Master Builders Elevate: Building a Better Business

Ryan Castle

Welcome to the Master Builders Elevate podcast, hosted by Ryan Castle, where we discuss topics and talk with experts, advocates and business owners in the New Zealand construction industry. We share knowledge, insights and experiences to help you build a better business and enjoy a better life. The podcast explores ideas and practices that help builders get the best from their businesses, teams and themselves. Every second week a new episode will be released. You can listen online or find and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In addition to a podcast, Registered Master Builders Elevate is the online learning portal exclusively for Master Builders. Here you’ll find courses, microcourses and other learning resources – all free to you as part of your membership. Elevate offers the flexibility to learn what you need when you need it and at your own pace. The learning platform can be accessed anywhere, anytime and on any device and is available to all your staff. When members complete an Elevate course, they also earn LBP points. read less

Ep67- Breaking the stigma: mental health in the construction industry with Glen Thurston
May 9 2023
Ep67- Breaking the stigma: mental health in the construction industry with Glen Thurston
Trigger warning: this episode discusses themes of depression, self-harm and suicide, which may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. If at any point you find this overwhelming, please stop listening. If you feel like you are in immediate danger, please call 111. In this Elevate Podcast episode, host Ryan Castle interviews Glen Thurston, builder for Dunlop Builders and mental health advocate, about his personal journey with mental health and his Turn the Corner campaign to raise awareness and change attitudes towards mental health in the construction industry. Glen shares his struggles with mental health, including a suicide attempt, and how he coped with drinking and running away from the industry before realising the importance of taking care of his mental health. He talks about his campaign, where he climbed Corner Peak 53 times in 53 days to raise awareness about mental health, and emphasises the importance of finding what works for each individual in their journey towards better mental health.LinksTurn the cornerNational helplinesNeed to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).Samaritans – 0800 726 666Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).For more resources check: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
Ep62 - Daniel Klinkenberg, Urban Homes, on excellency and being the Platinum Award winners at the National House of the Year 2022
Dec 13 2022
Ep62 - Daniel Klinkenberg, Urban Homes, on excellency and being the Platinum Award winners at the National House of the Year 2022
Platinum Award is given to builders who have achieved outstanding building excellence and won five or more National Category titles. Urban Homes was established in 2004, delivering quality homes across Waikato, South Auckland, Coromandel and beyond.Daniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg started Urban from scratch, following a dream from the early days of their relationship. Daniel was a trade-qualified builder, and Bronwyn is a primary school teacher. Andrew South, General Manager, joined the company in 2019 to help take it to the next level. They talk to Ryan the importance of values and culture in the company that helped them achieve outstanding results. Urban Homes also puts a lot of value on their staff. A great example is 21-year-old Chris Foy from Hamilton who has been named the Waikato 2022 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year. Daniel and Andrew share their thoughts on how to help their staff to flourish and step into new opportunities.With the potential downturn of the market, Ryan asked about Urban's plans to approach that period. Daniel recalls the difficult times of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC, 2007–2008) when they only had a few days of work ahead of them and how to helped to get tne company stronger. Andrew hopes to spend this time improving the processes to prepare for when the market will take off again.LinksNew Zealand's Supreme Homes Announced! About Urban HomesWhere else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
EP61 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on trends and highlight of the year
Nov 16 2022
EP61 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on trends and highlight of the year
Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some positive wins this year like the Constructive Forum and the relaunch of the Vertical Construction Leadership Group. It was also great that MBIE was prepared to listen to the concerns raised about the timing of introducing new insulation standards. The delay of the H1/AS1 code change has provided some much-needed breathing space. David shared some insight from surveyed leaders within the Vertical Construction Leadership Group (VCLG), which brings commercial contractors together to focus on the crucial issues impacting the sector. Ryan and David also covered the tireless work that Master builders have put into the consenting process. Master Builders called for a substantial reduction in the number of consenting authorities to improve consistency and speed up consent decision-making.Finally, with Christmas quickly approaching, David suggested making sure to get a break. Look after your teams because they are critical to success, and look after yourself and your family. Helpful links:State of the Sector survey: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/RMBA/News/2022%20News/A_Resilient_Sector_Well_Positioned_To_Navigate_Headwinds.aspx Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
