even yourself… don’t sit on it. Share it with another trade business owner. One conversation can change a life.

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

In this episode of Transformation Unlocked, Adrian sits down with Jordan Ryan, from Koda Capital, to unpack how trade business owners can turn today’s profit into tomorrow’s freedom and make work optional.

If you’re building a plumbing, electrical, HVAC or other trades business and you’re asking, “How do I actually use this money so I don’t have to work forever?”... this one is for you.

Jordan breaks down wealth creation in simple language: how much you really need, why “65” is a made-up finish line, how to think about super, and what to do before and after a liquidity event when you sell your business.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

-“Work optional” vs retirement

-How much is enough?

-The “retirement smile” why your spending is higher at the start of retirement, drops, then rises again with health costs.

-Superannuation basics for business owners

-Simple tax-win mindset

-All-Weather Portfolio 101

-From accumulation to drawdown

-Self-managed super funds (SMSFs)

-The power of money conversations at home

Episode Highlights

“Stop thinking about retirement. Start thinking, When do I want work to be optional?”

How wealthy people tend to talk more about money – and why your friendship circle might be holding back your financial growth.

The danger of locking 60% of your net worth into a single asset (one property, one fund, one deal) after you sell your business.

In this episode:

00:00 Work optional vs retirement

05:10 How much is enough and finding your freedom number

16:05 Super and tax for trade business owners

23:10 All weather investing and diversification

27:00 Shifting from growing wealth to living off it

30:45 When an SMSF actually makes sense

38:15 Money conversations, concentration risk, and avoiding hype

Connect with Jordan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ryan-financial-adviser/

jordan.ryan@kodacapital.com

Website: https://kodacapital.com/

Connect with TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Learn to Sell. Build your systems. Lead your team.

Share this episode with another trade business owner who’s talking more about spending than building wealth and start a new kind of conversation.

Disclaimer: These insights are for education only and shouldn’t be taken as financial advice. Your situation is unique, so get proper guidance before making money-related choices.

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

You work hard for every dollar. How do you turn it into assets that work harder than you do?

Julian walks us through how to turn wages and business profits into real wealth, not just higher lifestyle costs. He shares what he has learned from advising high-performing clients, including professional athletes, and opens up about the personal changes that exploded his clarity and his business growth. This is practical wealth building with zero hype and a ton of honesty.

Your money should be building your freedom, not adding more pressure, and this episode shows you how to line that up.

You’ll learn:

• How to convert today’s income into assets that pay you back
• What Julian has learned from working with NRL players and other top performers
• How getting sober shifted his focus, energy, and business results by 50 percent
• Why mindset drives both your bank balance and your quality of life
• The simple moves to protect your future while you are still earning strong income
• How trade business owners and people on the tools can start building wealth without overcomplicating it

In this episode:

00:00 Turning hard work into real wealth

04:10 From income to assets that pay you back

11:25 Lessons from advising NRL players and high performers

18:40 Getting sober, regaining clarity, and growing 50 percent

26:05 Mindset, money, and building a life you actually want

33:30 Simple next steps to protect your future

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Julian Fadini PRPTY360

Website: https://prpty360.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/property-investment-advisor/

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

Your marketing report says "50 leads." Your phone says silence. Which one do you trust?

Adrian sits down with Matt Jones from Tradie Web Guys and The Site Shed to rip apart vanity metrics and unpack what actually gets phones ringing, deposits paid, and jobs sold.

Matt cuts through the noise around clicks, impressions, and "leads" and shows you how to think in terms of conversations, quotes, and booked work. He explains how to use GEO, AI, and smart follow up to capture real demand in your service area and turn a website into a sales asset, not just an online brochure.

When you stop chasing pretty numbers and focus on trackable results, you can finally build a marketing engine that gives you clarity, control, and cashflow instead of confusion.

