The Build Insite Podcast

Build Insite
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Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond. Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build. Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters: Smarter, healthier homes Business strategies that support better living Technology and systems that future-proof your work The balance between building, business, and well-being From high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week. Let’s build better, together.

  1. 5D AGO

    #53 Why Builders Must Think Like Business Owners with Luke Said – Part 1

    When you surround yourself with the right people, you quickly realise how much there is still to learn. In Part 1 of this conversation, host Dean Backman sit down with Luke Said from Impact Build to unpack the journey from green apprentice to performance-focused builder in the Macedon Ranges. Luke shares how an unexpected start in carpentry — sparked through a local footy club connection — set the foundation for an 18-year career in building. From being “as green as it gets” to now leading a team committed to higher standards, this episode explores what really shapes a builder: work ethic, mentorship, and the willingness to think differently. They dive into: • The power of mentoring and coaching in business • Why builders must see themselves as business owners first • The evolution of building standards in cold climates • How performance building changes the way teams think on site • The responsibility builders have to educate their clients This is an honest conversation about growth — personally, professionally, and as an industry. What You’ll Learn • Why surrounding yourself with the right mentors accelerates growth • How early work ethic shapes long-term success • Why thinking like a business owner changes everything • The difference between minimum standard and performance building • How upskilling your team builds long-term competitive advantage Chapters 00:00 – The Power of Mentorship 00:18 – Introducing Luke Said (Impact Build) 01:35 – How Luke Got Into Carpentry 06:18 – Mentors, Family & Hard Decisions 09:20 – Builder vs Business Owner Mindset 11:43 – Starting Impact as a Carpentry Business 14:25 – Learning Through Trial & Error 16:07 – Building in a Cold Climate 19:28 – Competing on Quality vs Price 22:07 – Educating Clients on Performance Builds 25:06 – Wrap Up Hosts: Dean Backman  Guest: Luke Said from Impact Build 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    26 min

  2. FEB 22

    #52 Planning, Profit, and Saying No: Lessons From a New Builder with Jesse Raeburn - Part 2

    The theory’s one thing. Making it work on site? That’s where it gets interesting. In Part 2 of our chat with Jesse Raeburn (FRP Group), we dig into what it really looks like building a new company from the ground up — keeping the team lean, staying selective with projects, and using your own build as the ultimate “showroom” to win the right clients. Jesse breaks down why FRP isn’t chasing volume, how they’re pushing best-practice building (not minimum standard), and the mindset shifts that come with family, business growth, and long nights doing admin after the kids are asleep. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why doing fewer projects can create better outcomes (and better margins) • How a builder’s own home build can become the best sales tool • What “best practice” looks like on real jobs (wraps, sealing, ventilation, detailing) • Why planning ahead is a non-negotiable skill when you’re starting out • How transparency with pricing and margin builds trust (and wins more work) Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast 00:08 – Part 2 recap and where we left off 00:18 – Team setup and why FRP is staying lean 01:12 – Winning the first client build (and why trust mattered most) 03:16 – Using your own project as a showroom for future clients 04:33 – Building best practice, not minimum standard 05:59 – Lessons for new builders: planning and scheduling properly 07:16 – Sponsor shoutout: Bowens 08:00 – Saying no to the wrong jobs (and why it’s powerful) 10:00 – Family, work hours, and being fully present on weekends 12:45 – Sponsor shoutout: Circa 13:30 – Pricing transparency: showing your spreadsheet and earning trust 16:49 – Rapid fire: tools, disasters, styles, and what’s next 20:12 – Where to follow Jesse + wrap up 21:19 – Podcast disclaimer 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    22 min

  3. FEB 15

    #52 Chasing Passion Over Paychecks with Jesse Raeburn – Part 1

    There’s no such thing as work-life balance when you’re building something great. But if you love what you do, does it even feel like work? In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, we sit down with Jesse Raeburn, former tradie, real estate agent, The Block contestant, and now co-founder of FRP Group. Jesse’s journey isn’t linear. From tiling commercial high-rises in Queensland to hustling listings in Melbourne, from selling houses on The Block to competing on it, and now launching his own building company, this conversation is about backing yourself, burning the safety net, and chasing what lights you up. We unpack: • Why Jesse believes “balance” is overrated when you’re building a dream • The grind of starting over in a new city with zero contacts • How a trade background became his unfair advantage in real estate • What really happens behind the scenes on The Block • The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur This isn’t just a chat about building houses. It’s about building yourself. What You’ll Learn • Why loving what you do eliminates the idea of “work-life balance” • How to leverage your trade skills beyond the tools • The power of handwritten letters and old-school hustle • Why removing financial pressure helps you negotiate with confidence • What resilience actually looks like when doors keep closing Chapters 00:00 – “There’s No Such Thing as Work-Life Balance” 00:30 – From Tiler to Real Estate Agent 02:10 – Starting a Business at 22 04:50 – The Melbourne Real Estate Hustle 07:30 – Breaking Into The Block 10:30 – The Reality of TV vs Real Life 14:00 – Launching FRP Group 18:00 – Backing Yourself Without a Safety Net Jesse’s energy is contagious. His journey proves that if you’re willing to go all in, sell the car, downsize the lifestyle, knock on 100 doors, you can create opportunities most people wait around for. If you’re a tradie thinking bigger, or a business owner questioning the grind, this one’s for you. Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery  Guest: Jesse Raeburn from FRP Group 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    35 min

