The Builders Coach Show

Episode 53. Chaos = Opportunity: The Mindset That Separates Builders Who Thrive From Those Who Don’t

Are builders actually going under because of the economy? Or is something else going on?In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt Hegetschweiler (fresh from his Channel 7 Weekend Sunrise appearance) and Jess Norton break down what's really driving Australia's building industry crisis and why the builders who understand their numbers are about to have the best years of their careers.They cover:✅ The real reason builders go broke (hint: it's not the economy)✅ The science-backed stress mindset that can add 20 years to your life✅ Why demand is at a generational high and what that means for YOU✅ The peak performance structure used by elite athletes, and how to apply it to your building business✅ How to protect your margins and come out the other side of this cycle strongerWhether you're feeling the pressure right now or you're building well and want to stay ahead, this episode will give you a reality check AND a roadmap.🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.📩 Want to work with Kurt? Visit www.builderscoach.com🙏 THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GORDON DIGITALReady to grow? Book a Growth Session with Elly from Gordon Digital to explore the digital strategies that can help you reach your goals and get clarity on what’s working, and what isn’t, in your current marketing.👉 Book your Growth Session here: https://app.gordondigital.com.au/widget/booking/ZL2qYG5h6RmXTiwt5Dik http://www.gordondigital.com.au/📌 Also mentioned in this episode: "Peak Performance. Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success"By Brad Stulberg,Steve Magness#BuildersCoach #BuildingIndustry #ConstructionBusiness #BuilderMindset #AustralianBuilders #BusinessCoaching #PeakPerformance #ConstructionIndustry #BuilderLife #FuelCrisis

Episode 52 - Why Most Building Projects Go Wrong Before Construction Starts

Most building problems don’t start on site.They start before construction even begins.In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt Hegetschweiler and Jess break down the powerful principle:“Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”Originally used by firefighters and paramedics, this mindset has huge implications for residential builders and construction company owners.Kurt shares real stories from builders he coaches and explains why rushing the pre-construction phase leads to delays, cost blowouts, difficult clients, and lost profit.You’ll learn why the most successful builders focus on value management, early builder involvement (EBI), and strong leadership with clients before construction even starts.If you're a builder or construction company owner who wants better projects, better clients, and higher profits, this episode is essential.In this episode:- Why 80–90% of construction problems start in pre-construction- The biggest mistake builders make when starting a new project- Why traditional 3-quote tender processes often fail clients- How value management and EBI create better outcomes- The leadership skill builders must develop with clients- A real case study where a builder had to rip out a kitchen three timesThe message is simple:Slow down the front end, and your projects run faster and smoother.Subscribe for more insights on profit, leadership, marketing and systems for residential builders.Check out our website for more info and free resources: https://builderscoach.com

Episode 51 - The Slippery Slope: How Small Habits Can Make or Break a Builder’s Year

Getting back into rhythm after the holidays is harder than most builders admit.In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt talk about the real challenges of restarting momentum after Christmas — from slipping habits and low motivation to mindset traps that impact performance in business and life.You’ll hear practical insights on why goals alone don’t work, how routines and small daily actions create massive long-term results, and why emotional state plays a bigger role in business success than most construction company owners realise.Kurt also shares coaching insights from builders experiencing stress, fear, and growth — and explains why focusing on the right metrics instead of negative thinking changes everything.In this episode:- Why January momentum often stalls for builders- The power of “average days” instead of perfection- Follow your plan, not your mood- How habits outperform goal setting- Using pain and setbacks as fuel for growth- Leadership, mindset and emotional processing in businessIf you’re a builder or construction company owner wanting to start the year stronger — this episode is for you.📘 Get your FREE copy of Million Dollar Builder 2.0 by sending BOOK to info@builderscoach.com.au#BuildersCoach #ConstructionBusiness #BuilderMindset #Leadership #Habits #BusinessGrowth

Episode 50 - Why Builders Are Going Bankrupt Despite High Demand (The Real Reason)

Builder insolvencies are rising at an unprecedented rate.
 
In Australia alone, over 3,500 builders went insolvent in 2025 — more than double the historical average. Similar trends are happening globally.
 
At the same time, demand for housing has never been higher.
 
So why are builders still going bankrupt?
 
In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt Hegetschweiler and Jess Norton unpack the real reasons behind the insolvency crisis affecting builders, and why many builders are struggling financially despite being fully booked.
 
This conversation explores the financial realities builders face, the emotional toll the industry is taking, and the critical importance of understanding your numbers.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why builder insolvencies have doubled despite strong demand
- How many builders unknowingly operate with dangerously low margins
- Why not costing supervision and project management leads to hidden losses
- The impact of financial pressure on builders’ mental health and personal lives
- Why education and financial clarity are essential for long-term survival
 
Kurt also explains how builders can regain control by understanding the financial fundamentals of their business and making informed decisions.
 
If you’re a residential builder or construction business owner, this episode will give you clarity on what’s happening in the industry, and what you must understand to protect your business.
 