What You’ll Learn

• Why clicks are not customers and what to measure instead
• How to set up your site and content so local buyers actually find you
• Simple ways to use AI, avatars, and call handling when you cannot pick up
• A follow up approach that turns missed calls and cold leads into booked work
• How to spot "bullshit reporting" and ask better questions of your agency
• Smart use of dashboards, bookkeeping, and cadence to course correct faster
• How to think in profit buckets, pricing, and lifetime value, not one-and-done jobs

In this episode:

00:00 Clicks vs customers and why "50 leads" can still mean zero work

02:10 Matt’s story, Tradie Web Guys, and The Site Shed

12:20 Local three-pack, GEO, and how buyers really find you

20:15 AI helpers, avatars, and capturing leads when you miss the call

30:20 Project galleries, proof, and websites that actually sell jobs

46:05 Dashboards, bookkeeping rhythm, and profit buckets for growth

53:20 Lifetime value mindset and next steps for your marketing system

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Matt Jones

Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/

Get your free copy of The Smart Sales System. 

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

Your brain is your most powerful business tool, but are you actually using it at full capacity or just running on fumes.

Adrian Fadini locks in with world renowned brain surgeon Dr. Charlie Teo to get into the real story.

Dr Teo talks about how your gut, sleep, fitness, and habits shape the way you think, decide, and lead under pressure. He unpacks the science behind focus, resilience, and mental health, then connects it straight back to life on the tools, leading a crew, and running a business when things feel heavy. This is brain performance explained in plain language, with practical moves you can use today.

When your brain is sharper, calmer, and more resilient, every part of your business improves from the way you quote to the way you lead your team.

What You’ll Learn

• How the gut brain connection and what you eat affect focus and decision making
• Why regular cardio training sharpens your thinking and resilience on and off the job
• The real impact of sleep, toxins, and brain fog on your performance
• The difference between post traumatic stress and post traumatic growth
• Why giving and contribution are linked to long term happiness and mental health
• Simple daily habits to protect your brain while you grow your business

In this episode:

00:00 Your brain as a business superpower

05:10 Gut health, food choices, and mental clarity

12:40 Cardio, fitness, and sharper decision making

20:15 Sleep, toxins, and what really causes brain fog

28:30 Resilience, trauma, and growing stronger after hard hits

36:20 Why giving, purpose, and contribution boost long term happiness

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Dr. Charlie Teo 

Website: www.Charlieteo.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charlieteofoundation/

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

What does scaling a 300 million plus home services empire in the US have to do with your Plumbing, Electrical, or HVAC business in Australia? More than you think.

Adrian Fadini links up with Tommy Mello for a straight-talking deep dive.

Tommy reveals the mindset, systems, and standards that took him from technician to leading one of the biggest home service brands in the world. He walks through how to build a culture that performs, why real branding goes way beyond a logo on a van, and how technology and ruthless prioritisation separate scalable businesses from the ones that stay stuck in chaos. He also shows how to sell what people actually want, not just what you feel like offering, and how to reverse-engineer growth so every move is intentional.

This conversation is a wake-up call for Aussie trade business owners who are tired of firefighting and ready to build something that runs on vision instead of fear.

You’ll learn:

• How lessons from a 300M plus US home services business apply directly to Australian trade businesses
• The key ingredients of a high-performance culture that actually hits targets
• Why branding is built in the customer experience, not just the logo
• How to use technology and prioritisation to get out of constant firefighting
• The power of "selling what people want" to lift average job value and profit
• How to reverse-engineer your numbers so growth becomes a plan, not a guess
• Practical steps to hire smarter, systemise better, and lead with a clear vision

In this episode:

00:00 What a 300M home services giant can teach Aussie trade businesses

06:05 From technician to empire builder

13:20 Culture, standards, and building a team that performs

21:10 Branding beyond the logo and van wrap

28:45 Tech, prioritisation, and getting out of daily chaos

36:30 Selling what people want and engineering profit

44:15 Shifting from survival mode to strategic leadership

Disclaimer: This episode is for education only. It is not business, financial, marketing, or legal advice. Your situation is unique. Get proper guidance before making decisions.

