The Puzzle Factory: Real Talk for NZ Electricians and Trade Businesses

The Puzzle Factory Podcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Puzzle Factory - Powered by NZ Trade Group Welcome to The Puzzle Factory, the podcast where we piece together the secrets to running a successful electrical business. Hosted by Alex, an electrician by trade, and Tait, a business leadership and management expert, this show offers a unique blend of industry expertise and entrepreneurial insight. Each episode, Alex and Tait dive into the ins and outs of the electrical trade, sharing practical tips, valuable knowledge, and real-world experiences. From business strategies to leadership skills, they explore how to effectively manage an electrical business. Alongside expert guest speakers from the industry, they’ll discuss everything from technical skills to customer relationships and more, offering listeners the tools they need to thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you’re an electrician just starting out or an established business or someone curious about the challenges and opportunities within the electrical industry, The Puzzle Factory is your go-to source for insight, inspiration, mixed in with some bants and hearty discussion. Tune in and let’s build something great, one piece at a time. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment only and may contain explicit content. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests, and not professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.

  1. BONUS EPISODE: Chasing Work Swedish Tech and the Future of Voltsy with Braeden

    FEB 3

    BONUS EPISODE: Chasing Work Swedish Tech and the Future of Voltsy with Braeden

    This bonus episode of The Puzzle Factory features a conversation with Braeden from Voltsy, exploring one of the most unique career paths in the electrical industry.Braeden shares stories from his upbringing, including how he would approach builders directly on the street to find work and get his foot in the door. We dive into his time working with advanced technology in Sweden and the highly structured culture that he describes as almost cult like.We talk about the early development of Voltsy, the mindset behind building a brand that stands out in the New Zealand electrical space, and what the future holds for the company as the industry continues to evolve.A genuine and insightful conversation for any electrician or trade business owner looking for inspiration and fresh ideas.The Puzzle Factory Real Talk for NZ Electricians and Trade Businesses.

    1h 5m
  2. BONUS EPISODE: He Thought He Invented Recruitment… Until He Didn’t – Les from Standup Recruitment

    12/16/2025

    BONUS EPISODE: He Thought He Invented Recruitment… Until He Didn’t – Les from Standup Recruitment

    In this bonus episode, Alex sits down with Les from Standup Recruitment to unpack the wild early days of his career, including cold calling off fire escapes while working as a commercial painter, chasing down leads on job sites, and the moment he realised he hadn’t invented recruitment after all. Les shares his honest take on the industry, building trust with tradies, and why standing up for the people you place matters more than anything.If you enjoy real stories from the trades, hard-earned lessons, and a few good laughs along the way, this one is a beauty.

    55 min
  3. S2.EP12 Season Finale: Social Media for Tradies & the Power of Word of Mouth - Stanley Henry The Attention Seeker

    09/23/2025

    S2.EP12 Season Finale: Social Media for Tradies & the Power of Word of Mouth - Stanley Henry The Attention Seeker

    This episode of The Puzzle Factory is a must-listen for any tradie wanting to grow their business in the digital age. We sit down with Stanley Henry, founder of The Attention Seeker, to unpack his journey and get his raw take on what tradies are getting wrong (and right) when it comes to marketing.Stan breaks down what he would do if he owned a trade business today — including exactly how he’d build a social presence, why most flyers are a waste of time, and what kind of content actually gets results.We also dive into the difference between sales and marketing, and we literally prove the power of word-of-mouth networking live on the pod — this one’s full of gems and practical advice. https://www.theattentionseeker.com/

    41 min
  4. S2.Ep11 Power Couple: Starting Standout Electrical, Scholarship Wins & a Baby on the Way

    09/16/2025

    S2.Ep11 Power Couple: Starting Standout Electrical, Scholarship Wins & a Baby on the Way

    In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we sit down with Jacob and Ance—the husband-and-wife duo behind Standout Electrical in Auckland. They’ve just been honoured as recipients of the Master Electricians Master Electricians – Auckland Branch Business Scholarship—a fantastic testament to their commitment to craftsmanship, professionalism, and service. Join us as Jacob and Ance reflect on the early hurdles of launching a trade business—managing customer trust, standing out in a competitive field, and the nitty-gritty of running both a business and a family. They also share candid stories of working side by side as a couple, building their brand together, and navigating the joyful challenge of expecting their first baby while ensuring the business continues to shine. Topics We'll Explore:• The Master Electricians Business Scholarship—what it means to them, how they earned it, and how it’s helping take their business to the next level.• The practical pains and triumphs of starting an electrical trade business—from trust and communication to marketing and growth.• The dynamics of being business partners and life partners—how they divide roles, resolve disagreements, and make space for family and baby on the way. Tune in for an inspiring look at how passion, partnership, and purpose combine to light the way forward—not just in a business, but in life. https://www.standoutelectrical.co.nz/https://www.instagram.com/standoutelectricalnz/

    52 min
  5. S2.EP10 : Yarns with Andy (Annamalai Alagappan): Bold NZ Construction Industry Predictions, AI Tools & Big Laughs