  4. FEB 8

    #51 Building Systems, Stress & the Future of Construction with Dale Cheesman – Part 2

    The work doesn’t slow down, the pressure just changes. In Part 2, we wrap up our conversation with Dale Cheesman and dive deeper into what it really takes to run a complex, multi-arm building business without burning out. Dale opens up about managing stress across high-end residential, events, and joinery, and why investing in people, systems, and health matters more than watching the bank balance. From apprenticeship culture and leadership transparency to AI, admin efficiency, and coffee machines on site, this episode is packed with practical lessons builders can actually use. We also explore the future of construction, rising costs, smarter pricing, the role of AI in admin and pre-construction, and how builders can stay competitive without losing their values. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about evolution, balance, and building businesses that last. What you’ll learn in this episode: • How the right people and systems reduce pressure long-term • Why health, mindset, and culture matter just as much as profit • What’s changed with apprentices — and how builders should adapt • How AI is already helping builders with pricing, admin, and decision-making • The real challenges facing builders as projects scale and costs rise Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 00:24 – Managing pressure across residential, events & joinery 01:53 – Systems, staff & not chasing the dollar 03:30 – Apprentices then vs now 05:03 – Scaling up & finding the next project 06:37 – Leadership visibility & team transparency 08:36 – Coffee machines, culture & site morale 11:12 – Building costs, pricing gaps & client expectations 14:18 – AI in construction: admin, pricing & decision-making 19:04 – Project management software & systems 21:19 – Health, balance & avoiding burnout 25:01 – What’s next for The Melbourne Builder 26:25 – Rapid fire questions & final advice Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery  Guest: Dale Cheesman from The Melbourn Builder 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    30 min

  5. FEB 1

    #51 From Carpentry to Multi-Arm Business with Dale Cheesman – Part 1

    Sometimes growth isn’t about chasing bigger jobs. It’s about building better systems. In this episode, we sit down with a builder who’s done exactly that. In Part 1 of this conversation, Dale Cheesman from The Melbourne Builder joins hosts Dean Backman and Luke Callery on the Build Insite Podcast to unpack a career that spans high-end residential builds, large-scale event spaces, and in-house joinery. Dale walks through his journey from a tough carpentry apprenticeship to building a multi-arm construction business. He did it not by chasing dollars, but by focusing on people, process, and systems that scale. From fast-track event deadlines at the Melbourne Cup and Grand Prix to applying “sprint” thinking to residential projects, this episode is packed with real-world lessons for builders navigating growth, pressure, and changing markets. This is an honest look at what it takes to evolve from being on the tools to running a resilient construction business, without losing quality along the way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How focusing on systems and people drives sustainable growth • Why event construction teaches speed, clarity, and decision-making • The real value of broad trade exposure early in your career • When to step off the tools and replace yourself in the business • How deadlines, sprints, and structure improve build quality Chapters 00:00 – Systems over dollars 00:13 – Welcome to Build Insite 00:32 – Meet Dale Cheesman 01:19 – Starting out in carpentry 03:30 – Early business and partnerships 04:20 – Founding The Melbourne Builder 05:46 – From tools to admin and leadership 08:49 – Getting a builder’s licence young 11:36 – Replacing yourself in the business 14:00 – Defining high-end residential 15:03 – Joinery and the move into events 18:02 – Event builds, deadlines, and pressure 21:42 – Applying event speed to residential 24:54 – Market shifts in high-end resi 26:29 – Wrap-up and Part 2 preview Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery  Guest: Dale Cheesman from The Melbourn Builder 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    28 min

  6. JAN 25

    #50 Building Personal Brand, Publishing a Book & Designing Better Homes with Luke Davies – Part 2