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Tommy Mello

Website:https://www.tommymello.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymello/

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://www.tradesformation.com.au

What happens when one of the fittest men in rugby league breaks down and has to rebuild from scratch?

Anthony Minichiello reveals how hitting rock bottom with his body led to a complete reset in how he trains, eats, thinks and lives.

Anthony pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to perform at the highest level, lose it all to injury, then come back stronger. He unpacks how farm life built his engine, how nutrition and gut health helped repair his spine, and why MiniFit is all about giving kids a smarter foundation for life.

He also gets real on caffeine, energy drinks, hydration, fasting and the daily habits that keep him sharp long after his NRL career.

If you are a trade business owner building a team and a family, this episode shows you how to turn your body, brain and habits into an asset that can actually keep up with your ambitions.

What You’ll Learn

• How growing up on a farm shaped Anthony’s work ethic, resilience and natural fitness
• The real story behind his spine injuries and how nutrition became the key to recovery
• MiniFit’s 5 foundations for kids’ health and how parents can apply them at home
• Simple ways to manage tech, screens and build real-world confidence in kids
• How elite athletes think about gut health, genetic testing and performance
• Practical hydration, caffeine and electrolyte rules you can use every day
• How to use fasting, routines and the 80/20 rule to stay fit for the long game

 In this episode:

03:15 Growing up on a farm, risk, freedom and fitness

07:35 Signing with the Roosters at 16 and learning to be a pro

14:45 MiniFit’s 5 foundations for kids’ health

23:20 Healing the spine through nutrition and smarter training

30:20 Why so much health and disease starts in the gut

35:00 Water, electrolytes and hydration done right

37:30 Fasting, longevity and the 80/20 approach to long-term health

Disclaimer

This episode is for education and inspiration only. It is not medical, health, business or financial advice. Your situation is unique, so speak with qualified professionals before making changes to your training, nutrition or business.

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Anthony Minichiello

Website: https://www.minifit.com.au

Keywords: trade business coaching, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, rugby league, Anthony Minichiello, MiniFit, kids health, gut health, hydration, high performance

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

Your leads are not the problem. Your follow-up is.

Adrian Fadini connects with Ryan Fenn from CHIIRP for a straight-talking deep dive into it.

Ryan went from a $500 windshield repair hustle to building CHIIRP, a sales automation platform generating 800K dollars a month and supporting trade businesses around the world. He walks through how he fixed his own follow-up gaps, bootstrapped a tech company without investors, and built systems that make sales teams feel faster, sharper, and more human - not replaced. You will also hear how comedy, faith, and service shaped the way he leads and sells.

Your pipeline is already full of opportunity. This episode shows you how to stop leaking it and start converting it into real growth and freedom.

You’ll learn:

• Why so-called "bad leads" are usually under-followed, not broken
• How follow-up speed, timing, and consistency impact your sales results
• What it takes to grow a tech company without outside capital
• How to use campaign codes and smart automation to create trackable, shareable wins
• A practical way to layer CHIIRP on top of platforms like ServiceTitan instead of competing with them
• How AI and automation can elevate your team instead of replacing them
• Why faith, gratitude, and a mindset of service change the way you sell and lead

In this episode:

00:00 From 500 dollar windshield repairs to tech founder

06:15 Scaling a gas station side hustle into a real business

13:40 The follow-up problem and the birth of CHIIRP

21:05 Campaign codes, automation, and creating wins your team can share

29:30 Working with ServiceTitan and other platforms instead of fighting them

37:20 AI, people, and why automation should make your team superhuman

45:10 Faith, gratitude, and building a business that actually serves

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Ryan Fenn

Website: https://chiirp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fenn-76568b165/

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

If your marketing feels busy but your growth feels stuck, your strategy is too complicated.

Adrian Fadini jumps on the mic with Allan Dib from Lean Marketing to walk through it step by step.

