Sparky Coach

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🌴 Be excellent. Make money. Build wealth. Be kind. 📈 We help sparkies build generational empires 🎙️ Weekly podcasts

  1. 2d ago

    #247 // Business Lessons || Aaron Roberts from Radicool

    Welcome Aaron Roberts from Radicool Air Conditioning + Electrical for his first ever podcast!  Radicool is based out of the trade god approved country aka the Sunshine Coast. He has a team of 15 including operations managers, service managers, project managers, admin, tradies + apprentices.  Today Robbo shares 8 lessons in 8 years as follows:  -business is harder than you think  -try not to be personally attached  -build a good team around you  -keeping it simple  -get stuff out of your head  -look after yourself  -enjoy the moment  -be nice  Enjoy the podcast!  Much love x.  Summary Aaron Roberts, owner of Radical Air Conditioning on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, reflects on eight lessons from eight years building his HVAC business. In conversation with host Greg Crowe, he shares practical lessons on hiring, simplifying systems, documenting business knowledge, protecting his wellbeing, staying present, and leading with kindness. Keywords Aaron Roberts, Radical Air Conditioning, HVAC business, trade business lessons, business owner, hiring tradespeople, job management systems, tradie wellbeing, Sunshine Coast Key Topics Aaron Roberts started Radical Air Conditioning after 11 years in Brisbane and an exhausting Sunshine Coast commute of at least four hours a day. The company grew to roughly 15 or 16 people, including eight tradespeople, five apprentices, and three admin staff, focusing on HVAC and some electrical work. Lesson 1: Business ownership is harder than it looks, and presentation and technical skill alone do not guarantee work or business ability. Lesson 2: Avoid taking every lost quote or departing employee personally; consider their perspective and look for patterns instead. Lesson 3: Build a team that complements the company’s strengths and weaknesses, and hire for both relevant skills and fit. Lesson 4: Keep onboarding and processes simple; too many apps and logins can overwhelm staff and make systems less likely to be used. Lesson 5: Get business knowledge out of the owner’s head and into the job-management system, procedures, and team workflows. Lesson 6: Exercise and other restorative activities help Aaron manage his wellbeing and show up better as a business owner and family member. Lessons 7 and 8: Be present with family and work, and lead with kindness, honesty, and low ego to build trust and a workplace people want to join. Takeaways starting and running a business is not as easy as it looks from the outside try not to be personally attached, which is super hard to do build a good team around you that cater for your strengths and weaknesses keep it simple, stupid get stuff out of your head look after yourself as in myself, a business owner, physically and mentally enjoying the present moment be nice the simpler it is, the more that it will get used nothing's ever perfect, so continue working on yourself Sound Bites "get stuff out of your head" "enjoying the present moment" "continue to learn" Chapters 00:00 Coaching staff, reviewing quotes, and setting up the conversation 03:45 Why Aaron started Radical Air Conditioning 06:44 Eight lessons from eight years in business 09:25 Lesson 2: Don’t take every departure or lost quote personally 14:56 Lesson 3: Build a team that complements your weaknesses 19:47 Lesson 4: Keep onboarding and systems simple 23:27 Lesson 5: Document what’s in your head 28:02 Hiring admin and valuing a friendly voice on the phone 31:06 Lesson 6: Look after your physical and mental health 37:34 Lesson 7: Stay present instead of living in the future 39:45 Lesson 8: Be nice, honest, and low-ego 44:29 Eight lessons recap and the importance of personal development

