The Build Insite Podcast

The last episode of 2025 is here, and it’s a proper sit-down recap with Luke and Dean. Christmas chaos, big personal wins, tough industry realities, and the lessons you only get after a massive year on the tools (and behind the scenes).
In this episode, the boys reflect on the year that was — from awards and business growth to the moments where cashflow, workload, and life pressure make you question whether you can keep going. It’s honest, relatable, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling the weight of 2025.
They also dive into the value of routine and mental health outlets, Luke’s fitness mission (and a huge charity challenge), and why community matters more than ever — especially when times are tough for families, trades, and small businesses across Australia.
What you’ll learn• How to push through the “crossroad” moments when cashflow and workflow feel cooked• Why the right people (and the right habits) can change everything• How fitness and structure can become your best mental health tool• What Build Insite learned in 2025 — and what’s coming next in 2026• Why builders aren’t alone right now (and how to keep moving forward anyway)
Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the final episode of 202500:40 – Christmas chaos + life updates01:34 – Luke’s Young Australian Builder of the Year win02:21 – The “crossroad” years: cashflow, lost jobs, doubt04:25 – Reality check: tough times across the industry06:07 – Luke’s health mission + building confidence back08:38 – Bowens partnership + new premier sponsor09:13 – Why the gym is really about mental health10:29 – 24 Hours for a Purpose: charity workout for R U OK?12:41 – Community wins, volunteering, and why it matters17:35 – Build Insite wins: sponsors, events, and growth23:21 – New products, innovation, and building better23:23 – Big team win: bringing Mick (YDY Productions) on board24:45 – Media giveaway reminder (Victoria builders)26:44 – Biggest wins of the year + setting up for 2026
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

What does it really take to grow an award-winning steel business while raising a young family and keeping your team motivated on site? In part two of our chat with Matt from Built Structural, we dig into the unglamorous decisions, hiring calls, and mindset shifts behind the highlights reel.
If you missed part one, jump back to last week’s episode first – then come back here as we unpack mentors, mistakes, team culture and what truly separates Built Structural in a crowded market.
Matt shares how he’s used mentors and advisors to make better decisions, why timing your hires is so crucial (and so hard), and how they’ve built a culture where people feel appreciated, supported and aligned to the bigger picture. We also talk through awards, recognition and why the application process itself can be a powerful way to reflect on how far you’ve come.
On the home front, Matt opens up about juggling business growth with renovating, building, and raising two young daughters – and why looking after your health (and having the right support at home) is key if you want to stay in the game long term.
What you’ll learn in this episode• How to use mentors and advisors without becoming dependent on them• Why networking and surrounding yourself with the right people really matters• The hidden cost of hiring too late – and how strategic roles can change everything• Practical ways to build culture, loyalty and buy-in across multiple departments• How awards and recognition can help you reflect, reset and keep perspective• What separates Built Structural from other steel contractors in the market
Chapters00:00 – Welcome back & intro to Part 200:38 – Networking, mentors & asking better questions03:17 – Forklifts, steel beams & “what were we thinking?” moments04:16 – Software mistakes, Tekla, and paying for the right tools06:07 – Hiring timing, strategic roles & bringing on a VA09:01 – Keeping five departments aligned & building team culture10:55 – Coffee runs, caring about people & real leadership on site11:51 – Awards, recognition & Daily Top 40 Under 40 finalist14:48 – Trade Excellence & Residential Trade Structures awards15:56 – Why award applications help you reflect on your growth18:05 – Juggling business, renovations, babies & family life20:16 – Shout out to Nat & the power of support at home20:55 – What separates Built Structural from other steel contractors22:38 – Caring about quality and saying “no” when something isn’t right23:56 – Most challenging builds & problem-solving under pressure25:19 – Shout out to Jacko & the value of great people26:09 – Mentors who’ve shaped Matt’s thinking27:46 – Tools you can’t live without (beyond software)28:22 – Drink of choice & Friday arvo vibes28:40 – Wrap up & where to find Built Structural
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Matt Warner from Built Structural
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

