I'm The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle
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I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

  1. 2D AGO

    Stop Being the Bottleneck: Build a Construction Team That Runs Without You

    Welcome to Episode 103 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ Gavin Coyle is joined by Liz Chism, a construction coach and business expert, to break down how contractors can stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that runs with systems, standards, and the right hires. If you’re stuck doing everything, working insane hours, and feeling like quality will drop if you let go, then this episode gives you a practical roadmap to step into leadership and build a team that performs without you. We cover:Liz’s story: from 100-hour weeks to building a team that could run the businessThe first step before hiring: simplify your businessWhy “organizing clutter” is a band-aid (and what to do instead)The project audit: focusing on the 20% of jobs that drive 80% profit“Recapture + reallocate”: cutting waste to free cash fastWhy marketing agencies fail contractors and how to market smarterThe best first hire for small contractors: a Virtual AssistantHiring sequence: VA → Project Coordinator → Field Labor → Project ManagerWhy hiring managers too early creates friction (they end up managing you)Cost control: project managers owning job cost + KPIsSOPs that work: start with outcomes, then build the process backwardsLiz’s daily routine, leadership mindset, and long-term visionBook recommendation: The 6 Types of Working Genius + assessment Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters)00:16 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com 01:04 Intro: Gavin Coyle + Liz Chism 02:07 Liz’s background in construction + QuickBooks at 14 02:46 Brewery journey + becoming the bottleneck 03:42 100-hour weeks → learning to build a team 04:31 Turning phone off for 2 weeks (test of systems + team) 05:41 Where do we start? (not hiring first) 06:28 Step 1: Simplify your business (Liz’s 5S framework) 07:07 Project audit: which jobs are most profitable? 08:07 “Say no more” + profit margin jump example 08:31 Recapture + reallocate: cutting waste to free cash 10:31 Gavin on marketing agency frustrations 11:41 Liz: why most agencies waste money + how to market smarter 13:21 Key hires in construction teams 13:35 First hire: Virtual Assistant (admin leverage) 14:29 VA cost breakdown + bonuses approach 15:52 “$5/hour is illegal?” (context + fair pay by country) 17:45 Next hire: Project Coordinator (coordination + client comms) 18:46 Is the project coordinator virtual? (usually on-site) 20:40 Follow-up

    53 min

  2. FEB 10

    Suicide Prevention in Construction: Building Psychologically Safe Workplaces

    Welcome to Episode 102 of I'm The Gaffer Gavin Coyle is joined by Darren Barden, Founder and CEO of iTalk MH Ltd, for a powerful and sensitive conversation on suicide prevention in construction and how businesses can build psychologically safe workplaces. If you’re a construction leader asking, “How do we spot the signs?” or “What can we actually do beyond awareness?” then this episode is a practical starting point. We cover: – Why Darren believes most suicides are preventable (and what that really means) – The concept of a psychologically safe site, like the cultural shift we saw in health and safety. – The real business impact: one suicide can cost ~£1M on a large site (shutdowns, absence, disruption) – Why awareness isn’t enough: “now it’s time for action” – Why one-off talks don’t work (and what sustained culture change looks like) – iTalk’s approach: working top-down + ground-up with leadership and teams – Tools like the Help Hub (Samaritans access, Shout text support, and vetted services) – Darren’s personal story: trauma, PTSD, depression, and how he found support. – The risks of mental health first aid without proper support for the first aiders themselves – The “small win” that can save lives: check in on your mates – Signs to watch: isolation, attendance patterns, mood changes, withdrawal from the group – Why this affects everyone in construction, from site teams to executives. Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 01:18 Guest intro: Darren Barden (Founder & CEO, iTalk MH Ltd) 01:50 Sensitive topic notice + Samaritans support reminder 03:38 Can suicide be prevented in construction? Darren’s answer 05:10 Prevention over cure + “psychologically safe workplace” 08:31 The business risk: financial impact + mental health absenteeism 09:47 UK stats + why construction figures are a “grey area” 13:20 Why one-off awareness doesn’t work (sustained action matters) 15:45 iTalk’s Help Hub + Shout text support + vetted specialist partners 18:30 Darren’s personal story begins (trauma → PTSD → depression) 26:20 Medication stigma + why early support matters 28:05 Recognizing signs early + therapy support 29:00 Mental Health First Aid: benefits + risks for the first aiders 33:00 Spotting early signs in teams + “well-being grid” idea 35:05 Workplace suicide prevention standards + learning without blame 40:40 Key signals employers can watch for 42:05 How to ask the hard question (suicidal thoughts) + why it saves lives 48:45 One action to start this next week: “Check in on your mates” 49:47 Knowing what you know now—what would you do differently? 50:40 Book recommendation + Darren mentions writing his own book 52:00 How to contact Darren + iTalk MH UK SUPPORT (SAMARITANS) If you’re struggling or feeling suicidal, Samaritans are available 24/7. 📞 Call free: 116 123 🌐 More ways to get help: https://www.samaritans.org/ CONNECT WITH DARREN LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-barden-a6673156/ Company Website → iTalk MH Ltd https://italkmh.com/ I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people—bringing insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint success in the building industry. I'm The Gaffer, available on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube: / @imthegafferpodcast Website:...