  2. 2d ago

    #347 // Business Lessons || “Lose The Sale, Win The Client” ft Greg Crowe

    If you’re winning every job you quote, something’s wrong. In this one we get into why losing the right sales makes your business stronger. In this episode we discuss: why a sale where only you win is a problem you’ll pay for laterthe clients who aren’t the right fit, and what they really cost youhow the wrong work holds space the right work could be fillingwhy a 10/10 conversion rate means you’re probably the cheapest in the roomnever selling someone something they don’t need Hope you enjoy the pod! Much love x Plenty of people will tell you how to win more sales, in this podcast we go through why you should lose some.  Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe shares essential sales principles for business success, emphasizing the importance of losing the right sales to build a strong reputation, attract ideal clients, and ensure both parties win. Learn practical tips on how to refine your sales approach, understand your market, and prioritize long-term relationships over short-term wins. Keywords sales, business growth, client relationships, reputation, margins, sales tips, business strategy, client fit, branding, communication Key Topics The importance of both parties winning in a sale Why not every client is a good fit The role of reputation and trust in sales Knowing your numbers and margins The value of honest communication and follow-up How to identify and prioritize ideal clients The impact of brand presentation and professionalism Why you should sometimes walk away from a sale The long-term benefits of losing the wrong clients Building a business based on integrity and trust Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The importance of losing the right sales 02:26 Story: Choosing the right surfboard and integrity in sales 04:48 Knowing your business and market to make better sales decisions 06:14 The importance of asking the right questions during sales 07:40 Refining your sales process and understanding client needs 08:37 The significance of knowing your numbers and margins 10:04 Presenting your product with pride and evolving your customer experience 11:02 The power of professional presentation and communication 13:19 Why not every client is an ideal fit 15:10 The risks of taking on unsuitable clients 16:01 The importance of aligning with your core market 17:29 Understanding payment terms and financial risks 18:27 The pitfalls of quoting on anonymous platforms 19:15 The value of targeting ideal clients and building trust 20:42 The impact of wrong clients on your business 24:14 The benefits of focusing on ideal clients and better work 24:44 Why winning everything might mean you're the cheapest 26:32 Building brand trust and reputation over time 27:25 Sowing seeds of trust and long-term success 28:16 Conclusion: Win the client, lose a sale for better business

  3. 5d ago

    #346 // Your February Starts Now (Part 3)

    What you do in October + November decides if February is a flop or a success.  This “All I want for Christmas Is A Market Wage + A Business Net Profit Of 20-35%” series is about getting on the front foot for the back end of the year.  In this episode:  -how to get ready for the “busy” season ahead  -why “busy-ness” is like a rocking chair (it gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere)  -the importance of closing the week (it should be the only thing to stay not the first thing to go!!)  -being up to date on quotes, invoices + variations  -how an excellent 30-35 hours beats a good 50-60  -valuing headspace + making good decisions  May this podcast help + inspire you as you build a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it.  Much love x  Summary Greg Crowe shares practical strategies for business owners to plan ahead, recognize patterns, and work effectively to build a sustainable and profitable business. This episode emphasizes the importance of long-term vision, efficient work habits, and maintaining control over finances. Keywords business planning, efficiency, long-term vision, cash flow, invoicing, client management, business growth, productivity, work-life balance, strategic planning Key Topics Recognizing busy patterns at year-end The importance of long-term planning and vision Effective work hours and productivity Cash flow management and invoicing discipline Client relationship and experience management Strategic hiring and delegation Order and process optimization in projects Closing weekly financial and operational gaps Self-management as a business owner Sowing seeds for future success  Action Items Plan your February now by recognizing demand patterns. Normalize working 30 to 38 hours a week, not after hours. Ensure weekly revenue exceeds weekly expenditure. Close the week every week to get accurate data. Identify bottlenecks in invoicing, quoting, and project management. Delegate tasks to improve efficiency and free up time. Focus on long-term vision and sow seeds for future success. Sound Bites "Your business should provide a market wage plus super." "Stop talking negatively about your business." "Close the week. It's the only thing that should stay." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Planning Ahead for Business Success 00:29 Recognizing Busy Patterns and Demand Cycles 01:25 The Power of Recognizing Business Patterns 02:20 Long-Term Vision and Building Wealth 04:05 The Cost of Overworking and Negative Talk 05:03 Starting February Planning Now 05:31 Cash Flow and Invoicing Discipline 06:01 Identifying Bottlenecks and Pain Points 07:27 Work Effectively and Efficiently 08:51 The Myth of Normalizing After Hours Work 10:00 Hiring and Client Management Strategies 12:21 Slowing Down and Planning in Busy Seasons 13:19 Maintaining Quotes and Invoicing Up to Date 15:37 Client Experience and Feedback 16:05 Invoicing, Variations, and Backlogs 17:25 Focusing on One Thing at a Time 18:25 Closing the Week and Financial Discipline 20:19 Data-Driven Decision Making 21:17 Final Thoughts: Consistency and Self-Care

  4. 6d ago

    #345 // Sunday Skool “Getting On The Front Foot For The Back End Of The Year” ft Cam + Joey