Allan explains how simplifying your marketing can sell over a million books, grow businesses across the world, and still work for a small trade business on a tight budget. He unpacks the One Page Marketing Plan mindset, why boring businesses win, and how to build lean marketing that is simple to run, easy to scale, and hard for competitors to copy. He also opens up about his own transformation in fitness, mindset, and identity, and how that shift powers everything he builds.

When your marketing is simple, clear, and repeatable, you get freedom: better clients, better prices, and a business that grows without burning you out.

What You’ll Learn

• Why simplicity is the real unfair advantage in marketing
• How “random acts of marketing” quietly destroy your strategy and budget
• How to build a lean marketing infrastructure that supports growth instead of chaos
• How to unlock the goldmine in your email list without spamming people
• Practical ways to stand out in a crowded trade market
• How identity shifts drive better decisions in business and life
• Smart ways to use AI and automation without losing your point of difference
• What makes a unique selling proposition actually unique and believable

In this episode:

00:00 Why simplifying your marketing changes everything

05:20 One Page Marketing Plan and selling over a million books

12:45 Killing “random acts of marketing” and going lean

20:30 Email marketing, customer experience, and real retention

28:50 Standing out in a saturated trade market

36:40 Identity shifts, fitness, and what really drives success

45:10 Using AI and automation without losing your edge

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Allan Dib

Website: LeanMarketing.com/unlocked

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allandib/

Get your free copy of The Smart Sales System.

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

What does it really take to go from one-man van to a 20-plumber powerhouse that owns its local market.

Adrian Fadini sits down with Will Demirdonder from Proximity Plumbing to dive into it.

Will breaks down how he grew Proximity Plumbing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs using obsessive execution, daily discipline, and a tight local branding strategy. He opens up about the early days juggling high-rise work with private jobs, how his partner Emily became the engine behind operations and marketing, and how coaching helped him shift from technician to business owner. This is a raw look at what it takes to build a serious plumbing business, not just a busy job.

When you combine focus, discipline, and smart branding, you stop chasing work and start becoming the go-to choice in your market.

What You’ll Learn

• How obsessive execution and daily routines compound into serious growth
• Why being unemployable can be an asset when you build your own plumbing business
• How Proximity Plumbing used tight local branding to dominate a specific area
• The crucial role Emily plays in operations, marketing, and keeping standards high
• Simple gratitude and goal-setting habits that keep the whole team locked in
• How coaching and training fast-track the shift from technician to true business owner
• Smart ways to choose and serve the right customer segments

In this episode:

00:00 From one-man van to 20-plumber team

05:10 High-rise work, private jobs, and the birth of Proximity Plumbing

12:30 Obsessive execution, routines, and being unemployable

19:45 Emily’s role in operations, marketing, and brand consistency

27:20 Daily training, gratitude, and goal-setting with the team

34:40 Coaching, mindset, and shifting from technician to business owner

42:15 Choosing the right customers and dominating a local market

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Will Demirdonder

Website: https://proximityplumbing.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/proximityplumbing/

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners: https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

From sweeping trucks at 15 to helping build companies worth hundreds of millions, Tom Howard shows what it really takes to grow a serious home services business.

Adrian Fadini connects with Tom Howard from ServiceTitan to lay it all out.

Tom tells his story from the yard to the boardroom, how a life-altering misdiagnosis reshaped his priorities, and why knowing your numbers is the real leverage point in any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC business. He shares what he has learned across 20 plus acquisitions, how to think about exits long before you sell, and why clear pricing and incentives change everything for your team and your customers.

When you truly understand your numbers and build with an exit mindset, you get more control, more options, and a business that serves your life instead of trapping you.