EP60 - Apprentice of the Year - Behind the scene
Oct 26 2022
EP60 - Apprentice of the Year - Behind the scene
This year Apprentice of the Year celebrates its 19th anniversary! Today we have two very special guests: Martin Goulden and David Mudge. Martin Goulden is a National judge and has been involved in the competition since its conception 19 years ago. David Mudge is a Practical Co-Ordinator, and he's been a part of the competition for 16 years. In this episode, they discuss with Ryan how the competition has changed over the years. We look into some behind-the-scene processed of creating practical challenges. Martin and David also share some valuable advice for the participants.Both David and Martin own building companies and are staunch advocates for apprentices in the industry. They believe that apprentices are the future of the industry, as long as you educate them and work with them and then they'll reward you. That's where the industry is going, and we need them.David and Martin also share some practical advice for the participants based on their experience. They talk about pacing yourself throughout the tasks, paying attention to the instructions and, most importantly, having fun!Apprentice of the Year Nationals is next month - taking place on the 14 November at CONZTRUCT- Auckland North. Make sure to come see the action taking place - it's free! More info at https://conztruct.co.nz/Helpful links:Apprentice of the Year Regional winners 2022: https://www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz/winners-table-2022/ Important dates: https://www.apprenticeoftheyear.co.nz/importantdates/ Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
EP59 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on State of the Sector survey and the Constructive Forum
Sep 7 2022
EP59 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, on State of the Sector survey and the Constructive Forum
For the first time, the survey explored both the supply and demand sides of construction. Over 1,200 sector participants and homeowners who had built or completed a significant renovation in the past three years responded to questions about their experience building, the economy, critical issues they were facing, and their outlook for the sector. It found while the sector continues to face significant challenges, there are encouraging signs of underlying resilience in the sector. Ryan and David also discussed the highlights of the Constructive Forum, where builders, industry leaders, regulators, and other stakeholders talked about lessons from the past, alongside strategies for the present. David said it was particularly interesting to hear from Minister of Building and Construction, Dr Megan Woods, and Leader of the Opposition, Christopher Luxon, who gave keynote addresses outlining their thoughts on the sector.Helpful links:State of the Sector survey: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/RMBA/News/2022%20News/A_Resilient_Sector_Well_Positioned_To_Navigate_Headwinds.aspx Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
EP 57 - Darrell Trigg about Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Jul 20 2022
EP 57 - Darrell Trigg about Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Imagine a building that has no two things the same. Not a single window the same, not a balustrade, not even a tile. Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is an amazing journey that took 30 years and what's been achieved by the construction team and the community of Whangārei is truly exceptional. Today Ryan and Darrell Trigg, owner of Trigg Construction, discuss this incredible project and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.This art centre has been built to represent Hundertwasser's philosophical standpoint, which is to be in harmony with nature. The building is an artwork dedicated to his teachings and is based on sketches prepared by Hundertwasser himself in 1993. This is arguably New Zealand’s biggest community-driven project with an estimated 50,000+ hours put in by volunteers – some volunteering full-time. The art centre got Gold Award and Special Award at New Zealand Commercial Project 2022.Darrell shares this experience of building something this unique. He also says that perhaps one thing he’s most proud of is that 95% of 900 people who worked on that site are from Northland. This fantastic project gave a wonderful opportunity for the local craftspeople to acquire some unique skills to last them throughout their careers. LinksCommunity vision https://www.hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz/about/hundertwasser-art-centre/community-vision/ Hundertwasser on Ecology https://www.hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz/about/hundertwasser/hundertwasser-on-ecology/ New Zealand Commercial Project 2022 https://www.commercialprojectawards.co.nz/CPA/Entries%20and%20Results/2022_results/Special_Award/CPA/Results/Results_2022/Special_Award.aspx?hkey=33179b2c-7111-4722-ba22-4e7730957fbd  Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
