Builders Banter Podcast

Lads, Laughs, and Drills: Podcast Challenge Episode 🚀

A huge thanks to the lads for joining us on the podcast! 🎙️ We had a blast with the "Best Driver in the West" challenge and hope everyone enjoyed the laughs. 🚗💨
Plus, we’re locked and loaded with our drills for the ultimate drill-off showdown! 🛠️🔥 Don’t miss this epic episode!
#PodcastFun #BestDriverChallenge #DrillOff #TradesmanLife #BuilderBanter #RealTalk #WorkHardPlayHard #SkilledTrades

Nostalgia Talk: School, Tech, and the Year 2000 🎒🔧

In this video, we take a trip down memory lane, talking about starting school and the technology we had back then compared to what kids have now. 🎒📱 We explore the huge differences between kids today and when we were growing up—how they’re less motivated and not as good at communicating.
We also dive into the movies we were watching back in the day, share stories about work, and reflect on what we were up to in the year 2000. It’s a mix of nostalgia, laughs, and real talk! 🎥✨
#NostalgiaTrip #BackToSchool #TechThroughTheYears #Year2000 #BuilderBanter #RealTalk #GenerationalDifferences #MoviesAndMemories

Builder’s Banter: Trade Stories, Cyclists, and Wrong Turns 🔧🚴‍♂️

Welcome back to Builder’s Banter! 🔧 Joined by 3 great friends, we’re sharing past trade stories, their journeys so far, and taking some wrong turns along the way. Plus, a bit of a rant about cyclists on the road and some wild mishaps involving them! 🚴‍♂️💥
#BuildersBanter #TradesmanStories #RoadRants #CyclistDrama #RealTalk #TradeJourney #LessonsLearned #BuilderLife

From Loyal Clients to Boiler Drama: Real Stories from the Trade

In this video, we reflect on how long we’ve been in the business, our loyal client base, and those who’ve been with us from the start. We share stories of a few clients we’ve sadly lost, mishaps on the job, and the occasional difficult customer—like the time we decided to take a boiler off the wall! 🛠️🔥
#TradesStories #ClientLoyalty #WorkChallenges #RealTalk #SkilledTrades #BoilerInstallation #BusinessReflections #CustomerExperiences

Why Apprenticeships Can Be Challenging but Worth It 💼

In this video, we share the journey of starting work at 16, installing boilers by 17, and running the business solo in a van at 18. We also dive into experiences with apprentices—both good and bad. You can often tell which apprentices have potential and truly value you as a mentor.
We discuss why many companies avoid taking on apprentices, fearing they’ll leave once qualified, and the challenges that come with training them. However, when done right, apprenticeships can pay off big if they stay and grow with your business. 💼🔧
#Apprenticeships #TradesJourney #CareerGrowth #Mentorship #SkilledTrades #WorkEthic #BoilerInstallation #BusinessChallenges #ApprenticeExperience

Bad Drivers, Insurance Scams, and Starting in the Trades

In this video, we discuss experiences with bad drivers, road accidents, and the issue of insurance scams—like false whiplash claims from minor incidents. We talk about the impact of dishonesty for financial gain and how it affects others. Plus, we share our journey of starting in the trades and how we got to where we are today. 🚗💼
 
#RoadSafety #InsuranceScams #TradeJourney #HonestyMatters #AccidentPrevention #CareerGrowth #TradesSuccess #RealTalk

Builder Banter Ep. 5: Apprentices, Tough Clients, and Lessons Learned 💼

In Episode 5 of Builder Banter, we dive into the highs and lows of life in the trades! From starting work at 16, installing boilers by 17, and running the show solo in a van at 18, to building a loyal client base and dealing with all kinds of challenges on the job.
We share real stories about apprentices—how to spot the good ones, the challenges of training them, and why investing in them can be worth it if they stay. We also discuss clients who’ve been with us from the start, a few we’ve sadly lost, and memorable moments, including mishaps on the job and the time we decided to take a boiler off the wall after a tough customer encounter.
We also reflect on the struggles many businesses face, like the fear of losing apprentices once they’re qualified, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. This episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and real talk from years in the trade! 🛠️💬
#BuilderBanter #TradesJourney #Apprenticeships #ClientStories #JobMishaps #RealTalk #BoilerInstallation #SkilledTrades #BusinessReflections #Mentorship

Employee Nicknames & Funny Stories: The Making of 'E.T.' and More! | EP 4

In this episode, we wrap up Episode 4 of the podcast and share some of the funniest nicknames we've given to employees and the stories behind them. For example, one nickname is "E.T." because he always wants to go home! Tune in for some laughs and behind-the-scenes fun!

Off the Tools & Never Switching Off: Balancing Work, Holidays & Family Time! "| EP4

In this episode, we discuss getting off the tools and transitioning into different roles within our businesses. We’re all at different stages—some are off the tools for 4 days a week, while others are still on them almost every day. We also talk about the struggle of never fully switching off, whether it’s working during holidays, answering emails and calls, or doing paperwork while spending time with family. Tune in for a candid conversation about balancing work and life in the trades!

Chasing Payments & Client Drama: Extra Work, Delays & Unpaid Bills | EP 4

In this video, we talk about the frustrations of getting paid and the delays customers can cause. I share a story about a current client who's been stringing me along for payment after asking me to fix all her lights as an add-on, despite buying everything on Amazon that wasn’t compatible. After days of extra work, she was angry about being charged for it. Tune in for more stories on the challenges of getting paid!