You’ll learn:

• Why trades can beat traditional careers when you treat your business like an asset
• How knowing your numbers gives you real power and better decisions
• The myth of “that will not work in my market” and how to bust it
• Why every trade business needs an exit plan, even if you never plan to sell
• What Tom learned from 20 plus acquisitions, including Fetch-a-Tech
• How to think about pricing like a steakhouse, not a fast food outlet
• Ways to use incentives and autonomy to build a high-performance team
• How to balance goals, responsibility, and legacy as you scale

In this episode:

01:00 Meet Tom Howard and his origin story

05:00 Why trades beat finance and why numbers matter so much

10:00 Killing the “that will not work in my market” story and planning your exit

16:00 Acquisitions, Fetch-a-Tech, and building 100M plus businesses

25:00 ServiceTitan, community, and pricing mindset

35:00 Incentives, autonomy, and leading strong teams

40:00 Goals, responsibility, and building a legacy that lasts

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Connect with Tom Howard

Website: https://www.howarddeals.com | https://www.servicetitan.com

The step by step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/sm

From preschool buddies to a 6 million dollar plumbing machine with zero admin and 13 techs on the road, Ren and Chris cracked a way to scale fast without blowing up their lives.

Ren and Cris unpack how a childhood friendship turned into a serious partnership, the trust and role clarity that keeps them aligned, and the systems that let them sell hard while running a lean operation. They walk through their growth curve, the sales training that doubled results in 2 days, and how they build a culture that actually wants to win.

This matters because if you are building a trade business, you can grow big and stay in flow instead of burning out and blowing up everything that matters outside of work.

You will learn:

• How a pre school friendship turned into a high performing plumbing partnership
• The way they split roles so one vision drives every decision
• The simple growth levers that took Fix n Flow from zero to 6 million in revenue
• Why technical skill was not enough and how sales training doubled results in 2 days
• How they shape culture, mindset, and buy in so 13 techs pull in the same direction
• The real sacrifices, values, and habits behind sustainable high performance
• Common traps trade business owners hit when scaling and how to avoid them

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro and how Adrian met Fix n Flow

04:00 - Trust, roles, and turning friendship into a real business

06:00 - From zero to 6 million in revenue what actually drove growth

12:00 - The sales training that flipped the switch and doubled results

20:00 - Sacrifices, burnout risk, and building a life that still works

30:00 - Sales mindset, adapting to customers, and avoiding common traps

43:00 - Final advice for trade business owners scaling up

Disclaimer:

This episode is for education and general information only. It is not business, financial, or legal advice. Your situation is unique so get professional advice before acting on anything discussed.

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Fix n Flow

https://fixnflow.com.au/

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

What happens when two family trade businesses join forces, lock onto one vision and push from 7M to 25M revenue in a few short years?

Shane Pinner gets real about the decisions, discipline and leadership required to pull it off without burning everyone out. He talks about how he and co-director James Tonkin merged their family businesses, aligned on a clear vision and built a leadership team that could handle serious growth. He walks through the structures they put in place, how they developed leaders from within, and the values that guide every hire, meeting and project.

You will hear how they use tools like ServiceTitan, consistent training and transparent communication to keep a growing regional team focused, accountable and proud of the work they deliver.

If you are a trade business owner who wants more freedom and a stronger team, this episode shows how intentional leadership and clear structure can turn a good local business into a scalable, values driven company.

What you’ll learn:

• How Shane and James combined two family run trade businesses into one focused organisation
• The vision and values work that aligned the leadership team for fast growth
• Practical ways to build and train leaders so the business is not dependent on you
• How systems and software like ServiceTitan support consistency across a regional team
• Meeting rhythms, communication habits and metrics that keep everyone accountable
• How to protect culture while you scale revenue and headcount
• The key mindset shifts from being on the tools to leading a multi million dollar organisation

 In this episode:

01:30 Merging two family trade businesses into one vision

06:10 Building a leadership team instead of just a crew

11:45 Putting in systems and rolling out ServiceTitan

18:20 Keeping values and culture strong while you scale

24:50 Developing future leaders and stepping back from the day to day

31:10 Lessons from growing revenue from 7M to 25M

36:00 Shane’s advice for trade business owners planning their next growth stage

Disclaimer

This episode is for education and inspiration only. It is not business, financial, legal or personal advice. Your situation is unique, so speak with qualified professionals before making decisions about your business, finances or team.

