The tradie mentor you wish you knew sooner
Your trusted tradie ear and old man wisdom that’s there when you need it. And it starts with one question: How you going?
Because only a tradie gets a tradie
Your trade is simple. But life, people and everything else? That’s where it gets hard. And sometimes you feel like you’re failing. Fast.
After 42 years (and growing) in building and construction, I get it. And now, I’m lending you my ear, knowledge and experience. All learnt from my own tradie journey.
No matter how long you’ve been in the trade, sometimes you just need someone’s ear
A trusted ear for the big (and small) questions
Trade questions. Conflict and communication queries. Trying to balance life and work. I’ve heard and answered it all over these last 40 years, or have asked myself the same questions.
And if I don’t know the answer? I’ll know someone who will.
Real people, real feedback
On the fence about all this? Here’s some real tradies and their stories.
I’ve known Dave for over 40 years – not only as a friend, but as a builder and a mentor.
David is a highly knowledgeable and experienced professional with more than four decades in the building industry. He is also an exceptional communicator, with a natural ability to connect with people at all levels. Dave is personable, easy to talk to, and well respected throughout the industry.
I highly recommend attending any of Dave’s talks, courses, or presentations. When you attend these sessions, you will not only learn a great deal from his experience, but you will also build lasting, ongoing friendships with others in the industry – all while having a lot of fun along the way.
Steve
Wade Builders
I’ve known David for 16 years – 11 as my boss and the last 5 as a mentor and great mate. Over his 35+ years in the industry, he’s gained a huge amount of experience and genuinely wants to see other builders succeed.
Starting out as a young builder, the support I got from David made a massive difference and still does to this day. Building can be competitive and lonely at times – especially when you’re quoting, managing trades, clients and architects all at once. There’s no manual for it. David understands that pressure because he’s lived it, and he gives honest, practical advice that you can understand and use.
He’s passionate about backing builders and lifting the standard of the industry, and I’m genuinely grateful for the role he’s played in my journey this far.
If you’re a builder looking for genuine guidance from someone who’s walked the path and truly cares, I couldn’t recommend David more highly.
Chris
Caccon
From the very first conversation, speaking with David was a breath of fresh air. It was so refreshing to connect with another builder who didn’t view me as competition, but instead showed a genuine interest in me and my building business.
Since that initial call, David has consistently been an invaluable sounding board. When I was faced with a challenging client situation, he provided practical, real-world advice that helped me resolve the issue quickly and confidently. This was a stark contrast to my experience with one of the so-called “builder coaches,” whose cookie-cutter approaches offered little in the way of personalised guidance.
David’s support has made a positive difference. Whether you’re a builder with ten months’ experience or ten years in the industry, this game never gets any easier – and having someone experienced and impartial to turn to is incredibly valuable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend David to anyone seeking an experienced, reliable, and trustworthy mentor. I’m confident others will have the same positive experience I’ve had.
Ben
Ben Thomas Builder
Let’s start with a simple coffee and chat
Getting support doesn’t have to be a big deal. You tell me where you’ll be on a job, and I’ll find us a coffee shop nearby. Then, we’ll just chat. That’s it.
From a coffee check in to a full community of tradies. You’re never alone.
Whether it’s a chat, you want a trade industry mentor, or to connect with other tradies that ‘just get it’, you choose how and when we work together.
Tradie coffee check in
For when you just need a trusted ear. You book a time. We meet. We talk over coffee. About what, where, when and how often is up to you.
Monthly mentoring
When you need a mentor and advice to get where you want to go. Each month, we check and work through a challenge, goal, or longer term outcome. All tailored to your specific situation.
Builders Mental Day Out
Connect and meet other tradies, business owners and industry connections on the same journey as you. It’s an event by tradies, for tradies. Conversations, good food, good company.
A convesation can make a difference
Sometimes having someone just listen and get it matters. Whether it’s a bad day, tricky situation, or life is pulling you inside out, you’ve got my ear. As long as you need it.
Not sure where to begin? Start with a simple chat
Chat
Book a coffee chat with me: It’s just as it sounds. A coffee. A conversation. That’s it.
Meet
We check-in weekly, monthly – whatever works for you: It’s all in your hands.
Connect
Get connected with other tradies in our Builders Mental Day Out community.
Builders Mental Day Out
What started as a couple of us builders needing a mental day off – to chat, laugh and just get it out – has grown into a community of like-minded tradies. There when you need someone that just gets it. No questions asked. Together we are stronger.
Join the next Builders Mental Day Out
Register to be added to our Builders Mental Day Out invitation list. Open to anyone in the building and trade industry, it’s a great way to connect and chat with others in the field.
I’m just an old tradie going back to where my journey began
When I turned up on day one of my tradie career, little did I know I was also starting my life-long people apprenticeship. Absorbing all I could, I learnt from anyone that would give me the time of day. Now, I’m giving back what was given to me: Helping other tradies master people, life, business and all that goes with it.