    Today Cam + Joey take us through how to best plan for the busy / holiday season ahead.  In this episode:  Forecasting labour + materials for DecemberPlanning + creating options for January by moving jobs back Organising key items + dates (Christmas party, annual leave, staff coverage over break, final day of invoicing, return to work, notifying key customers (if needed), wholesaler closures, last day on site) Checking the cash position (ie no / little money coming in, lots still coming out) Secure + lock down / remove equipment + tools from site Re-stock vehicles + return to warehouse if needed Pre prep payroll and schedule transfers Let’s get on the front for the back end of the year!  Much love x  Summary In this episode, Cam and Joey discuss how tradespeople can effectively plan for December and January to ensure a prosperous and stress-free holiday season. They cover key dates, staffing, holiday planning, invoicing, and maintaining cash flow, providing practical tips to start the new year strong. Keywords trade business, holiday planning, December January, invoicing, staffing, cash flow, business tips, end of year, new year planning Key Topics December holiday schedule and key datesStaffing and leave planning for the holiday seasonScheduling and forecasting work in December and JanuaryManaging cash flow and invoicing before the holidaysPlanning Christmas parties and team celebrationsOn-call and emergency coverage during holidaysPreparing your tools, vehicles, and site security for the breakCommunicating with clients and suppliers about holiday schedulesMaximizing work opportunities during the holiday periodStarting the new year with organized finances and work schedules Takeaways Plan your last working day before Christmas and your return date in advance.Book your Christmas party early and consider partner-friendly options.Communicate holiday schedules and on-call arrangements with your team.Forecast work and fill December with projects to avoid last-minute stress.Ensure all invoices are sent before Christmas to maintain cash flow.Secure and lock down tools, equipment, and site assets during the break.Prearrange payroll and supplier payments to avoid issues over the holidays.Be aware of public holidays and reduced hours at suppliers.Use the holiday period to clean and organize your workspace and vehicles.Start January with a full schedule and organized finances. Sound Bites "Understanding December's schedule is crucial.""Book your Christmas party early to secure your spot.""Plan ahead to start January on a strong footing." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:45 Understanding December's schedule and key dates 06:09 Forecasting work and managing client expectations 08:39 Planning Christmas parties and team celebrations 12:01 Setting leave dates and holiday shutdowns 14:19 On-call coverage and emergency planning over Christmas 17:17 Final workday and return date planning 18:27 Checking wholesaler hours and material availability 20:22 Managing workload and overflow work in December 24:37 Final invoicing and cash flow considerations 28:09 Customer communication and holiday notifications 29:41 Securing tools, equipment, and site assets 32:04 Vehicle and workspace organization for the new year 35:43 Awareness of public holidays and scheduling pitfalls 37:11 Preparing for a strong start in January 38:33 Closing remarks and holiday wishes

  5. Oct 21

    #344 // Lessons Learned ft Megan Furner from Impact Electrical

    Running a business with your partner can make you or break you. Megan and her husband Lachlan have run Impact Electrical on the Central Coast NSW for 8 years. They’ve built a crew of 9 that includes an ops manager, an estimator, tradies and apprentices, and they cover Level 2, commercial, industrial, projects and service work. Megan shares her 6 biggest lessons: -why your partner in the business needs to be a weapon at their role-building the right team around you (accountant, bookkeeper, coach, broker)-recruiting staff worth keeping, and actually keeping them-sleeping on big or emotional decisions before you make them-having the hard conversations most owners avoid-knowing your numbers If you’re running a sparky business with your other half, send this one to them. Much love,Crowe x Summary In this episode, Megan shares her insights on building a successful business partnership, recruiting the right team, and managing business finances effectively. Discover practical tips for growing your electrical business and creating a positive team culture. Keywords business partnership, team building, recruiting, electrical business, business finances, leadership, business growth, team culture, work-life balance Key Topics Importance of building a good team around you Recruitment questions and interview tips How to retain staff and create a positive culture Managing business finances and understanding numbers The significance of saying no and taking time to reflect The role of a business coach and ongoing learning Investing in equipment and team resources Future growth plans and expanding into level two work Sound Bites "It's all about roles and responsibilities." "Small gestures create a positive culture." "Know your numbers to grow your business." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Megan and her business journey 03:46 The importance of clear roles and boundaries 07:08 Choosing the right accountant and financial advisor 09:36 Selecting a business coach and ongoing support 10:36 Recruitment strategies and interview questions 12:24 Hiring your partner for the right skills 13:30 The importance of temperament and personality in team members 14:48 The significance of good onboarding and probation periods 17:20 Effective recruitment practices and avoiding common pitfalls 20:07 How to structure interview questions 22:13 Probation periods and performance reviews 27:09 Retaining staff and creating a positive work environment 28:44 The impact of small gestures and company culture 30:55 Investing in equipment and team resources 33:35 The importance of taking time before making decisions 35:19 Having difficult conversations with staff 37:34 Providing constructive feedback effectively 38:30 Knowing your numbers and financial metrics 41:18 Understanding business metrics and improving profitability 44:48 Final reflections and future plans