What happens when a chippy with 19 years on the tools decides he can lift the game in structural steel? That’s the story behind Built Structural.
In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, Luke and Dean sit down in Adelaide with Matt Warner from Built Structural. Matt shares how nearly two decades as a carpenter, a few side businesses, and one lightbulb moment on his own home led to building a multi-award-winning structural steel company in under four years.
You’ll hear how Matt’s carpentry background shapes the way Built Structural details, drafts, and installs steel – especially on complex renos where nothing is straight and everything moves. He breaks down the systems behind turning engineer’s plans into practical solutions on site, and why having in-house drafting and the right people in the right roles has been crucial to their growth.
The boys also dive into the human side of business – managing different personalities across boilermakers, site crews, draftees and sales teams, handling growing pains, and why the best engineers are the ones who listen to what’s really happening on site.
🔑 What You’ll Learn• How Matt went from 19 years of carpentry to co-founding Built Structural• Why carpentry experience can give you an edge in structural steel• How to take engineer’s details and make them actually buildable on site• The realities of growing a multi-award-winning structural steel business in under four years• Practical tips for managing personalities, values, and stress as your team grows• Why collaboration between engineers, builders, and steel fabricators saves clients money and headaches
⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome back from Adelaide & intros00:50 – Matt’s story: nearly 20 years as a carpenter and chasing something new02:19 – The lightbulb moment: doing his own steel and starting Built Structural03:53 – How carpentry experience shapes better structural steel detailing06:20 – From plans to install: Built Structural’s process, especially on renos09:20 – Growing a multi-award-winning business in under four years11:24 – Timber vs steel: what Matt had to relearn in the steel game13:43 – Hot topic: should engineers have to go to site first?17:15 – Managing people, values, and different personalities across the business21:10 – In-house drafting, 3D models, and making life easier for site crews24:34 – Wrap up, sponsors, and Build Insite disclaimer
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Matt Warner from Built Structural
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

The best builds don’t start with drawings — they start with collaboration. In this episode, we wrap up our chat with Brendan from Envision Building to explore how getting builders involved early can make all the difference when it comes to design, cost, and client satisfaction.
Brendan shares how his pre-construction process helps clients stay on budget, the power of open communication between builders and designers, and why taking small, consistent steps toward sustainability can make a huge impact in the long run.
He also reflects on mindset, mentorship, and what he’d tell his younger self about building a business that lasts.
What You’ll Learn• How early collaboration keeps your project on track• Ways to simplify your pre-construction process• Practical steps to make homes more sustainable• Why coaching and continuous learning matter• Lessons in leadership and work-life balance
Chapters00:00 – Welcome back to Build Insight00:18 – Collaboration through pre-construction03:16 – Managing budgets and client expectations05:26 – The state of the industry post-COVID07:59 – The value of coaching and business mentorship08:00 – Building smarter and more sustainably11:18 – Educating clients through collaboration13:39 – Communication, teamwork, and staying in your lane15:44 – Mindset, mentorship, and lessons for the next generation17:27 – Balance, wellbeing, and finding calm outside of work19:44 – Quickfire questions and industry insights
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Brendan Gill from Envision Building
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

“From dreaming of the skies to building homes on the ground.”
In this episode, we sit down with Brendan from Envision Building — a South Australian builder who went from aspiring pilot to custom home builder in the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula.
Recorded live from the Build Insight Studio in Adelaide, hosts Luke and Dean unpack Brendan’s early beginnings, his first steps into construction, and the lessons he’s learned transitioning from a sole trader to a business owner with a growing team.
You’ll hear how Brendan’s approach to quality craftsmanship, transparency, and continuous learning has shaped Envision’s success — and why coaching, systems, and teamwork are central to his building philosophy.
🔑 What You’ll Learn• How Brendan found his way from Year 10 to a lifelong career in building• The challenges and lessons from his first ever project• Why early business coaching shaped his mindset for growth• Insights into managing apprentices and building a strong team culture• The tools and systems Envision Building uses to streamline operations
🕒 Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:40 – Meet Brendan from Envision Building01:03 – Life in the Fleurieu Peninsula02:00 – From aspiring pilot to carpenter03:00 – The first taste of construction through TAFE04:00 – Apprenticeship beginnings and early mentors06:25 – Launching Envision Building08:00 – The custom vs. volume builder experience11:00 – Early business lessons and first project challenges13:30 – The role of coaching and continuous improvement17:00 – Building the Envision team and company values19:00 – Adult apprentices vs. young apprentices21:00 – What sets Envision apart from other builders26:00 – How tech and systems transformed their operations29:00 – Walking through the Envision client process
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Brendan Gill from Envision Building
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

