Lifting The Line

Andy Shaw
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Welcome to Lifting the Line, where we talk about construction, business, finance, contracting, and health for the future of the building industry.

  1. Episode 20: Connecting Bricklayers with Better Builders with Toby Loft, CEO and co-founder of BuiltGrid.

    JAN 28

    Episode 20: Connecting Bricklayers with Better Builders with Toby Loft, CEO and co-founder of BuiltGrid.

    In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw sits down with Toby Loft, CEO and co-founder of BuiltGrid, to talk about how technology is reshaping the way builders and bricklaying businesses find each other, price work, and manage projects. Toby founded BuiltGrid in 2020 with a clear vision. To create the first connected procurement network that links builders and their suppliers in one integrated system, replacing endless emails, phone calls and paperwork with real-time pricing, quoting, ordering and scheduling. The aim is simple. Reduce admin, improve productivity, cut cost blowouts and save weeks of wasted time on every project. Before launching BuiltGrid, Toby spent more than a decade working at a national level across the hardware and trade supply sector, including senior leadership roles with Mitre 10 and Independent Hardware Group. He led trade strategy across a $1.2 billion network, built relationships with national builders, suppliers and industry bodies, and developed technology-driven systems to better connect trades, stores and manufacturers. His career has been built around one core idea. When the network is connected properly, everyone performs better. In this conversation, Andy and Toby discuss: • Why the current way bricklayers are sourced and quoted is broken • How digital platforms can help bricklaying businesses win the right work, not just more work • The importance of matching quality trades with quality builders • How integrated pricing and scheduling can reduce downtime and cash flow stress • What the future looks like for subcontractors in an increasingly data-driven construction industry • Why better systems mean stronger businesses and more sustainable careers in the trade For bricklaying business owners, this episode goes straight to the heart of one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Finding consistent work with good builders, fair pricing, and less wasted time on quoting and chasing information. Toby explains how BuiltGrid is designed to support exactly that, creating transparency, efficiency and better long-term working relationships across the supply chain. This is a practical, forward-looking conversation about where the industry is heading and how bricklayers can position themselves to be part of a more professional, connected and profitable future.

    39 min
  2. Episode 19: Bridging the Gap Between Office and Tools with Ross George of Austeng

    JAN 21

    Episode 19: Bridging the Gap Between Office and Tools with Ross George of Austeng

    In Episode 19 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Ross George, Managing Director and Mechanical Engineer at Austeng, to explore innovation in engineering and why collaboration between engineers and trades is critical to better project outcomes. Ross shares how practical design, leadership and real-world thinking have shaped Austeng into a leader in engineering solutions.

    59 min
  3. Episode 18: Why the industry can’t afford to stand still: inside the National Bricklayers Summit

    JAN 14

    Episode 18: Why the industry can’t afford to stand still: inside the National Bricklayers Summit

    In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw, founder of Brickies Network and the Bricklayers Association Australia, explains why the National Bricklayers Summit is being held in every capital city this February and why the future of the bricklaying trade depends on it. With the average age of bricklayers now close to 50 and workforce numbers having fallen by almost a third over the past 30 years, the industry is facing a serious skills and business sustainability crisis. At the same time, brickwork is shifting back toward high-end architectural and face brick construction, requiring higher levels of skill and experience, just as many of the most experienced tradesmen approach retirement.Andy unpacks how the industry has changed, from increased compliance and employment obligations, to rising costs, tighter margins and the growing pressure on small bricklaying businesses compared to larger crews. He also explains why each state faces different challenges, from infrastructure-driven labour shortages in Queensland, to boom-and-bust cycles in Western Australia, to pricing pressure and alternative cladding in South Australia, and the skills gap in architectural brickwork across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. The conversation explores why the National Bricklayers Summit is focused not only on technical skills, but on business systems, compliance, contracts, marketing, employment, apprenticeships and long-term sustainability. Andy also outlines how Brickies Network is working alongside major industry stakeholders to support bricklaying business owners with education, documentation, systems and buying power, so they can build profitable, compliant businesses that can train the next generation and keep the trade alive for decades to come.