  6. Oct 18

    #343 // Your February Starts Now (Part 2)

    What you do in October + November decides if February is a flop or a success.  This “All I want for Christmas Is A Market Wage + A Business Net Profit Of 20-35%” series is about getting on the front foot for the back end of the year.  In this episode:  -how to get ready for the “busy” season ahead  -why “busy-ness” is like a rocking chair (it gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere)  -how to plan out your on site capacity for the rest of the year  -cash is king! Ensuring cash is in the bank + you are getting paid (see pod #341)  -identifying the key bottlenecks (ie supply, demand, profit) and then making a plan accordingly  May this podcast help + inspire you as you build a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it.  Much love x  Your February Starts Now - Part 2 Greg Crowe continues the series by pushing business owners to get in front of the busy season instead of being surprised by it. This episode focuses on planning capacity, protecting cash, and identifying the real bottleneck in the business before the end of the year creates pressure.He also ties the strategy back to long term reputation and profitability, reminding listeners that the decisions made now shape what the business looks like 3 to 6 months from today. Key topics He stresses that busy season is predictable, not surprising, and that strong businesses get ahead of the yearly rush instead of reacting late.Greg shares why your business today is the result of decisions made 3 to 6 months ago, and why burning bridges now will show up in next year’s workload.He walks through planning on-site capacity by forecasting workload, checking labour availability, and deciding whether subcontractors, apprentices, or new hires are needed.He strongly encourages building around “weapon” people - excellent staff, subcontractors, and apprentices - rather than holding onto average performers who block better ones.He explains why annual leave should be handled with respect, and why staff should not be guilted for taking legitimate time off.He breaks down how to estimate the amount of cash needed to survive shutdown periods by forecasting wages, tax, super, overheads, and expected receivables.He distinguishes the three main bottlenecks in a trade business - supply, demand, and profit - and says you need to know which one is actually holding you back.He reinforces that profit is simple at its core: revenue must exceed expenditure, consistently, across jobs, days, weeks, and months. Timestamps 00:00 - Why part two is about getting on the front foot 00:49 - Business results come from decisions made months earlier 02:46 - Recap of part one and the shift into planning mode 03:16 - Forecast on-site capacity before the year ends 05:35 - How much work is actually already on the books? 06:34 - Hiring apprentices and building around strong performers 08:00 - Stop holding onto average staff and average clients 09:27 - Why it is too early to push work into next year 10:23 - Respect annual leave and keep your team refreshed 12:35 - Use simple forecasting to see capacity problems early 13:05 - How much work can you actually say yes to? 14:30 - Cash is king and cash in bank is what matters 16:01 - Send invoices fast, but do not confuse invoicing with payment 17:24 - Forecast shutdown cash needs before Christmas hits 18:52 - Identify whether the real bottleneck is supply, demand, or profit 20:40 - The harsh reality check: current facts versus long term faith 22:02 - Close the week and month to see what is really working 23:26 - Gross profit, net profit, and why simple measurement wins 24:51 - Why businesses need to measure jobs and days properly 25:20 - The golden triage: when staff, work, and profit all line up 26:46 - Wrap up and preview of part three