    57 min

  3. JAN 27

    Healthcare Benefits for Construction Companies – How to Attract & Retain Top Talent with Strategic Health Plans

    Welcome to Episode 101 of I'm The Gaffer Gavin Coyle talks healthcare strategy & employee benefits with Donovan Pyle – Founder & CEO of Health Compass Consulting, author of "Fixing Healthcare," and the expert who's helping construction companies save millions while delivering better care to their teams. If you're a construction owner wondering "How do I keep good employees?" or "Why is healthcare so expensive?" – this episode is your blueprint. We cover: – Why healthcare plans are your secret weapon for attracting and retaining talent in competitive labor markets – The rigged system: how brokers misalign incentives and make MORE when your costs go up – Donovan's journey from the music industry to healthcare consulting – The $4,000 per employee you're wasting on healthcare (25% of total spend is pure waste) – Pre-tax benefits advantages: why benefits beat salary increases dollar-for-dollar – Employee Benefits Voice: the survey tool that reveals what your team actually values – Pet insurance to concierge doctors: surprising benefits employees want – Building fiduciary committees for smarter healthcare governance – The shocking connection between employee turnover and workplace safety incidents – How to budget for benefits: $500-$3,000/month per employee explained – Free resources to optimize your healthcare plan and eliminate waste Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports Start and claim 2 months for free→ https://hustro.com/gavin Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 00:26 “The Game Is Rigged” — why healthcare lacks transparency 01:02 Welcome to the show + guest intro: Donovan Pyle 02:20 Donovan’s journey: music → insurance → healthcare consulting 04:40 Why healthcare plans matter in construction businesses 05:25 Using benefits to attract & retain talent post-COVID 06:20 The real cost of employee turnover 07:10 Why benefits can outperform salary (tax advantage explained) 08:21 Understanding what employees actually value 10:18 Surprising benefits employees care about (pet insurance) 11:35 Designing flexible benefits for diverse teams 13:08 Global perspective: healthcare taxation & policy differences 15:11 Why traditional brokers are misaligned 16:20 Unbiased consulting model & fiduciary responsibility 18:40 Hustro sponsor message (construction productivity) 19:25 Healthcare transparency laws & disclosure requirements 21:06 Hidden waste in employer health plans 22:23 Role of HR, CFO & leadership in benefits...

    45 min

  4. JAN 20

    Government Contracts: The Stable Revenue Stream Most Construction Businesses Ignore