The theory’s one thing. Making it work in the real world? That’s where it gets interesting.
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jackson Digney from Enduro Builders, we dive deeper into the mindset behind scaling a building company — from humble beginnings to leading the way in high-performance, energy-efficient homes.
Jackson opens up about the real lessons that shaped his journey: growing up around small business owners, learning the hard way without mentors, and why business coaching completely changed how he leads today. We also get personal — talking burnout, fitness, and what it takes to stay sharp while juggling family, growth, and the daily chaos of running a construction company.
What You’ll Learn• Why builders can’t do it all alone — and where to find the right support• The systems and mindset shifts that help Enduro Builders stay profitable• Honest insights into burnout, recovery, and finding balance• How Jackson plans to scale from 25 to 100 builds a year — sustainably• The biggest misconceptions about high-performance homes
Chapters00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 with Jackson Digney00:40 – Growing up around small business and early lessons02:10 – First ventures and business challenges04:00 – The turning point: why mentoring matters07:10 – Enduro Builders: team, projects & mission09:50 – Scaling from 25 to 100 homes a year13:00 – Planning, cash flow & avoiding insolvency traps15:00 – Burnout, fitness, and finding balance20:00 – Advice for young builders entering the industry21:30 – Quick-fire round: projects, tools & dream collaborations26:30 – Where to find Enduro Builders & Climashore27:20 – Build Insite wrap-up and sponsor thanks
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Jackson Digney from Enduro Builders and Climashore
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

Jackson Digney’s journey isn’t your typical builder’s story. From growing up on the beaches of Perth to running Enduro Builders and Climashore in Adelaide, Jackson’s career has been driven by curiosity, sustainability, and integrity. In this episode, we unpack how his passion for energy-efficient design and building science has shaped his mission to build homes that last and tread lightly on the planet.
Joined by hosts Luke Callery and Dean Backman (live from Adelaide), Jackson shares how sailing, manufacturing, and family lessons on financial discipline led him to building better – from fixing another builder’s books to launching a thriving high-performance building company.
💡 What You’ll Learn• How a sailing hobby led Jackson into the world of building and business• Why sustainability starts with mindset and integrity, not just materials• Lessons from Earthships and the link to modern Passive House design• How Climashore bridges the gap between building science and practicality• Why saying “no” to the wrong client can save your business long-term
⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction00:40 Meet Our Guest: Jackson Digney from Enduro Builders & Climashore02:00 From Perth to Adelaide: How It All Started04:10 Lessons from Early Business Struggles06:30 Launching Enduro Builders (and the power of integrity)09:00 How Family Shaped His Sustainability Mindset13:00 Earthships, Self-Sufficiency, and Healthy Homes17:00 Lessons from Building with His Daughter in Hawaii19:00 The Birth of Climashore and Building Science Advocacy23:00 Passive House, Pro Clima & the Science Behind Airtight Homes26:00 Why Homeowners Need to Care About Moisture and Materials28:00 Trust, Clients, and Saying “No” in Business29:30 Final Reflections on Integrity and Building Better
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Jackson Digney from Enduro Builders and Climashore
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