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

Shane Pinner

https://tonkingroup.com.au/

Keywords: trade business coaching, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, regional trade business growth, leadership training, ServiceTitan, Tonkin Group

The step-by-step sales framework built for trade business owners.

https://tradesformation.systeme.io/smartsales

What does it take to sell over 20 million dollars in HVAC without feeling like a pushy salesperson or a slick closer?

Adrian catches up with Phil Filaski to unpack it.

Phil, a 20 million dollar salesman, unpacks how he consistently wins high-ticket air conditioning jobs while staying calm, honest, and in control of the process. He shows how he builds trust fast, uses simple paper-based tools, and makes finance work for homeowners so the decision feels easy instead of pressured.

This conversation gives you a sharper way to sell, serve, and get rewarded for the value you bring.

You’ll learn:

• The low-pressure sales process Phil uses to close 30K plus installs
• Why HVAC techs need to master the tools and systems before trying to sell bigger work
• How Phil thinks about success, sacrifice, and building a legacy that outlives the business
• How to ethically use current events and real-world context to create urgency
• Why three clear options on paper still outperform overcomplicated quoting
• How and why around 80 percent of his work is financed and what that means for closing rates
• How to keep your confidence high even when a big quote is on the line

In this episode:

00:00 Meet Phil and the 20M HVAC journey

04:12 The simple, low-pressure sales flow that wins big jobs

11:30 Why tools, process, and technical mastery come before selling

18:45 Creating urgency without pushiness using real-world events

27:10 The power of three-option selling on paper

34:40 How finance fuels 80 percent of Phil’s installs

42:15 Success, sacrifice, and building a legacy in HVAC

Follow TradesFormation

https://link.me/trades_formation

https://tradesformation.com.au/

👀 What you’ll discover:

✅ How Ellen went from plumber’s wife to a financial powerhouse in the trades.

✅ Vicki & Scott’s journey as the first ServiceTitan customers in Australia—and how it’s revolutionised their business.

✅ Why real-time data & automation are non-negotiable for scaling your trade business.

✅ Insider details on the massive ServiceTitan event in Australia this April—featuring top U.S. and Australian industry leaders.

📅 World of Titans : a 2-day event packed with expert insights on marketing, sales, finance, and operations from experts in the field.

🔹 Sydney Harbour Cruise for deep-dive convos with the industry's best.

🔹 Elite speakers: Business growth secrets from Keith Mercurio, Kathryn Elizabeth, Ismael Valdez & more!

🔥 If you’re in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or solar—THIS is the podcast you need to hear.

🎟️ Want to join the event? Get the details & secure your spot now!

👉 https://web.cvent.com/event/0a1fa394-a8f8-46ed-b32c-7794a9a2f4d5/summary

📩 Let’s connect! If you’ve got questions, reach out—we’ll put you in touch with Ellen, Vicki & Scott.

#TradesTransformation #ServiceTitan #LeadGrowProfit #TradeBusinessSuccess

In this new TradesFormational episode, we have Ken Sutton! Ken has been in the electrical trade for 35 years and created Electrical How To, a platform that specialises in providing training and skills to help tradies in the electrical industry. In this episode, Ken discusses how he got to where he is today and how he allows tradies to improve their business.

The third part of our interview with Daniel Vigario is here! In this episode, Adrian and Daniel talked about inflation and how to increase your income and create wealth by building passive income with Gold, Silver and other precious metals. If you want to know more, listen and follow us now!

The second part of our interview with Daniel Vigario is here! This is still part of our Wealth Creation Series and how important to diversify your assets. In this episode, we’ve talked about how valuable GOLD, SILVER, and other precious metals will be in the near future. If you want to know more about creating wealth in various ways for you and your family, listen and follow us now!

Welcome to the 1st part of the TradesFormational podcast with Daniel Vigario. He's a London-based South African Chartered Accountant with 15 years of experience in commerce and industry. As part of our Wealth Creation Series in the podcast, Adrian and Daniel touched bases with different factors on effectively creating wealth from your business while factoring in the power of currency and the stock market.

