UpScale - Build your profitable Trade and Construction business

UpScale Business Coaching

The #1 Business Podcast for Service and Trade-based business owners who want to take control of their lives and understand the Road Map towards financial Freedom through their business. Join Industry-leading Coaches Mitch Van and Erina Roch with world-class experts as we discuss all things business, Marketing, leadership, Growth and more. Get instant access to tools, tips, tricks and hacks that have helped to explode thousands of businesses just like yours.

  1. 13 HRS AGO

    Power Washing Business Scaled Fast with Coaching and Community - Ep 325

    If you’re a trade business owner wondering whether coaching, community, or live events are actually worth it, this episode gives you a real, no-BS look behind the scenes. In this conversation, we sit down with Herb owner of https://1800washed.com.au/ , a pressure cleaning business owner who took a leap, backed himself, and saw serious growth after joining UpScale. Since getting started, Herb has scaled his business over four times and built a team, all while gaining confidence in his decision making and direction. We unpack what actually made the difference. From attending a live event in Melbourne, Upcoming Events: https://www.upscale-coaching.com/upscale-live-events) to working closely with a head coach, to leaning into a community of like minded tradies who are all pushing for growth. Herbert shares how having the right people around you changes everything, especially when you’re navigating challenges, hiring staff, improving systems, and trying to grow without burning out. This episode dives into:• What really happens at UpScale live events and why they matter• The power of being surrounded by other driven trade business owners• How coaching helps simplify big business problems• Why accountability is a game changer for growth• The mindset shift that helped Herb scale with confidence If you’ve been sitting on the fence about investing in yourself or your business, this is the perspective you need. 🚨 Special MentionThis year, the UpScale team are lacing up for the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for TIACS, a mental health service supporting tradies. If you’d like to support the cause or learn more, check it out here:https://fundraise.tiacs.org/fundraisers/upscalegoldcoastmarathon2026

    18 min
  2. 15 APR

    Sparky Story: Apprentice to business owner with 15 Staff - Ep 323

    What does it actually take to go from apprentice to running a growing trade business with a full team? In this episode, we sit down with Blake Hoile owner of Hoile Electrical who shares the real journey behind building his business..from feeling lost in his mid-20s to taking the leap into self-employment, hiring his first apprentice, and eventually scaling to a team of 15. Need help growing your business?  Follow us on IG for daily Content for your Trade Business  @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast⁠ Watch insights and tips on YouTube: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube⁠ Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: ⁠https://upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Connect with the team @mitchvan_ : https://www.instagram.com/mitchvan_/ ⁠Get started now⁠⁠⁠ Follow us ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ I⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠ I⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ I⁠ ⁠Website⁠⁠ We unpack the challenges most tradies face but don’t talk about enough: - The fear of leaving a secure job and backing yourself- Struggling to get consistent work in the early days- Why volume (calls, outreach, quotes) beats talent when you're starting out- The mindset shift from “on the tools” to actually running a business- Hiring before you feel ready and why it can unlock your next level- Building systems, generating leads, and stepping into leadership This episode is a must-listen if you’re a tradie business owner who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to grow. It’s honest, practical, and packed with lessons you can actually apply in your business this week. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve got what it takes to scale... this is your reminder that you do. It just comes down to action, consistency, and getting the right support around you.

    33 min
  3. 12 APR

    How Tradies Use Credit Cards for Cash Flow and Travel Upgrades- Ep 322

    If you are a tradie or business owner feeling the pressure of cash flow, this episode is a must listen. Need help growing your business?  Follow us on IG for daily Content for your Trade Business  @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast⁠ Watch insights and tips on YouTube: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube⁠ Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: ⁠https://upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Hear from tradies who’ve done it, and learn what it really takes to grow a successful trade business. https://www.upscalecoaching.com.au/success-stories/ Erina sits down with Larry to break down how credit cards can be used as a smart tool in your business, not just for managing expenses, but for creating flexibility, improving cash flow, and even unlocking travel opportunities. They share real stories and practical insights, including how everyday business spending can turn into flights, upgrades, and experiences that most business owners never take advantage of. This is not about spending more. It is about using what you already spend in a smarter way. In this episode, you will learn: • How credit cards can help smooth out cash flow, especially when clients take time to pay • The right way to use credit without getting caught out by interest • How tradies can earn points from everyday business expenses • How those points can turn into business class flights and travel perks • What to look for when choosing a credit card for your business • How to find and book flights using points without the guesswork • The common mistakes that can cost you money if you are not careful They also cover the risks, the mindset you need, and why discipline is everything when it comes to making this strategy work long term. If you are spending money in your business already, this episode will show you how to get more out of every dollar. Connect with the Hosts Erina https://www.instagram.com/erinaroxx/ Mitch https://www.instagram.com/mitchvan_/ Special Mention This year the UpScale team are lacing up for the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for TIACS, supporting mental health for tradies and blue collar workers. Support the cause here https://fundraise.tiacs.org/fundraisers/upscalegoldcoastmarathon2026 Keywords for Search cash flow for tradies, business credit cards Australia, tradie finance tips, managing cash flow construction, credit card points business, frequent flyer points business, tradie business tips, small business finance Australia, trade business growth, business travel rewards