EP56 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, supporting the sector in a challenging market
Jul 6 2022
EP56 - Chief's Chat - David Kelly, MB CEO, supporting the sector in a challenging market
It continues to be a tough time for the building and construction sector. With such a myriad of issues currently impacting the sector, this month David Kelly explains that Master Builders have targeted their efforts on the plasterboard shortage and the H1/AS1 building code changes. They are also focused on supporting you with what you can do to navigate the current environment to come out stronger. That is the theme of this year’s Constructive Forum, and David urges you all to attend as you'll hear from sector leaders who have managed through times like this before.   Ryan and David talked about the plasterboard shortage. David has been appointed by the Minister to a Ministerial taskforce of a select number of industry experts to investigate and develop solutions for the widespread plasterboard shortages. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) are advising consenting authorities on how to work with alternatives to GIB. Master Builders are collaborating with the New Zealand Institute of Architects to help members understand what the alternatives are and how they can be implemented. They also touched on the extension of the transition period for the H1/AS1 changes to the building code by six months. While the industry is wholly supportive of measures that will result in better insulated homes for New Zealanders, our already stressed sector requires additional time to implement them. The changes will require us to adapt to the new methods of design and construction, manufacturers to significantly scale up production, and consenting authorities to get to grips with the new regulations.Finally, Ryan and David talked about strategies to help us deal with the challenges we are facing by keeping focus on what we can control.Helpful links:https://www.constructive.org.nz/Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
EP 55 Men's Health Week with Mark Sainsbury
Jun 15 2022
EP 55 Men's Health Week with Mark Sainsbury
As a part of the Men's Health Week Ryan is talking to Mark Sainsbury, one of the country’s most experienced journalists and one of the directors and ambassadors for the Men's Health Week, about the importance of small steps to look after your physical and mental health.Men are at a disadvantage health wise from the start. A boy born today will live nearly four years less than a girl. When it comes to preventable diseases, men are in much higher risk. Worse, men are three times more likely to die by suicide. And as we all know mental health is especially important in our current times of uncertainty. That’s the main purpose of the Men’s Health Week that started on the 13th of June.  The sole purpose at Men's Health Week is to get guys to think a little more and know a little more about their health. The aim is to encourage men to start with the small steps that can enable them to turn their health issues around. Little steps can – and will – make big differences. We just have to start.LinksMen's Health Week https://www.menshealthweek.co.nz/Men's Health Survey https://www.menshealthweek.co.nz/mens-health-survey/Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ
MBE 52 - Streamline your claims process with Tony Simonsen, COO of Payapps
Jan 19 2022
MBE 52 - Streamline your claims process with Tony Simonsen, COO of Payapps
In this month's podcast episode, Ryan talks to Tony Simonsen, Chief Operating Officer at Payapps. Payapps is a cloud-based software for managing applications for payment up and down the supply chain, developed solely for the construction sector.  COO of Payapps, Tony Simonsen, sat down virtually with Ryan to discuss the importance of Payapps in the industry, and give real life examples on how Payapps has streamlined the claims process and eased the pain for hundreds of contractors and subcontractors. They discuss the main problem areas within the sector that were identified by a survey done by Frost & Sullivan of New Zealand and Australian construction companies. Critical problems such as outdated IT, a lack of a digital compliance in construction, the ongoing dreaded supply chain challenges. With younger generations coming into leadership in construction, there is a growing need for innovative digital solutions.   If you are overloaded with miscommunication, janky multi-doc systems, poor collaboration, and getting handed claims on the back of a random envelope, this episode and most importantly Payapps, is will ease the progress claim pain, eliminate endless spreadsheets and email trails, and save time with a single platform.  More about Payapps Across New Zealand and Australia, contractors and subcontractors are processing thousands of payment applications every month, and whilst organisations tell you their processes are just fine, the reality is that hours of precious time are being wasted on this issue. Payapps was designed to make claims, contracts, invoices and more streamlined and simple, not just for you, but for your subbies. Links- Get access to the Frost & Sullivan survey - Connecting the Construction Workplace of the Future- Learn more about Payapps on their websiteTo contact Tony- Linked In - Direct email - Tony.simonsen@payapps.comWhere else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVegTwitter: https://twitter.com/MasterBuilderNZ