Beyond plumbing, Reece services a large range of trades through their numerous business units including waterworks, irrigation an pools, HVAC and refrigeration, heating and cooling, bathroom life and commercial works. Most importantly, Reece pride themselves as a people and customer centric business that focuses on promoting from within to shape future leaders, and creating customers for life.

In episode two of this two part series Mark talks about the importance of leadership, and shares his advice for tradies wanting to further their leadership skills inside within their business and their industry.

For more from Reece make sure to head to their website https://www.reece.com.au/ and check them out on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeceplumbing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReecePlumbing

Beyond plumbing, Reece services a large range of trades through their numerous business units including waterworks, irrigation an pools, HVAC and refrigeration, heating and cooling, bathroom life and commercial works. Most importantly, Reece pride themselves as a people and customer centric business that focuses on promoting from within to shape future leaders, and creating customers for life.

In part one of this two part series Mark and Adrian talk about Mark’s journey over 15 years at Reece Plumbing, and his experience and advice for tradies looking to grow and nurture their team. 

For more from Reece make sure to head to their website https://www.reece.com.au/ and check them out on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeceplumbing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReecePlumbing

In the second episode of this two part series, Adrian and Verity talk about some of the challenges that have come up on Verity’s journey with TradieWives, her goals for the future and her advice for the listeners. 

For our female listeners, you can join the TradieWives community by heading to https://www.facebook.com/groups/TradieWives and clicking ‘join’. You can also keep up with the TradieWives team on their social media pages below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewives/

PLUS, for all our trades’ industry partners listening today, TradieWives have very generously offered 10% of an annual TradieWives Business Directory membership. Simply enter ‘10percent’ at checkout: https://tradiewives.com.au/directory/

In episode one of this two part series, we discuss how Verity first came up with the idea for TradieWives and how the group has grown beyond what she could have ever imagined.

For our female listeners, you can join the TradieWives community by heading to https://www.facebook.com/groups/TradieWives and clicking ‘join’. You can also keep up with the TradieWives team on their social media pages below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWives

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewives/

PLUS, for all our trades’ industry partners listening today, TradieWives have very generously offered 10% of an annual TradieWives Business Directory membership. Simply enter ‘10percent’ at checkout: https://tradiewives.com.au/directory/

In the second episode of this two part series, Adrian and Piers discuss how a buy now pay later plan can help trades business to close bigger ticket sales with ease.

For more from Piers and the PayRight team, you can follow PayRight on social media using the links below:

https://www.instagram.com/payright_au/

https://www.facebook.com/Payrightaustralia

https://www.linkedin.com/company/payrightaustralia/

Plus, if you would like to introduce PayRight into your sales process, head to the link below to sign up as a merchant (it’s free to sign up!):

https://www.payright.com.au/im-a-business/sign-up/?utm_source=Tradesformational&utm_medium=Audio&utm_campaign=Podcast

SUTTONS TRADIE BREAKFAST INFO

Join us on on the morning of November 13th, from 6:30-10:00am at the Suttons office in Homebush Bay for an exclusive networking and business event for Sydney's maintenance tradies. You'll be treated to a delicious working breakfast and barista coffee with your fellow tradies, with plenty of opportunities to network and find out the latest news in the trades industry. Plus, you'll learn about the power of sales and business coaching for tradies and get access to new finance options for trade vehicles and exclusive deals on Sutton's Fleet.

Attendance is free for our guests, but spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot: https://tradesformation.ac-page.com/suttons-tradie-breakfas

In the first episode of this two part series, Adrian and Piers break down the benefits of a buy now pay later option for trades businesses.