    26 min
  4. 8 APR

    Google Ads for Tradies: Do They Work for Small Jobs - Ep 321

    If you are a tradie or trade business owner running ads and wondering why the numbers are tight, this episode is going to change how you think about leads. Need help growing your business?  Follow us on IG for daily Content for your Trade Business  @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast⁠ Watch insights and tips on YouTube: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube⁠ Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: ⁠https://upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Hear from tradies who’ve done it, and learn what it really takes to grow a successful trade business. https://www.upscalecoaching.com.au/success-stories/ Mitch and our Marketing Expert Jordan break down a simple but powerful strategy that most businesses miss. Google Ads and Facebook Ads are great for generating small jobs like smoke alarms, ceiling fans, power points, and quick service work. The problem is, if you stop there, you are leaving serious money on the table. This episode dives into how those smaller jobs are actually the gateway into bigger, higher value work. Instead of chasing only high ticket jobs upfront, learn how to use volume to your advantage, get in the door, and increase job value on site. You will hear practical strategies for electricians, plumbers, and trade businesses on how to: • Generate consistent leads using Google Ads and Facebook Ads• Target the right keywords and services to lower your cost per lead• Turn small jobs into larger profitable jobs through simple on site conversations• Increase your average job value without being pushy• Build long term customer relationships that drive repeat work• Use follow up systems like SMS and email to boost lifetime value• Understand why most high value jobs are actually closed on site not from ads They also unpack how advertising has changed over time, why costs are rising, and what still works today when it comes to getting consistent results from your marketing. If you are running ads or thinking about it, this is a must listen. The difference between struggling and scaling often comes down to what happens after the lead comes in. Key TakeawayDo not just focus on getting leads. Focus on what you do with them once you are in the home. Connect with the HostsMitch https://www.instagram.com/mitchvan_/ Erina https://www.instagram.com/erinaroxx/ Special MentionThis year the UpScale team are taking on the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for TIACS, supporting mental health for tradies and blue collar workers. Support the cause herehttps://fundraise.tiacs.org/fundraisers/upscalegoldcoastmarathon2026 Keywords for Searchtrade business marketing, electrician marketing, plumber marketing, Google Ads for tradies, Facebook Ads for trades, lead generation for electricians, tradie business growth, service business marketing, increase job value, upselling trade services, local service ads strategy

    28 min
  5. 6 APR

    Family, Guilt, and the Business That Never Switches Off - Ep 320

    In this episode, Mitch sits down with Brendan Marshall, owner of Supreme Electrical and a business coach at UpScale, for a real conversation about what it actually looks like to run a successful trade business without losing yourself in the process. Need help growing your business?  Follow us on IG for daily Content for your Trade Business  @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast⁠ Watch insights and tips on YouTube: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube⁠ Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: ⁠https://upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Hear from tradies who’ve done it, and learn what it really takes to grow a successful trade business. https://www.upscalecoaching.com.au/success-stories/ The chat is sparked by a recent moment in Mitch’s life (Check out Mitch's IG Account) teaching his son to ride a bike and realising how often business can take priority over the things that matter most. It opens up an honest discussion around the pressure of always being busy, the constant pull of work, and the challenge of showing up as a present parent and partner while still growing a business. Brendan shares his perspective from both sides, as a business owner and a coach, unpacking the guilt, expectations, and habits that come with running a trade business. They talk about how to create better balance, what actually needs your attention, and how to build a business that supports your life rather than taking it over. If you’ve ever felt stretched between work and family, or like there’s never enough time to do both well, this episode will hit home. You’ll learn: • Why staying busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving forward • How to manage the demands of business without sacrificing family time • Practical mindset shifts for trade business owners • What it takes to build a business that gives you freedom, not more stress Check out Brendan’s business: https://supremeelectrical.com.au/ This year, the UpScale team are also taking on the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for TIACS, supporting mental health for tradies. You can support the cause here: https://fundraise.tiacs.org/fundraisers/upscalegoldcoastmarathon2026 Follow Mitch for more insights: https://www.instagram.com/mitch_ Follow Erina: https://www.instagram.com/erinaroxx/

