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

    People, Performance & Process: Leadership Lessons for Construction Owners

    Welcome to Episode 105 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ Gavin Coyle is joined by Michaela Anderson, Founder of LoyaltyOps™, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing construction businesses today: people, performance, process, and communication. As companies grow, most owners focus on the visible side of growth — sales, marketing, leads, and winning more work. But what often gets overlooked is what happens inside the business once that growth arrives. Michaela shares why so many companies struggle to scale, why communication standards matter more than most leaders realise, and how purpose, accountability, and clear expectations can transform team performance. This conversation is especially valuable for construction business owners, small to mid-sized companies, and leaders trying to build stronger teams without losing control of the business. We cover:– Why operations break growing companies – Michaela’s background in scaling businesses – The leadership dynamic behind LoyaltyOps™ – Why younger workers think differently about work – The communication problems causing friction in teams – Why empathy matters in leadership – The hiring mistakes small businesses often make – Why purpose is essential for attracting and keeping great people – The role of planning in building a business that lasts – A simple flywheel for communication, accountability and improvement – Why culture should be seen as performance – How leaders can set clear standards across the business 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 00:26 Why growth breaks without operations 00:52 Intro: Gavin Coyle + Michaela Anderson 03:40 Michaela’s background in marketing and transformational growth 04:13 The real bottleneck in scaling companies 04:31 The birth of LoyaltyOps™ 04:41 Michaela’s husband’s Special Forces background 06:09 High performance, psychology and leadership styles 06:48 Are younger workers really less resilient? 08:09 The biggest challenge in teams: communication 09:39 Performance vs money: what leaders over-focus on 10:05 Why empathy matters in leadership 10:46 “A good shepherd smells like sheep” 10:50 Why construction owners struggle to attract labour 11:47 The hiring myth small businesses believe 12:17 What great people actually want from work 13:14 Why sustainability and long-term thinking matter 14:04 Why purpose is essential for attracting talent 14:29 The “clear intent” framework 15:47 Why so many businesses still have no real plan 17:03 A business plan vs a job you work forever 18:23 The pros and cons of an agile contractor-based business 19:16 Why loyalty is a two-way street 20:27 Why some owners resist change 21:01 Michaela’s four-step flywheel 24:15 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com 25:00 What happens when systems are broken 26:38 Policies vs standards: what companies miss 27:26 A simple one-page source of truth 27:47 Why most core values are useless 28:33 How language shapes behavior 28:49 Using catchphrases and heuristics to guide teams 29:47 Turning values into real behaviors 30:54 Culture as performance 31:24 Why this process is easier than it sounds 31:33 The mistake of turning culture into committee work 32:15 Why systems must fit the business 33:07 Leaders as amplifiers of culture 34:46 How to create standards people can speak up in 36:01 The problem with dominant old-school A players 37:10 Why leadership must address toxic behavior directly 38:07 Undercover Boss and the gap from leadership to the ground 39:12 Why leaders need clarity on who they are and where they’re going 40:30 Why chasing profit can distract from purpose 41:53 How long implementation takes 42:39 Why Michaela recommends 90-day sprints 43:49 The kind of growth leaders can expect 45:17 Curveball: Michaela’s international background 46:13 Knowing what you know now… 46:18 Michaela’s biggest life/business lesson 47:01 Go-to destination: Disney cruises 49:00 Book recommendation: Big Little Breakthroughs 49:33 Favorite movie: The Princess Bride 50:06 How to contact Michaela 51:53 Final thoughts on contraction, resilience and opportunity Connect with Michaela AndersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heymickeyanderson/ Website: https://loyaltyops.com/ I’m The GafferI’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. Available on:Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube: /@imthegafferpodcast Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness #Leadership #TeamCulture #BusinessGrowth #Communication #ConstructionIndustry #SmallBusiness #PeoplePerformanceProcess #Hustro