    Welcome to Episode I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle sits down with Melinda Colon expert in helping 6–7 figure businesses (and beyond) win government contracts globally. If you want consistent, stable revenue, guaranteed payments (as long as you price right), and a hedge against private-sector volatility, government contracts are the answer most construction owners overlook. We cover: Why government contracts = stability (not just “nice to have”) The 5-step Gavin Coyle sales strategy (prepare → target → strategize → submit → track) How to find buyers & register BEFORE the tender drops Why “no time to bid” is actually an opportunity (rebids & expressions of interest) Building relationships with procurement officers (no bribes needed!) The mindset shift: stop chasing → start positioning Melinda’s journey: corporate burnout → $5.79B+ in client wins Episode Highlights 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 00:26 Melinda’s story – corporate burnout to full-time Gavin Coyle success 04:43 Why winning a contract feels better than the money 07:40 The 20–30% government revenue sweet spot 13:18 Government contracts stimulate the economy – your piece is waiting 17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad 20:13 Money flow: follow the budget before it becomes a contract 26:30 How to find the real buyer (procurement/purchasing contacts) 31:18 Expressions of Interest – your unfair advantage 36:50 The interview/presentation: speak to every person in the room 43:27 Re-bids & “no one responded” = second chance 50:13 Knowing what you know now… Melinda’s biggest regret 52:09 Melinda’s fun fact + how to connect SPONSOR Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on Apple → https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify → https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website → https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness #governmentcontracts #govcon #constructionrevenue #business #podcast #Construction #constructiontechnology

    58 min

  5. JAN 6

    How Construction Can Attract the Next Generation (Before It’s Too Late)

    Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle discusses talent attraction, culture & mental health in construction with Tom Prendergast, HSE Director UK at H&MV Engineering. If you’re struggling to find good people, keep them, or build a culture that doesn’t burn people out –this episode is your wake-up call. We cover: – Why schools & parents still push university over trades – The “Mayo Mafia” & Irish influence on UK construction – H&MV’s in-house academy – the conveyor belt of talent – Mental health, addiction & the nomadic lifestyle problem – Buddy systems, work-life balance & supporting the whole person – Celebrating unsung construction heroes – Why “get Paddy on the shovel” culture is dead – Tom’s journey: electrician → North Sea → HSE leader Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software Episode Highlights 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 00:26 Innovative employee packages (virtual shares, financial coaching) 03:22 Tom’s 30-year journey – apprentice to HSE Director 05:34 Schools grading on university places = the real problem 11:19 The nomadic lifestyle – the hidden mental health trigger 17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad 21:22 5-a-side football & house shares – fixing isolation on site 28:23 Light duties & supporting the whole person 36:31 Bucket list questions every leader should ask 40:21 Seasons of life – why one-size-fits-all fails 45:44 The power of mentoring & legacy 51:16 Tom’s imposter syndrome story 53:26 How to contact Tom CONNECT WITH TOM LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-prendergast-84927a18/ Company— hmveng.ie Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports  Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, offering invaluable lessons and tips that provide a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/construction" rel="noopener...

    59 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    How to Hire & Keep Great People in Construction (Even When Everyone Else Is Struggling)

    Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle talks hiring, retention & culture with Traci Austin, the HR expert who builds high-performing teams for blue-collar businesses. If you’re tired of bad hires costing you time/money, rockstars leaving, or struggling to build a real team culture – this episode is your blueprint. We cover: – Why most contractors hire the wrong people (and how to stop it tomorrow) – The scorecard system that aligns behaviours, culture & skills – “Behaviours you allow” = your real company culture – Creative compensation beyond salary (without breaking the bank) – Light duties done right vs wrong – Holding people accountable without burning bridges – Seasons of life – why one-size-fits-all pay/packages fail – Traci’s free resources (links below) Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software on the planet. Episode Highlights 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 00:26 Innovative employee deals (virtual shares, financial coaching) 03:22 Traci’s journey – 24 years building HR for trades 05:34 The scorecard that changes everything 12:31 Culture = behaviours you allow (or don’t) 17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad 23:04 Creative packages beyond salary 28:23 Light duties – good vs dangerous 31:18 “Happy alumni” pathway – how to part ways well 36:31 Seasons of life & personalized motivation 40:21 Bucket list questions every leader should ask 45:44 Traci’s free scorecard & tough talk blueprint CONNECT WITH TRACI LinkedIn → Search “Traci Austin.” Website → elevatedtalentconsulting.com Podcast → The People Strategy Podcast SPONSOR Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction a...