    32 min
  6. 1 APR

    How This Carpentry Business Went From Debt to 250k Months - Ep 319

    In this episode of the UpScale Business Coaching Podcast, Luke sits down with Ash and Jared from Profound Carpentry, a fast growing Perth based carpentry business, to break down what it really takes to turn things around when the numbers are not adding up. Need help growing your business?  Follow us on IG for daily Content for your Trade Business  @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast⁠ Watch insights and tips on YouTube: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube⁠ Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: ⁠https://upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Hear from tradies who’ve done it, and learn what it really takes to grow a successful trade business. https://www.upscalecoaching.com.au/success-stories/ After starting strong and building a team quickly, the boys found themselves facing high overheads, unclear margins, and a significant ATO debt. Like many trade business owners, they were busy on the tools and bringing in work, but not fully across their numbers or profitability. This episode dives into how they went from that pressure point to building a structured growth plan, gaining clarity on their financials, and making smarter hiring decisions. With the right strategy in place, they’ve grown from around 160k months to consistently hitting 250k months, all while improving profit and reducing debt. Ash and Jared also share how focusing on team culture has completely changed their business. From weekly team breakfasts to monthly team days, they’ve created an environment where people want to stay, even in a competitive market like Perth where mining roles are always an option. This is a real and relatable conversation for any trade business owner who feels busy but not in control, or who knows they should be making more but cannot see where it is going. In this episode, you will learn:• Why knowing your numbers is non negotiable in business• How to build a plan to get out of debt and back into profit• The impact of hiring the right team at the right time• How culture can improve retention, performance, and growth• Why accountability is key when running a trade business This year, the UpScale team are also taking on the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for TIACS, supporting mental health for tradies. You can support the cause here: https://fundraise.tiacs.org/fundraisers/upscalegoldcoastmarathon2026 Follow Mitch: https://www.instagram.com/mitchvan_/Follow Erina: https://www.instagram.com/erinaroxx/

    18 min
  7. 29 MAR

    Chaos Creates Opportunity: How to Dominate during uncertain times - Ep 316

    In this episode of the UpScale Business Podcast, Tom and Mitch dive into what really happens when uncertainty hits the market and how trade business owners can respond the right way. Need help growing your business?  Follow us on IG for daily Content for your Trade Business  @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast⁠ Watch insights and tips on YouTube: ⁠upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube⁠ Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: ⁠https://upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Hear from tradies who’ve done it, and learn what it really takes to grow a successful trade business. https://www.upscalecoaching.com.au/success-stories/ With everything going on in the world right now, a lot of tradies are feeling the pressure. Rising costs, shifting demand, and constant noise in the media can make it feel like things are out of control. But as Mitch explains, there are always two types of business owners in times like this. Those who pull back and those who step up. Drawing on real experiences from the COVID period, the boys break down how some trade businesses not only survived but grew faster than ever. They talk about what separated those who struggled from those who took advantage of the opportunity. You’ll hear practical insights on increasing lead generation when sales slow down, adjusting pricing without losing confidence, understanding your numbers, and why controlling what you can control is the key to long term success. If you’re a tradie who feels stuck, unsure, or under pressure, this episode will help you reset your mindset and focus on what actually moves the needle in your business. This is a real conversation about what it takes to build a resilient trade business when things get tough. Also this year, the UpScale team are lacing up for the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for TIACS, supporting mental health for tradies and blue collar workers. You can support the cause here https://fundraise.tiacs.org/fundraisers/upscalegoldcoastmarathon2026 Follow Mitch for more insights https://www.instagram.com/mitchvan_/ Follow Erina here https://www.instagram.com/erinaroxx/ If you’re ready to take control of your business and grow through any market conditions, this one is for you.

    13 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The #1 Business Podcast for Service and Trade-based business owners who want to take control of their lives and understand the Road Map towards financial Freedom through their business. Join Industry-leading Coaches Mitch Van and Erina Roch with world-class experts as we discuss all things business, Marketing, leadership, Growth and more. Get instant access to tools, tips, tricks and hacks that have helped to explode thousands of businesses just like yours.

You Might Also Like