    The theory’s one thing. Turning ideas into real outcomes? That’s where the work really begins. In Part 2 of Episode 50, we wrap up our conversation with Luke Davies, diving deeper into his journey of writing Dream Home, building a personal brand in construction, and helping homeowners and builders think differently about how homes are designed, planned, and delivered. Luke shares the behind-the-scenes reality of publishing a book, the frameworks that shaped it, and why clarity, orientation, and the right team matter far more than just floor plans and finishes. We also explore leadership, culture, health, and how to balance growth with family life in a demanding industry. What you’ll hear in this episode: • Why Luke decided to write Dream Home (and why it took years to finish) • How personal branding builds trust across multiple businesses • Common misconceptions homeowners have when building a dream home • The importance of block orientation, lifestyle, and long-term comfort • Leadership lessons on culture, delegation, and clarity in growing teams • Rapid-fire insights on design, tools, trends, and favourite build moments What you’ll learn: • How publishing content can strengthen credibility in construction • Why the planning phase sets the success of every build • How builders, designers, and homeowners can get aligned earlier • Practical leadership habits that support sustainable growth • Why health, family, and mindset underpin long-term success Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 00:30 – Writing Dream Home and building a personal brand 02:08 – The process behind the book and its frameworks 05:44 – Who the book is really written for 08:57 – Homeowner misconceptions and decision overwhelm 11:25 – Orientation, lifestyle, and building performance 12:31 – Health, family, and personal priorities 14:09 – Leadership, culture, and team development 17:30 – Rapid fire questions with Luke 19:46 – Where to find Luke and his work 20:26 – Final thoughts and wrap-up 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: https://buildinsite.com.au/ 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    21 min

  7. JAN 18

    #50 Proximity Is Power: How Community Shapes Better Builders with Luke Davies - Part 1

    Proximity matters. Who you spend time with, learn from, and build alongside can shape the direction of your business and your life. In this episode of the Build Insite Podcast, we sit down with Luke Davies from Tasmania to unpack the idea that community isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a growth accelerator. From weekly catch-ups to industry events, Luke explains why surrounding yourself with the right people can move you forward faster than any tool or system. Luke shares his journey from growing up on dairy farms in Tassie to becoming a builder, architect, author, and co-founder of Future Builder. We explore how early work ethic shaped his mindset, why Tasmania produces highly skilled builders, and how systemising your business can be the difference between burnout and balance. This conversation also dives into high-performance building, healthy homes, integrated design, and why better systems lead to better outcomes. That includes benefits for clients, teams, and builders themselves. What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why proximity and community can accelerate your growth as a builder • How Luke’s early life shaped his work ethic and leadership style • The importance of systemising your business to regain time and clarity • Why design integration is critical to reducing waste and variations • How healthy businesses lead to healthier homes and lifestyles Chapters: 00:00 – Proximity is power and the value of community 01:55 – Growing up on dairy farms and building work ethic 04:40 – The decision to start a building business 06:47 – Why Tasmania produces highly skilled builders 07:31 – Community, collaboration, and sharing knowledge 09:17 – Systemisation as the turning point 12:50 – The missing link between design and construction 14:07 – Why great building can’t fix poor design 20:18 – Healthy homes and the builder’s responsibility 23:38 – The origin story of Future Builder 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at: buildinsite.com.au 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @build.insite

    38 min

  8. JAN 11

    #49 Highlights from 2025: The First Build Insite Episode of 2026

    Before we roll into 2026, we are pressing pause to revisit the moments that defined 2025 on the Build Insite Podcast. The quotes, stories, and hard truths stuck with us long after the mics were switched off. These short reflections capture the ideas, lessons, and conversations that challenged thinking and sparked better discussions across the industry. A big thank you to everyone who was part of the Build Insite journey in 2025, our guests, listeners, and partners who continue to support better conversations across the industry. Your insights, challenges, and shared experiences are what make this platform what it is. Here’s to new conversations, stronger partnerships, and building better together in 2026. 🎧 Listen to the Build Insite Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🌐 Explore more at  https://buildinsite.com.au 📸 Follow us on Instagram @build.insite

    23 min
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About

Welcome to the Build Insite Podcast – back with Season 2 and a renewed mission to bring you raw, practical building insights from across Australia and beyond. Led by a passionate team of builders and industry professionals, we explore the latest in construction techniques, design innovation, and the tools shaping modern building. But this isn’t just a trade chat — it’s a space for real stories, sharp lessons, and conversations that go beyond the build. Beginning Season 2, we’re doubling down on what matters: Smarter, healthier homes Business strategies that support better living Technology and systems that future-proof your work The balance between building, business, and well-being From high-performance homes to behind-the-scenes of iconic builds, we’re spotlighting the people, ideas, and challenges driving the industry forward. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your crew, you’ll find something valuable here — every week. Let’s build better, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Build Insite
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Build Insite Podcast

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