    54 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    LinkedIn for Construction Leaders – Practical Strategies for Building a Strong Professional Network

    Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle discusses LinkedIn mastery & AI in content creation with Al Kushner, founder of LinkedVantage®, an award-winning author, and the individual who transformed insurance sales into a LinkedIn empire. If you’re a construction owner wondering “Is LinkedIn worth my time?” or “How do I use AI without sounding fake?” – this episode is your blueprint. We cover: – Why LinkedIn is the #1 platform for B2B (and Facebook/TikTok aren’t) – The goldmine most contractors ignore (it’s not posting selfies) – How to optimise your profile so clients find YOU – AI as a tool (not a replacement) – multiple tools = better results – Balancing AI efficiency with real authenticity (the audience can spot fake) – Quality connections > vanity numbers – Newsletters, recommendations, groups – the features that actually work – Al’s free LinkedIn audit worksheet (link below) Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software on the planet. Episode Highlights 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 00:26 Al’s journey – insurance → LinkedIn since 2006 01:15 Why LinkedIn beats every other platform for B2B 05:34 Free vs Premium vs Sales Navigator – what you actually need 08:25 Quality over quantity connections 11:19 The QR code feature nobody uses (better than business cards) 17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad 22:33 Groups – the hidden goldmine for networking 25:28 Commercial profiles & photos that win trust 30:13 AI tools Al uses (Perplexity, Copy.ai, Jasper + more) 36:31 Create your own “AI board of advisors.” 39:20 Why sole reliance on AI kills authenticity 46:23 Al’s book “The AI LinkedIn Advantage” 48:15 How to contact Al + free profile audit worksheet FREE GIFT FROM AL Optimise your LinkedIn profile today a completely free worksheet → https://linkvantage.com/audit CONNECT WITH AL LinkedIn → Search “Al Kushner.” Website → https://linkvantage.com Book → “The AI LinkedIn Advantage” (Amazon/ebook/audio) Podcast → The AI Authority Edge SPONSOR Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website a href="https://www.imthegaffer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    56 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Beyond the Incident: Real Crisis Management in Construction | I’m The Gaffer Podcast

    Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle talks crisis management & incident investigation with Desai Link, ex-lawyer turned safety pro, who moved from Australia to New Zealand because “they were 10 years behind in safety”. If you’ve ever wondered what to do the second someone gets hurt on your site (and 99 % of contractors haven’t planned for it), this episode is pure gold. We go deep on: The phone call every contractor dreads (“someone died on your site”) – Why “just follow the procedure” is the WORST investigation answer – How your own safety paperwork can be used AGAINST you in court – The thumb incident that uncovered recruitment fraud – Why New Zealand has 4× more fatalities per capita than the UK – The one question that turns blame into real learning – Light duties done right vs wrong – Des’s book “Beyond the Incident”, the legal tricks safety pros miss Sponsored by Hustro.com, the simplest construction management software on the planet. KEY TAKEAWAYSPaperwork-heavy safety can be used AGAINST you in court Always ask “Why?” five more times. Blame is easy, learning is gold Clients fear risk more than they love saving money Light duties = good IF you stay connected (bad if you just pay & ghost) Every incident is an opportunity – treat it like one TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor 00:26 Des: “Aussie by birth, Kiwi by choice.” 01:27 NZ safety is 10 years behind Australia 03:19 From law → forklifts → safety (the real story) 05:44 Why most safety paperwork can be used against you 08:35 The thumb incident → international recruitment fraud exposed 11:29 Root cause vs legal causation – the difference that saves millions 17:43 What to do the SECOND the media rings 22:28 Hustro.com mid-roll 24:55 “Choose your hard” – light duties done right 27:49 Des’s 5 golden rules for ANY incident 31:18 The fraud case that changed everything 37:09 Des’s personal health battles (COPD + no immune system) 42:49 Why “just sack them” loses twice 45:44 Book “Beyond the Incident” – free download 48:15 How to contact Des (he answers everyone) SPONSOR Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube a href="https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    53 min
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I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

Information

  • Creator
    Gavin Coyle
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Gavin Coyle
  • Show Website
    I'm The Gaffer