    56 min

  2. MAR 3

    Zoning Made Simple: How FutureLot Uses AI to Unlock ADU Builds

    Welcome to Episode 104 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ Gavin Coyle is joined by Avi Kaufman, Co-Founder and Chief Real Estate Officer of FutureLot, to unpack one of the most overlooked (and most expensive) parts of any build: zoning + pre-planning. Zoning bylaws can be 50 to 2,000 pages long, layered over decades, and different in every municipality. Avi explains how FutureLot is using AI (with human review) to turn that complexity into a fast, address-based feasibility read—so builders can qualify projects in minutes, not weeks, and spot red flags before trust (and budgets) get blown up. We cover: – Why zoning research is broken (and why it slows housing everywhere) – How AI can read bylaws + codes at scale (with a human review layer) – “Type in the address → get a report”: what builders actually see – Hazard layers that change the deal: wetlands, fire zones, sinkholes, slopes, etc. – Why builders win when they can have an intelligent first call with homeowners – The ADU opportunity: backyard cottages, infill, and “missing middle” housing – How faster qualification improves conversions + reduces costly surprises – What FutureLot is building next (zooming out to identify opportunity areas) – Pricing + who it’s for (builders first, homeowners can run a few reports free) 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 00:27 The zoning reality: 50–2,000 page bylaws + 20k–30k municipalities 01:03 AI + human review: how FutureLot creates an “early read” report 01:29 Intro: Gavin Coyle + Avi Kaufman (FutureLot) 02:20 What FutureLot helps answer: what you can build + key constraints 03:04 Why projects fail: long planning cycles + missed details (surveys, permits) 04:18 Avi’s background: army, real estate, business school, learning to code 09:31 The lightbulb moment: housing access + ADUs (backyard cottages) 10:05 The promise: “type your address” and get only the relevant rules 11:36 What builders get: instant report + map + setbacks + hazard layers 12:03 Builder advantage: smarter first call + faster trust + fewer surprises 13:34 Who uses it most: ADU-focused builders (pipeline + qualification) 15:51 Permit timelines: 30 days in some places, months in others 17:29 Future vision: market-wide filters to find ADU-eligible lots 18:03 Competition + positioning: granularity for “missing middle” projects 29:22 Growth: current coverage + expansion plans 33:46 Builder economics: saving 4–20 hours per lead qualification 34:26 Pricing: starts at $199/month; 3 free reports available 37:14 State government project teaser: ADU accelerator + pipeline insights 38:05 Curveball: “Knowing what you know now…” 38:19 Favorites: Back to the Future, Edge of Tomorrow; book recommendation 41:06 How to contact Avi + FutureLot Connect with Avi Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinkaufman/ Website: https://www.futurelot.com/ Email: avi@futurelot.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. Available on: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube: /@imthegafferpodcast Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #Construction #Zoning #PreConstruction #Feasibility #ADU #Housing #Builders #ConstructionBusiness #ProjectPlanning #Hustro

    46 min

  3. FEB 17

    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 example: VA = revenue growth opportunity 22:05 Hiring shift: hire experts, not warm bodies 24:41 Hustro.com sponsor segment 25:26 Bookkeeper + forecasting importance 26:08 Field labor and job-site admin role 27:31 When to hire a project manager (after team foundation) 29:38 Cost control: who owns job costing? 30:20 PM + estimator alignment before sending estimates 31:13 Weekly KPIs: on time + on budget accountability 33:03 SOPs that work: start with outcomes, build backwards 34:26 Subscribe + community message 35:08 Trends Liz sees: 80% mindset, 20% tactics 35:48 Video marketing + contractor camera confidence 37:48 Social proof + posts showing up in AI search 38:53 Liz’s book: “SOPs Suck” 39:45 Day in the life: 4am routine + family + business 41:38 Can the business run without Liz? (2026 goal) 42:25 Liz’s plan: coaches + leadership focus 43:48 Curveball: what would Liz do differently? 44:40 Book recommendation: Six Types of Working Genius 46:50 Assessment cost + why it matters 47:32 How to contact Liz + website + socials Connect with LizLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-chism-coaching/ Website: https://lizchism.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_chism/ 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. Available on: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube: /@imthegafferpodcast Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #Construction #Leadership #ConstructionBusiness #ProjectManagement #ContractorLife #Operations #SOPs #ConstructionManagement #Hustro

    53 min

  4. 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: https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #Construction #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #PsychologicalSafety #ConstructionLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #ConstructionPodcast

    57 min

  5. 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 decisions 23:41 Fiduciary committees & governance frameworks 24:30 Innovative benefits: concierge primary care 26:45 Keyman insurance & cyber risk protection 29:33 What employee benefits really cost (US benchmarks) 31:31 Benefits as a strategic & exit-planning advantage 33:05 Maturity model: aligning incentives & shared-savings caution 34:43 Conference workshop: measuring benefits value 36:12 Final insights, mindset lessons & how to contact Donovan FREE RESOURCES FROM DONOVAN Download the free executive summary of "Fixing Healthcare" → https://fixinghealthcare.com CONNECT WITH DONOVAN LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanpyle/ Website → https://donovanpyle.com Company → Health Compass Consulting Book → "Fixing Healthcare" (available on Amazon) 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 Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBenefits#HealthcareForConstruction #EmployeeRetention #ConstructionBusiness #HealthInsurance #ConstructionPodcast #EmployeeBenefits

    45 min

  6. 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

  7. 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  #construction #constructionbusiness#business #podcast

    59 min

  8. 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 #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast

    54 min
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About

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
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Gavin Coyle
  • Show Website
    I'm The Gaffer