For more from Piers and the PayRight team, you can follow PayRight on social media using the links below:

https://www.instagram.com/payright_au/

https://www.facebook.com/Payrightaustralia

https://www.linkedin.com/company/payrightaustralia/

Plus, if you would like to introduce PayRight into your sales process, head to the link below to sign up as a merchant (it’s free to sign up!):

https://www.payright.com.au/im-a-business/sign-up/?utm_source=Tradesformational&utm_medium=Audio&utm_campaign=Podcast

In the last installment of this three part series, Dan and Adrian discuss the strategies and techniques that can launch your business into the next phase.

For more from Dan, you can follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-0924ab8a.

To find out more about service.com.au, visit the website at Service.com.au. PLUS, sign up to the TradesFormation Coaching Program in the month of September to qualify for a FREE 12 month membership to Service.com.au, valued at $847+GST*.       

*This promotion is subject to service.com.au demand in your local service area. All new clients signing on under this promotion will be referred to a Service.com.au representative to assess their eligibility.

In the second installment of this three part series, Dan and Adrian talk about lead grading and how maintenance based tradies can identify A,B,C and even D grade leads.

For more from Dan, you can follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-0924ab8a.

To find out more about service.com.au, visit the website at Service.com.au. PLUS, sign up to the TradesFormation Coaching Program in the month of September to qualify for a FREE 12 month membership to Service.com.au, valued at $847+GST*.

That’s all for all for now, but make sure to tune in next time for part 3!         

*This promotion is subject to service.com.au demand in your local service area. All new clients signing on under this promotion will be referred to a Service.com.au representative to assess their eligibility.

In the first installment of this three part series, Dan and Adrian discuss the Service.com.au platform, and how digital marketplaces are shaping the future of the trades industry in Australia.

For more from Dan, you can follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kerr-0924ab8a.

To find out more about service.com.au, visit the website at Service.com.au. PLUS, sign up to the TradesFormation Coaching Program in the month of September to qualify for a FREE 12 month membership to Service.com.au, valued at $847+GST*.

That’s all for all for now, but make sure to tune in next time for part 2!         

*This promotion is subject to service.com.au demand in your local service area. All new clients signing on under this promotion will be referred to a Service.com.au representative to assess their eligibility.

8YszetDXZEqGoIK0GpCG

Adrian and Katrina discuss the insights that led Katrina to start her Marketing to Mums consultancy, and the significance of mothers as a target market, and how businesses can effectively segment and target this market.

To learn more about the Marketing to Mums universe, head to http://marketingtomums.com.au/ .

You can also find Katrina and Marketing to Mums on social media, using the links below:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/marketingtomums

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-mccarter/

Plus, Katrina has been generous enough to provide our listeners today with a code for free shipping on any Marketing to Mums book purchase! Simply head to www.marketingtomums.com.au/book and enter the code ‘FREE’ at checkout. 

Trinity Perspectives is a boutique training and consulting company specialising in Win Loss Analysis and Sales Transformation, and in this conversation Cian talks about how Win Loss Analysis can apply to your trades businesses.

To find out more about Cian and Trinity Perspectives, you can head to the Trinity Perspectives website (https://www.trinityperspectives.com.au/)and follow Cian on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cianmcloughlin/).

Plus, Cian has been generous enough to share a FREE copy of his bestselling book Rebirth of the Salesman with today’s listeners. Download your copy here: https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/5171165/Rebirth%20of%20the%20Salesman%20free%20download.pdf.

Clients of TradesFormation will be all too familiar with the impact of Allan’s work, which has become a key component of our marketing course.

In this episode Allan talks all things marketing for small businesses including lead capture and lead nurture systems and how to make your business stand out in a saturated market.   

To find out more about Allan and learn how to create your own 1-Page Marketing Plan, head to the Successwise website where you can download your free 1-Page Marketing Canvas.

Want to buy the 1-Page Marketing Plan book? Check it out here.

You can also find Allan and Successwise on:

·       LinkedIn

·       Facebook

·       Instagram

PLUS, Allan and his team have been kind enough to share the Successwise Website Essentials Checklist with the listeners, you can download the free resource here.