    1h 2m
  4. Episode 17: Building Tasmania’s Most Respected Bricklaying Business with Andrew Crossin

    JAN 8

    Episode 17: Building Tasmania’s Most Respected Bricklaying Business with Andrew Crossin

    In Episode 17 of Lifting the Line, Andy sits down with Andrew Crossin, owner of Crossin Bricklaying, to unpack his journey from apprentice to business owner and industry leader. Over 12+ years, Andrew has built Tasmania’s largest and most respected bricklaying business, setting the standard for quality, leadership and professionalism.

    50 min
  5. Episode 16: The Extreme Changes in Construction Hardware with Keith Fagg OAM of Mitre 10

    12/23/2025

    Episode 16: The Extreme Changes in Construction Hardware with Keith Fagg OAM of Mitre 10

    In Episode 16 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Keith Fagg OAM, long-time hardware retailer, community leader and former Mayor of Geelong.As part of the family behind Fagg’s Mitre 10, one of Australia’s longest-running hardware businesses, Keith shares how the construction hardware sector has dramatically evolved and what it takes to lead a multi-site regional business through constant change.

    57 min
  6. Episode 15: The Biggest Risks for Home Buyers and How to Avoid Them — with Nine Dots’ Rebecca Hall

    12/17/2025

    Episode 15: The Biggest Risks for Home Buyers and How to Avoid Them — with Nine Dots’ Rebecca Hall

    In Episode 15 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Rebecca Hall, founder of Nine Dots Build Advocates, an independent client advocacy service helping home buyers and investors navigate the building process with confidence.Rebecca explains how building advocates bridge the communication gap between clients and builders, reduce risk and simplify the complex world of residential construction. Nine Dots now supports clients across Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, the Geelong corridor, Adelaide, Sydney and even the USA.In this episode, we cover:• What building advocates do and why the role is growing• The biggest risks facing home buyers and investors• How independence and industry relationships work together• Clear communication and setting expectations in the build process• The growth of Nine Dots across Australia and beyondA practical, insightful episode for anyone in residential construction - from home buyers seeking clarity to builders wanting to understand the client journey.

    1h 10m
  7. Episode 14: What Every Tradie Must Know About Silica and Site Safety

    12/10/2025

    Episode 14: What Every Tradie Must Know About Silica and Site Safety

    In Episode 14 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Ray Bedson, Director of RBSM Safety Management and a recognised OH&S expert across healthcare, manufacturing, mining and construction. Ray breaks down not only the obvious physical hazards on construction sites, but also the unseen and emerging risks — including respirable crystalline silica and the rapidly growing focus on psychosocial hazards. We explore: • Ray’s career across multiple high-risk industries • The most common physical and mechanical dangers on site • Why crystalline silica remains one of the biggest threats to tradies • The rise of psychosocial risk and its impact on mental health • Practical steps to improve safety, compliance and culture • The future of safety standards and proactive risk control A must-listen for bricklayers, supervisors and business owners who want to protect their teams, strengthen their business, and stay ahead of changing safety requirements. Tune in and Lift the Line on how you approach safety.

    49 min
  8. Episode 13: The Hidden World of Deceased Estates with Estate Specialist Richard Crane

    12/03/2025

    Episode 13: The Hidden World of Deceased Estates with Estate Specialist Richard Crane

    In Episode 13 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Richard Crane, former auctioneer, long-time real-estate agent, and now the founder of Estatier — a specialist service supporting families, executors and legal representatives in managing and finalising deceased estates.Richard brings decades of industry experience and deep insight into the emotional, legal and practical challenges of handling estate administration. As an estatier, he assists with securing, documenting, assessing, appraising, valuing and distributing assets on behalf of executors.In this episode, we discuss:• What an estatier is and why the role is growing in Australia• The legal and practical steps involved in managing a deceased estate• Common mistakes families make with property and valuables• Why early planning and documentation matter• What trades, business owners and property investors must know• Richard’s journey from auctioneer to estate specialistA clear, practical and rarely-discussed look at what really happens when an estate is settled — invaluable for families, business owners, and anyone wanting to protect their affairs.Listen and lift the line in your life and business.

    49 min
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About

Welcome to Lifting the Line, where we talk about construction, business, finance, contracting, and health for the future of the building industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Andy Shaw
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Andy Shaw
  • Show Website
    Lifting The Line