To request a free copy of Million Dollar Builder 2.0:
Email info@builderscoach.com.au
Subject: Book
 
Or check out our website for more info: https://builderscoach.com/book/

Ep 49 - Leadership Psychology for Builders: The Power of Gratitude & the Dark Side

Builders who perform at the highest level don’t just get better at estimating and managing jobs, they get better at leading, thinking, and preparing.In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Kurt and Jess unpack the psychology and performance strategies used by elite athletes, special forces, and successful construction business owners.We cover:- Identity, self-image & leadership psychology- How gratitude and competitive drive fuel performance- Reflection & review frameworks for builders- Planning your next 12 weeks with clarity- Preparation tools for speaking, leadership & confidence- How real builders are leveling up in 2026If you’re a builder or construction company owner who’s serious about profit, performance, and leadership, this episode gives you the mental edge to stay ahead of the game.Hit play to learn how to:✔ Lead your team better✔ Handle stress and conflict on site✔ Improve performance through reflection✔ Prepare strategically for the year ahead📌 New episodes weeklySubscribe for strategies on profit, cash flow, leadership, marketing, workflow and more for residential builders.For more info and resources: https://builderscoach.com

Episode 47 - 2025 in Review: What Smart Builders Learned This Year

In this special episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt share the biggest lessons, insights, and hard-won strategies from 2025, and how builders can use them to make 2026 their most profitable and streamlined year yet.Whether you’re a residential builder, construction business owner, or managing a team and pipeline, this episode gives you practical clarity on leadership, estimating, pre-construction, value management, mindset, and margin protection.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why more architects are finally embracing one-builder tenders and value management- How builders can lead budget-led design to eliminate client price shock- Why pre-construction is where you win or lose the job, and how to run it like a machine- The 25/10/15 financial rule that helps builders quote accurately and protect gross margin- How to handle burnout, boundaries, criticism, and the pressure of never-ending to-do lists- Why “giving more than you take” is a core business strategy, not just philosophyPlus: book recommendations, timeless mindset shifts, and yearly rituals Kurt uses to stay sharp as a leader and coach.If you want to grow profit, improve workflow, lead better teams, and step into 2026 with confidence, this episode is for you.👉 Listen now and subscribe for weekly episodes designed to help builders scale smarter, earn more profit, and run calmer, more efficient businesses.#builders #builderscoach #residentialbuilder #constructionbusiness #valueengineering #preconstruction #estimating #leadership #businesscoachforbuilders #milliondollarbuilder

Episode 48 - The 80/20 Framework Every Builder Needs to Scale Profitably in 2026

In this episode of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt unpack one of the most valuable chapters from Million Dollar Builder 2.0: the 80/20 Focus Framework.This practical, no-BS conversation breaks down the three metrics every builder must optimise to run a profitable building company in 2026:✅ Profit – How to get accurate numbers, set proper margins, and use the 25–10–15 model✅ Cash Flow – How to structure payment schedules and push back on banks legally✅ Workflow – How to manage capacity, forecasting, and client communicationIf you’re a residential builder or construction company owner, you’ll learn:✔ Why most builders don’t have accurate financials✔ How to check your numbers in seconds (not weeks)✔ The profit formula that stops builders going broke✔ How to avoid trading insolvent with bank-funded projects✔ The marketing + communication strategy that increases referralsWhether you’re a $2M builder or a $20M builder, this episode gives you the 20% that drives 80% of business performance.WHO THIS IS FOR:Residential builders, custom home builders, renovation builders, boutique builders, and construction company owners who want to improve margins, cashflow, systems, and client experience.RESOURCES MENTIONED:📘 Million Dollar Builder 2.0 — now on Audible, Kindle, Spotify & Apple Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1966395205?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VTHS8GC8NFKNJ2FTXNC7 🎧 Want the book launch replay? Email: RECORDING to info@builderscoach.com.auLISTEN ON:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | PodbeanCONTACT & SUPPORT:📩 Questions: info@builderscoach.com.au🌐 https://builderscoach.com

Episode 46 - Stop Competing on Price: Master Layered Niches & Client Experience

In Episode 46 of The Builders Coach Show, Jess and Kurt unpack the strategy behind true profitability: market positioning, layered niches, and exceptional client experience.Most builders stay stuck in a red ocean, competing on price, blending into the market, and dealing with endless pressure. But the top 3% carve their own path. They choose a layered niche, position themselves as premium, and build a client experience that becomes a marketing engine.In this episode you’ll learn:- Why “marketing = profit” is the most important concept builders miss- What a layered niche really is (with real examples!)- How to choose high-margin clients who ALWAYS have money- Why communication failures destroy referrals (even when the build is perfect)- What your client experience must include to stand out- Exactly how to structure communication during AND before a build- How to turn every project into a referral machine👉 Want the “Top 10 Layered Niches List”?Email info@builderscoach.com.au with subject line Layered Niche and we’ll send it to you.👉 Need help building your niche, marketing strategy or client communication process?Book your free strategy call here: https://builderscoach.com/contact/Don’t forget to subscribe, like and comment, it helps us reach more builders who want to grow sustainably and profitably.