  7. Oct 17

    #342 // Releasing Admin + Operations with Cam, Ford, Hib +Josey

    Today on the podcast it’s a panel discussion (recorded at our live event this week on the Gold Coast) hosted by Cam ft Fordy (New Age Electrical), Hib (Hib Electrical) + Josey (Bremner Electrical).  All four of these guys have released admin + operations and they are here to share their insights, thoughts, success stories, horror stories, and everything in between. At Sparky Coach we have developed what we call the “critical pathway” where it shows you what order to let what tasks go.   What’s the one task you’re still doing that someone else should own by Christmas? Feel free to reach out if you need a hand navigating!  Enjoy the pod!  Much love x  Content Type Panel Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe hosts a panel with Hib, Forty, Josie, and Joe to explore the journey of delegating admin and operational tasks in business. They share insights on recognizing the need for help, hiring the right people, and stress-testing business systems through time away. Keywords business delegation, admin support, hiring, business growth, operational efficiency, team management, stress testing, business systems, leadership, entrepreneurship Key Topics Recognising the need for admin help Hiring the right support staff Building processes for delegation Stress testing business systems through time away Developing trust and team culture Handling false starts in hiring Setting clear roles and expectations The impact of delegation on business growth Learning from mistakes in delegation The importance of ongoing training and development Sound Bites "You just gotta bring in and figure it out" "You're better off employing someone better than you" "You can't run a business without admin support" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Panel Overview 01:19 Snapshot of Business Structures 03:29 Recognizing the Need for Help 05:27 First Experiences with Admin Support 07:23 Timing and Readiness for Delegation 09:32 Apprehensions and Challenges in Delegation 11:44 Training and Process Development 13:05 Hiring the Right Person 16:08 False Starts and Lessons Learned 18:11 The Power of Trust and Team Culture 21:21 Building a Supportive Hiring Process 24:50 Cost and Value of Delegation 27:27 Stress Testing Business Systems 33:36 Travel as a Stress Test 36:37 Setting Expectations and Roles 40:46 Involving Staff in Business Performance 44:57 Developing Future Leaders 48:50 Overcoming Hesitations and Barriers 52:33 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

  8. Oct 14

    #341 // 3 Things That Stop Money From Coming Into Your Business

    You are doing a good job, with good people, for good people, using good materials, for good money (on paper). Cool. None of it counts until the money hits your account.  In this episode:  -why invoicing + getting paid should be the BEST part of your week  -the fear behind late invoices + variations, and how to face it head on  -sending invoices + variations on time, every time  -talking about money on site, and in the office, before it becomes a problem  -having someone chase up overdue invoices every single week  Remember, the only way to get better about talking about money is to talk about money.  Combine talking about money with knowledge of money (ie GP, NP, %’s etc) and you will progress much faster in building a business that is a blessing to yourself, your family, your clients, your staff, your community, and anyone who comes in contact with it.  Much love x Primary  goal Educational Summary In this episode, Greg Crowe explores the three key reasons why businesses often struggle to receive payments and how to overcome these obstacles. He emphasizes the importance of timely invoicing, clear communication, and aggressive follow-up on receivables to ensure cash flow and business success. Keywords business cash flow, invoicing, receivables, communication, business tips, payment collection, financial management, entrepreneurship, small business, Greg Crowe Key Topics The importance of invoicing and getting paid Common reasons for delayed payments How fear and disorganization affect invoicing Strategies for timely invoicing and variations The role of communication in payment collection Chasing overdue receivables effectively Using systems like Dave for business management The mindset shift needed for better cash flow Takeaways Invoicing and getting paid should be the best part of your week. Fear and disorganization are major barriers to timely payments. Communicate clearly and regularly about invoices and variations. Always send invoices on site or immediately after work. Chase overdue receivables weekly and persistently. Use systems to track and manage receivables effectively. Understand your numbers to communicate value confidently.  Sound Bites "Invoicing and getting paid should be the best part of your week." "Fear and disorganization are major barriers to timely payments." "Chase overdue receivables weekly and persistently." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why Cash Flow Matters 01:53 The Root Causes of Payment Delays 03:48 Fear and Disorganization as Barriers 06:04 The Power of Timely Invoicing 07:52 Systematizing Invoicing and Admin 10:01 Communicating About Variations and Extra Costs 11:47 The Importance of Regular Follow-Up 14:00 Using Numbers to Strengthen Payment Conversations 15:56 Chasing Overdue Receivables Effectively 17:48 Case Studies and Personal Stories 19:56 Taking Control of Your Cash Flow 21:52 Final Tips and Mindset Shifts 23:45 Conclusion: Make Invoicing the Best Part of Your Week

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About

🌴 Be excellent. Make money. Build wealth. Be kind. 📈 We help sparkies build generational empires 🎙️ Weekly podcasts

Information

  • Creator
    Sparky Coach
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    349
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sparky Coach
  • Show Website
    Sparky Coach

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