I'm The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    Why Some Architecture Firms Are Going Out of Business

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner, architect, engineer, contractor, project manager, developer, or someone involved in designing and delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into architecture, construction, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the future of the built environment. In this episode, Lance Cayko joins Gavin Coyle to discuss why architects need to reconnect with the construction industry, how builders and architects can work more effectively together, the impact of AI on professional services, and why understanding construction can make you a better designer and business owner. You'll learn: Why architects need stronger relationships with builders, subcontractors, and the people actually delivering projects How spending time in the field can improve designs, reduce mistakes, and earn respect from trades Why many architecture firms struggle with business, profitability, and long-term growth How AI is changing architecture and why practical construction experience is becoming more valuable Why Lance believes architects should reclaim the role of the master builder and take a bigger role in construction projects 🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps 00:00 Why builders earn more than architects 01:12 Introduction to Lance Cayko 02:27 Starting in construction at age 13 08:54 Why entrepreneurship and architecture rarely go together 12:10 The ego problem in architecture 15:08 Why architects don't talk to tradespeople 17:29 How subcontractors improved architectural drawings 21:44 AI and the future of architecture 31:00 Why architectural firms are going out of business 38:00 Why owners and clients suffer from poor collaboration 40:52 Knowing what you know now 42:07 The book that changed Lance's life Connect with Lance Cayko LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/ Inside The Firm Podcast https://insidethefirmpodcast.com/ F9 Productions https://www.f9productions.com/ About Coyle Group Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction. With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly. Learn more: https://coyle-group.com/ About the Podcast I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, construction, and business success. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, architects, engineers, contractors, project leaders, developers, and industry professionals. #ImTheGaffer #Architecture #ConstructionIndustry #Architects #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingDesign #ConstructionManagement #ConstructionBusiness #ProjectManagement #AIInConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #Entrepreneurship #ArchitectureBusiness #GeneralContractor #ConstructionPodcast

    45 min

  2. Jun 16

    Why Great Engineers Focus on Prevention, Not Just Problem Solving

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner, engineer, project manager, contractor, safety professional, or someone responsible for delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into engineering leadership, safety, technology, and the future of the industry. In this episode, Craig Montz joins Gavin Coyle to discuss what makes a great engineer, why the industry needs more engineering talent, how technology is transforming project delivery, and why preventing problems is more valuable than simply solving them. You’ll learn: Why engineering is a rewarding career with endless opportunities What qualities make a great engineer Why safety should be considered during design, not after construction starts How asking better questions leads to better project outcomes Whether construction projects are being over-engineered How BIM and 3D modelling are changing project planning Why technology and AI are becoming essential engineering tools Why experienced engineers focus on preventing problems, not just fixing them How engineering firms can attract and retain top talent Why leadership is often about listening instead of providing solutions Why Craig believes he should have bet on himself earlier in his career 🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps 00:00 Problem solving vs problem prevention 01:30 Introduction to Craig Montz 05:15 How engineering firms attract top talent 07:52 What makes a great engineer? 09:37 Why engineering logic improves safety 10:36 Are projects being over-engineered? 15:23 The qualities of a modern engineer 16:03 How BIM and technology are transforming construction 18:44 The leadership lesson behind problem prevention 20:00 Building projects virtually before construction begins 26:14 How AI helps engineers make better decisions 27:25 Engineering salaries and specialist career opportunities 32:05 Leadership lessons from managing people 35:00 The future of engineering and technology 37:50 Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? Connect with Craig Montz LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmontz/ Company Website https://mcclurevision.com/ About Coyle Group Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction. With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly. Learn more: https://coyle-group.com/ About the Podcast I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, and success in the construction industry. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, engineers, project leaders, and industry professionals.

    45 min

  3. Jun 2

    What Does an Inclusive Construction Industry Really Look Like?

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner, contractor, project leader, safety professional, or someone responsible for building better teams, inclusion is not just an HR policy or a box-ticking exercise. In this episode, Anne Okafor, Founder of Okaforia Limited, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss what an inclusive construction industry really looks like and why it matters for safety, quality, culture, recruitment, reputation, and business performance. You’ll learn: Why inclusion affects everyone in construction Why diversity and inclusion cannot sit only with HR Why company culture has to start from the top How poor workplace culture can affect safety and quality Why small everyday behaviours can become bigger problems Why job adverts and recruitment processes may put people off Why inclusion is not just about hiring more women How inclusive teams can help produce better buildings and better products Why ESG and client expectations are making this topic more important Why being inclusive starts with being a decent human being 🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps 00:00 Why diverse teams create better products 01:53 Introduction to Anne Okafor 03:46 Anne’s journey into construction 06:12 What does an inclusive construction industry look like? 07:24 Legal requirements and industry standards 09:31 Why inclusion cannot be an afterthought 11:18 Is diversity and inclusion just HR? 19:23 Diversity and inclusion as safety near misses 22:53 Why safety is physical and emotional 27:08 Why inclusion is more than women in construction Connect with Anne Okafor LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneokafor/ Website https://www.anneokafor.com/ About the Podcast I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders. #ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionIndustry #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusionInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionCulture #HealthAndSafety #WorkplaceCulture #ESG #Leadership

    52 min

  4. May 26

    Mental Health Support in Construction | Mary Grady & Alan Worrall

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you work in construction, health and safety, contracting, site management, or lead teams on site, this episode is an important conversation about mental health, support, and looking out for people before they reach crisis point. In this episode, Gavin Coyle is joined by Mary Grady and Alan Worrall for an important conversation about mental health support in the construction industry and the work of the Lighthouse Charity in Ireland. They discuss why construction workers need support before crisis point, how employers and HSE professionals can spot the signs, and why a quiet chat can sometimes make a major difference. You’ll learn: Why mental health support matters in construction How the Lighthouse Charity supports workers and families Why financial pressure is a major issue for many workers How mental health first aid and peer support can help Why the Make It Visible van is creating real conversations on site How employers can build support into workplace culture 🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps 00:00 Mental health first aid in construction 01:11 Introduction to Mary Grady and Alan Worrall 03:31 What the Lighthouse Charity does 03:43 Built by construction workers, for construction workers 04:28 Financial struggles and support requests 05:15 Alan’s role in health and safety 08:33 Why HSE professionals are important signposts 11:14 Rising need for mental health support 16:07 The impact of suicide in construction 17:35 Mental health of health and safety professionals 23:20 Why construction-specific support matters 28:02 The importance of communication and connection 34:04 Wellbeing beyond the basics 40:44 Encouraging proactive support in the workplace Find out more about Summer Lunch 2026: Purchase tickets or tables: https://lighthousecharity.org/events/ireland-summer-lunch-2026/Bid for auction items online: https://app.galabid.com/lighthouse-charity/itemsYou can’t attend but would like to make a donation?: https://lighthousecharity.org/donate Companies interested in partnering with The Lighthouse Charity can become a Company Supporter, set up a Lighthouse Day Fundraiser, or learn more about the charity. Contact: Mary Grady Email: mary.grady@lighthousecharity.org Role: Partnership Manager, Ireland East Region More info: https://lighthousecharity.org/lighthouse-charity-company-supporter/ Connect with Mary Grady LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-grady/ Connect with Alan Worrall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-worrall-190646135/ Lighthouse Charity Website: https://www.lighthousecharity.org/ About the Podcast I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, contractors, health and safety professionals, and construction leaders. #ImTheGaffer #ConstructionMentalHealth #LighthouseCharity #ConstructionIndustry #HealthAndSafety #MentalHealthAwareness #ConstructionSafety #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthFirstAid #ConstructionLeadership #SiteSafety #ConstructionWorkers #WellbeingAtWork #HSE #ConstructionSupport

    46 min

  5. May 12

    Revenue Is Not Profit: Financial Lessons for Contractors | Daniel Bamper

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a contractor, tradesman, roofer, HVAC business owner, or home service business owner, more revenue is not always the answer. In this episode, Daniel Bamper, Founder of Black Belt Ledgers, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss why construction businesses need better financial structure, clearer job costing, stronger cashflow tracking, and smarter margin control. Daniel works as a fractional CFO for contractors, tradesmen, and home service businesses, helping owners understand their numbers before small problems become expensive ones. You’ll learn: Why contractors need more than tax reports and bookkeeping Why cashflow can feel tight even when revenue looks strong How job costing helps contractors protect profit Why construction margins leave little room for mistakes How to track marketing beyond views and impressions Why calls, estimates, and booked jobs matter more than vanity metrics Why seven-figure businesses need weekly financial visibility How warranties can affect cashflow and tax strategy Why AI can improve efficiency but cannot replace judgment How one roofer made $100K less in revenue but added $400K to profit margins Why better systems can help contractors grow without simply doing more work 🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps 00:00 Construction margins and profit leaks 01:12 Introduction to Daniel Bamper 03:11 Daniel’s journey into construction finance 06:31 Why growing contractors outgrow old systems 08:55 Marketing numbers every contractor should know 13:18 Why contractors need accounting systems 18:10 Why contractors need to track warranties 25:15 Can AI replace financial advisors? 31:39 How one roofer added $400K to profit margins 43:28 Episode wrap-up Connect with Daniel Bamper Website https://blackbeltledgers.com/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bamper/ LinkedIn About the Podcast I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders. #ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #ContractorFinance #Cashflow #ProfitMargins #JobCosting #ConstructionManagement #BusinessSystems

    44 min

  6. May 5

    How Construction Businesses Can Find Hidden Risks Before They Cost Money | Bryan Guess

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner who only reacts when projects go wrong, you may already be losing money, time, and control without realising it. In this episode, Bryan Guess, Founder and Principal Consultant of Bartizan Strategic Group, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss how construction companies can identify hidden risks, improve systems, protect margins, and avoid costly mistakes before the damage is done. You’ll learn: Why project problems are often symptoms, not the real issue Why construction businesses need to look at risk before it hits How a risk register can protect your business Why “I don’t have time” is a dangerous excuse How documentation can prevent costly mistakes Why warranties and O&M manuals matter more than many owners realise How poor systems create repeat problems Why throwing more people at a project is often just a Band-Aid How to deal with high-performing but difficult team members Why structure, strategy, and systems matter in construction leadership Sponsored by Hustro.com Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation. Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN” → https://hustro.com/gavin 🎯 Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters) 00:00 Sponsored by Hustro.com 01:20 Introduction to Bryan Guess 02:23 The story behind Bartizan Strategic Group 04:34 Bryan’s gap analysis approach 08:32 Why construction companies need a risk register 09:04 Working on the business vs in the business 14:13 The Washington DC roof leak case study 16:48 The importance of documentation and detective work 20:48 Why O&M manuals matter at handover 23:38 Why warranties should be checked before repairs 29:20 How Bartizan Strategic Group supports project-based businesses 31:02 Why processes must change as companies scale 34:46 Why tribal knowledge creates business risk 38:27 Managing a difficult but high-performing project manager 43:20 Bryan’s favourite books 46:04 Where to connect with Bryan Guess 48:18 Episode wrap-up Connect with Bryan GuessWebsite https://bartizan.group/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-guess/ About the PodcastI’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry. Listen on: Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders. #ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionRisk #BusinessSystems

    52 min

  7. Apr 21

    Why Small Contractors Keep Losing Money on Jobs | Roy Coughlan

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner who only checks your numbers once a year with your accountant — you're running your company blind and it's costing you real money. In this episode, Roy Coughlan, entrepreneur and host of multiple top-charting podcasts, breaks down why most contractors lose money not because of lack of work — but because they don't control their numbers, systems, and pricing. You’ll learn: Why guessing job prices can wipe out your profitsThe simple financial systems many contractors still ignoreWhy no one cares about your money more than youHow contractors miss valuable tax deductionsThe 80/20 rule of AI and how it applies to businessHow AI can help with contracts, pricing, and marketingWhy contractors who adopt AI early will gain an advantage Sponsored by Hustro.comHustro.com – the simplest construction management software. Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation. Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN”→ https://hustro.com/gavin 🎯 Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters)00:00 Introduction 02:30 Roy Coughlan’s background and entrepreneurial journey 06:15 Why contractors miss tax deductions 08:26 Why many contractors guess job pricing 10:53 How one badly priced job can wipe out profits 12:53 How AI can create contracts and estimates in minutes 16:11 The 80/20 rule when using AI 17:08 Using AI for marketing and business growth 18:02 Why AI will improve jobs rather than replace them 19:41 From construction to podcasting 21:44 How Roy built a podcast coaching business 23:06 Why podcasting is underrated for business growth 26:05 What makes a podcast successful 26:42 Why promoting in the wrong places doesn’t work 27:23 Using YouTube and AI tools to grow an audience 28:55 Why targeting the right audience matters 30:10 Marketing lessons for contractors 31:57 Roy on property, business models and entrepreneurship 33:06 Roy’s virtual assistant business explained 34:40 Fiverr, Upwork and building long-term relationships 39:18 Roy’s advice on hiring and working with contractors 40:06 Why construction doesn’t have to be your only path 41:29 Knowing when it’s time to change direction 43:30 Roy’s advice to entrepreneurs 44:26 What Roy would do differently in life 45:00 Roy’s favourite book 45:45 Roy’s favourite destination 46:41 A surprising fact about Roy 47:13 Where to connect with Roy 48:00 Final message to listeners 48:18 Episode wrap-up Connect with Roy CoughlanWebsite https://roycoughlan.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roycoughlan About the PodcastI’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry. Listen on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders. #ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #AIInConstruction #BusinessSystems

    52 min

  8. Apr 14

    The $200K Business Trap: Why Construction Owners Struggle to Scale | Chaz Wolfe

    Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️ If you're a construction business owner stuck around £200k–£300k in revenue and constantly firefighting staff problems, cash flow pressure, and operational chaos — you're likely overstaffed, under-systemised, and bleeding money. In this episode, Chaz Wolfe, serial entrepreneur and founder of Gathering The Kings, breaks down how construction business owners build companies that run without them — instead of businesses that consume their time, cash, and family life. You’ll learn: - Why a $200k construction business with 3–5 employees is massively overstaffed - The $300k revenue threshold before hiring becomes necessary - Why most owners remain the bottleneck even with 10–15 employees - The four-step system to remove yourself from daily operations - Why hiring before fixing systems is costing you serious money - How predictable profit becomes the driver of long-term family wealth Sponsored by Hustro.com Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation. Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN” → https://hustro.com/gavin 🎯 Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters) 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Chaz Wolfe’s entrepreneurial background 03:30 Why many business owners become the bottleneck 11:32 Building a business that runs without you 14:17 The $200K business hiring mistake 20:25 Why owners must get out of the weeds 21:06 Building systems and SOPs to scale 27:00 Market size vs marketing problems in construction 31:30 Teaching entrepreneurship to kids 42:14 Chaz’s favourite book: Think and Grow Rich 43:30 Helping entrepreneurs build freedom through systems Connect with Chaz WolfeWebsite https://gatheringthekings.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaz-wolfe-86767054/ About the PodcastI’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry. Listen onApple Podcasts https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders. — #ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #BusinessSystems #ConstructionOperations

    53 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
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Gavin Coyle
  • Show Website
    I'm The Gaffer

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