    09/09/2025

    S2.EP10 : Yarns with Andy (Annamalai Alagappan): Bold NZ Construction Industry Predictions, AI Tools & Big Laughs

    In this episode of The Puzzle Factory with Annamalai “Andy” Alagappan from Yarns with Andy, we cover: 🔨 The real state of the NZ construction industry right now – no sugar-coating 📈 Our bold predictions for when the industry will bounce back (and the bet we made!) 🤖 How AI tools are set to disrupt construction & trades – and which ones you should be watching 🎯 What trade businesses can do right now to stay ahead of the curve 😂 Plenty of laughs and straight-talking insights from two industry lifers 👉 If you want to know when the market will turn and how to future-proof your business, this one’s a must-listen. https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamalai-andy-alagappan-b3b50a17/ www.nztradegroup.co.nz

    1h 6m
  6. S2.EP9 : Sam Groombridge: Clever HVAC Design, Innovation & Scaling Big Bang Energy Solutions in NZ

    09/02/2025

    S2.EP9 : Sam Groombridge: Clever HVAC Design, Innovation & Scaling Big Bang Energy Solutions in NZ

    In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Alex talks with Sam Groombridge, co‑founder of Big Bang Energy Solutions, a family‑run HVAC and electrical design company servicing Whangārei through to the Bay of Islands. Sam’s story is unique: Despite being colour blind and not a qualified electrician, Sam has built a reputation for clever design and out‑of‑the‑box innovation that keeps customers coming back. How Big Bang Energy Solutions grew from a small start‑up into a trusted Mitsubishi Electric installer specialising in ducted and split‑system heat pumps, hot water solutions, and energy‑efficient systems. Why going the extra mile on every job—from transparent communication to smarter system layouts—sets them apart in a competitive market. The latest HVAC and energy‑efficiency trends every Kiwi homeowner and business should know. This episode is packed with real‑world business lessons and actionable insights for tradespeople and anyone considering HVAC or solar solutions for their property. https://bbenergysolutions.co.nz/

    47 min
  7. S2.EP8: Sonya Bloomfield – HRD Global 100 Exec Shares How to Build a Winning Business Culture in Trades ⚡

    08/26/2025

    S2.EP8: Sonya Bloomfield – HRD Global 100 Exec Shares How to Build a Winning Business Culture in Trades ⚡

    👉 "HRD Global 100 Top HR Executive Sonya Bloomfield shares game‑changing tips to fix your trade business culture – and keep your best people 💡⚡" In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we’re joined by Sonya Bloomfield, a HRD Global 100 Top HR Executive and now Director at Soul Power Electrical Ltd, to share practical tips you can use today to improve your trade business culture. With an award‑winning background leading HR and culture at a global level, Sonya brings a fresh perspective to the trades industry. She’s now using that expertise to help build one of New Zealand’s most people‑focused electrical companies. We cover: 🧠 Practical steps to transform workplace culture in trades businesses 💼 How strong culture drives better recruitment, retention, and performance ⚡ Lessons from global HR leadership now applied to NZ trades 🤝 Building engaged teams who want to stick around and do their best work Whether you’re an electrician, builder, or business owner, Sonya’s insights will help you boost morale, improve staff retention, and create a culture that supports growth. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyabloomfield/https://soulpower.co.nz/

    1h 11m
  8. S2.EP7: From Apprentice to Business Success: Matt Bennett’s Journey Building Team MBE

    08/19/2025

    S2.EP7: From Apprentice to Business Success: Matt Bennett’s Journey Building Team MBE

    In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we sit down with Matt Bennett — founder of Team MBE — to hear the real story behind one of Auckland’s fastest-growing electrical companies.From a working-class upbringing and learning the trade on the tools, to backing himself and building a business from the ground up, Matt shares how he grew Team MBE into the powerhouse it is today. We cover the highs, the hard knocks, and the key lessons that shaped his journey.It’s an honest, practical chat full of insights for tradies, business owners, and anyone out there building something bigger than themselves. https://www.teammbe.co.nz/ https://nztradegroup.co.nz/contact-us/

    54 min
See All (26)

Trailer

About

The Puzzle Factory - Powered by NZ Trade Group Welcome to The Puzzle Factory, the podcast where we piece together the secrets to running a successful electrical business. Hosted by Alex, an electrician by trade, and Tait, a business leadership and management expert, this show offers a unique blend of industry expertise and entrepreneurial insight. Each episode, Alex and Tait dive into the ins and outs of the electrical trade, sharing practical tips, valuable knowledge, and real-world experiences. From business strategies to leadership skills, they explore how to effectively manage an electrical business. Alongside expert guest speakers from the industry, they’ll discuss everything from technical skills to customer relationships and more, offering listeners the tools they need to thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you’re an electrician just starting out or an established business or someone curious about the challenges and opportunities within the electrical industry, The Puzzle Factory is your go-to source for insight, inspiration, mixed in with some bants and hearty discussion. Tune in and let’s build something great, one piece at a time. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment only and may contain explicit content. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests, and not professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.

Information