“The best thing I’ve done for my business is learn how to slow down.”
In this episode, Luke from Adelaide Plastering Solutions returns to talk balance, leadership, and the next era of sustainable plastering.
After covering the early business journey in Part 1, we dive into:• Managing growth without losing your presence on site• Setting boundaries between work, family, and personal wellbeing• How a simple mindset shift can help prevent burnout• Lessons from running a trade business, and recovering from a major injury• Why sustainability, connection, and craftsmanship are shaping the future of plastering
Whether you’re a builder, tradie, or business owner trying to juggle it all, this chat is packed with honest insights on what it really takes to build better, both professionally and personally.
💡 What You’ll Learn• How to balance leadership on site and in the office• Small daily habits that reset your mindset and prevent burnout• Lessons in money management and paying yourself properly• Building loyal, motivated teams that buy into your vision• Why sustainable building practices like Hempcrete are the future
⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome back to Build Insite Podcast #44 (Part 2)00:40 – Finding balance between site and office02:00 – Family life and recovery after injury05:00 – Lessons in managing money and wages07:00 – Building the right team and leadership style10:00 – Apprentices, maturity, and attitude in the trade12:00 – Sustainability, Hempcrete & the future of plastering17:00 – APS vision & working with like-minded builders22:00 – Standout projects & creative content plans24:00 – Rapid Fire: Tools, myths & advice for new tradies25:30 – Closing thoughts & where to find Luke
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Luke Perovic from Adelaide Plastering Solutions
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

The journey from oil and gas to solid plastering might sound like a leap, but for Luke, it’s the story of finding passion, creativity, and purpose in building something of his own.
In this episode, we’re live from the Adelaide studio with Hosts, Dean Backman & Luke Callery and guest Luke Perovic, the man behind Adelaide Plastering Solutions. Luke shares how he turned a trade he’d never heard of into a thriving business, why communication and trust matter more than markups, and what it really takes to grow a small team without losing quality.
From learning his craft to leading crews on complex rendering projects, Luke’s story is all about hard work, smart decisions, and knowing your numbers.
What You’ll Learn• How Luke went from oil & gas to building a successful plastering business• The difference between solid plastering and common misconceptions about the trade• Real talk on business growth, cash flow, and hiring mistakes• How sustainable building and new materials like hemp and Bass Rock are changing the game• Why clarity and communication set the best contractors apart
Chapters00:00 – Live from Adelaide studio01:05 – Meet Luke from Adelaide Plastering Solutions04:10 – From oil rigs to rendering: Luke’s early journey10:45 – Lessons from starting a business from scratch15:20 – Sustainable building and hempcrete inspiration22:00 – The Bass Rock project: lessons in new materials29:45 – Communication on site and client trust34:20 – Knowing your numbers and hiring smart41:00 – Coaching, systems, and scaling sustainably49:00 – Final thoughts and advice for tradies
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Luke Perovic from Adelaide Plastering Solutions
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

The theory is one thing. Making it work on site is where it gets real. In Part 2, we get practical about airtightness, apprentices, software, and the habits that help builders and families thrive.
Hosts Luke Callery and Dean Backman sit down again with Chris Cahill (Primebuilt Constructions) and Timothy Greenham (Emerald Building Services), live from Circa Studio at Bowens Port Melbourne. From blower door “aha” moments to the culture that transforms apprentices into leaders, this episode is full of lessons you can take straight to site.
We also explore the realities of switching to all-in-one software (WunderBuild), how being your own client changes design decisions, and where the industry is heading with code changes and shifting demand. Plus, we look at the boundaries and routines that help business owners stay healthy, both on and off the tools.
What you’ll learn• How on-site blower door testing sharpens team culture and build quality• Practical ways to grow apprentices into confident carpenters and leaders• When to rip the band-aid off software migration—and what to standardise first• Client-first decision making: prefab vs stick build vs SIPs, and how to find the sweet spot• Mindset shifts for a tougher market, and why boundaries like no weekends still matter
Chapters00:00 – Introduction (Episode 43, Part 2)00:58 – Passive training experience in Fiji02:58 – On-site insights from blower door testing03:32 – Apprentice achievement: 0.35 ACH project05:36 – Trade school compared to on-site learning06:14 – Job documentation and compliance practices10:06 – Transitioning to WunderBuild software13:05 – Building your own home: balancing cost and efficiency19:04 – Establishing work–life boundaries24:12 – Industry outlook: NCC changes and market pressures28:15 – Quick Fire Q&A with guests29:53 – Closing remarks and guest details
Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke CalleryGuest: Chris Cahill - Primebuilt ConstructionsTimothy Greenham - Emerald Building Services
🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite