Mindful Builder Matthew Carland and Hamish White

It’s just the two of us in today's episode and we’re discussing something that’s been on our minds lately – What makes the perfect client?
We’ve dealt with so many clients in our careers and have learned to spot the signs of a good working relationship, as well as red flags that spell trouble. This episode will equip you with the tools to identify clients you’ll work well with and to build the proper foundation for a strong relationship.
Establishing Trust and Communication:
We both agree that the most important components of a successful client-builder relationship are trust and communication. You have to start from your very first meeting in the pre-construction phase. You need to have open conversations about the budget, expectations, and the scope of the project. Most clients don’t have much knowledge of construction and can get overwhelmed. If you keep them informed and guide them through the decision-making process, you can establish credibility. 
But it's not all about the builders calling the shots. Building is a collaborative activity so builders and clients must have mutual respect for each other. You need to take the time to understand your client's vision and needs so they get the results they’re looking for. Most importantly keep communication open and listen to their ideas! After all, it’s their home.
Navigating Budget and Expectations:
In an ideal world, everyone could afford their dream home, but if a client isn’t realistic about their finances they’re setting themselves up for disappointment. If we address budget constraints early on and set realistic expectations, we can focus on what's important to the client and avoid potential conflicts down the line. But remember, it isn’t all on the client.  As builders, we need to educate them about cost considerations and project feasibility. 

Long-Term Relationship Building
Our ultimate goal here is not just finishing a project and moving on. We want to build long-lasting relationships with these clients. Building a home is such a long and involved process, that it’s hard not to build a lasting bond. We love celebrating with clients when the build is finished, and we follow up with them to hear how they’re living in that space. By fostering these lasting connections, builders not only create satisfied clients but also establish a positive reputation in the industry.


So, what's the big takeaway from all this?
Well, it's simple really.  Building strong client relationships is the name of the game in construction. By prioritising trust transparency and collaboration, you can create a positive working environment that leads to successful projects and satisfied clients. It can be a tricky task, but this episode is full of advice on how to avoid common mistakes. So get ready to take some notes, and enjoy!
 
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

In this episode of the podcast, we’re chatting with Greg and Beth, a father-daughter construction duo. Greg is a seasoned builder with a wealth of experience. Beth is a rising star known for her company, Beth Builds. Together, they are a powerhouse team, and they’re here today to share their journey, the challenges they've faced, and their vision for the future.
Growth and Evolution of Beth Builds:
The episode kicks off with Beth sharing how Beth Builds came to be. Once she was licensed, she began sharing her work on social media. This rapidly brought in a lot of attention and job opportunities.  Closely tied to the growth of the business was the development of Beth and Greg’s partnership. Beth shares how they learned to appreciate the different skills they brought to the table and rely on each other. Greg emphasises the importance of this collaboration and teamwork in their success.
 
Embracing Technology and Innovation:
Beth is passionate about integrating technology, especially social media, into construction. She talks about how she got started in that, and how it has benefited her business. On the other hand, Greg is an old-school builder, so he’s seen a lot of these changes happen firsthand. He shares the evolution of technology in the construction industry and how it has changed the way we work. They both agree on the importance of technology and that we need to be open to learning from others, even across generational gaps.
 
Building a Strong Brand and Community:
One of the highlights of our discussion is the origin story behind Beth's iconic "thumbs up" branding. Beth recounts how a simple gesture evolved into a recognisable symbol of her brand, thanks to the advice of a fellow industry peer. She really wants people to consider the power of their branding, because portraying yourself authentically is crucial to connecting with clients.
 
Beth and Greg’s partnership is a great example of what clear, compassionate, and collaborative communication can accomplish. They balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses so they can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the construction industry.  We really enjoyed talking to them and know you will too!
LINKS:
Connect with Beth & Greg
Instagram: @bethbuilds
Website: https://www.bethbuilds.com.au/


Connect with Us: 
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

When toughness and resilience are often equated with success, it's not easy to open up and be honest about what we’re struggling with. The construction industry is demanding and high stress, which makes it a breeding ground for mental health challenges that all too often get swept under the rug.  
Today we are talking about our experience with mental health struggles and how we manage it in our work. Hamish especially has a history of battling anxiety, including a difficult time earlier this year.
Identifying Triggers: Hamish shares the things that trigger his anxiety to get worse, like money stress or juggling too many projects at once. These stressors can send him into a spiral of negative thought patterns that will get worse and worse if not addressed. He shares what he does when he notices things are getting bad. His number one tip is to have an open conversation about how you’re feeling. This can be with a mental health professional, but it could also be with your mates!
The Power of Acceptance: Through the episode, we touch on some of the pivotal moments in Hamish’s life, including his decision to seek professional help and the realisation that managing mental health is an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. Accepting these struggles as something he needs to manage has made it easier to keep them in check. It gave him permission to prioritise self-care and attend therapy regularly.
Busting Stigmas: In “blokey” industries like construction, mental health has often been ignored or even mocked. People were often told to suck it up or act like a man and weren’t given the support they needed. Thankfully, things are improving; and while there’s still a long way to go there is a lot more support these days. Each of us can contribute to building a better environment for mental health by being honest about our own experiences.
 Mental health awareness is so important, and it’s one of the main reasons we started this podcast. We hope this episode will encourage you to pay more attention to your mental well-being and reach out for help if you need it.
Until next time take care and remember, true strength comes from being vulnerable!
LINKS:
Connect with Us: 
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of human activity, sustainable living has taken center stage. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Anna Cummins, the editor-in-chief of Sanctuary Magazine, to discuss the importance and evolution of sustainable design.
Sanctuary is a magazine dedicated to sustainable house design, produced by the not-for-profit Renew.  Anna began working there in a volunteer position, but her role grew over the years until she reached her current position at the head of the ship. Under her guidance, Sanctuary Magazine has become an incredibly valuable resource for anyone looking to build or renovate sustainably.
Anna starts off by outlining what exactly a sustainable home is. There is no universal standard, so things can get murky but she share’s the key factors she looks for:  
1.      Size: A sustainable home is built big enough to suit your needs but not bigger. So not building additional rooms for resale value later on. Every extra room in your house will add to your building costs but also costs down the line like heating/cooling, cleaning, and maintenance.
2.      Adaptability: Rooms are built to be multi-purpose. So, a room could be designed to function as a study, a guest room, or a media room depending on your needs at any moment. This is much more sustainable (and cost-effective) than building separate rooms that are only occasionally in use.
3.      Accessibility: Incorporating accessibility into a house's design from the beginning is easier and cheaper than trying to do so when the need arises. Many people are of the mindset that they will never need an accessible home but even temporary injuries like a broken leg can make it necessary.
4.      Sustainable Materials: This one is a bit trickier than the other factors. There is no perfect material and you’re often having to make trade-offs for what’s most important to you. Whenever possible, reusing and recycling is typically the most sustainable choice.
 
The Evolution of Sustainable Construction
There’s a growing shift towards more informed clients and builders who prioritise sustainability not just as a badge of honour but as a fundamental aspect of construction. Passive solar designs and Passive House standards are becoming more mainstream, reflecting a broader awareness and integration of sustainable practices in the built environment.
It’s a hard thing to keep track of, but Anna shares an example from her work that highlights the impressive pace of change. When she began at Sanctuary magazine, they constantly had people asking for advice to find sustainable builders because they were few and far between. That’s not the case anymore, there are loads of builders advertising this work!  
 
We hope this conversation offers you a look into the world of sustainable design and construction, and a vision of its future. Sustainable living is no longer a niche. It’s in the mainstream, and in demand. This is why we need platforms like Sanctuary Magazine more then ever. So, they can inspire and inform a wider audience about the benefits and beauty of sustainable design.
LINKS:
Connect with Anna 
Website: https://renew.org.au/sanctuary-magazine/
Instagram: @marniehawson
Connect with Us: 
Sanctum Homes:   a href="https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/" rel="noopener...

Today we’re joined by our very first guest, Marnie Hawson. She’s an entrepreneur, a building photographer, and a good friend to both of us. Our conversation explores Marnie’s career path and how she has integrated her passion for nature into her business.  We hope this episode shows the huge difference we can make as business owners when we prioritise positive change.  
From Environmental Scientist to Visionary Photographer
Like both of us, Marnie’s career has taken a winding path. She worked in environmental science for some years before transitioning to photography. This move wasn’t about leaving science, or even pursuing a creative field, rather Marnie wanted to work in the world of business. She leverages her business as a tool to advocate for environmental awareness and changes to sustainability.

Sustainability in Practice
A significant part of our conversation is around B Corps - businesses that meet stringent standards of social and environmental performance. Marnie was able to get her business certified B-Corp and she walks us through that rigorous process. She also talks about why it was important to her to focus on making a meaningful impact over just profitability.
Becoming a B Corp isn’t the only way to be sustainable in business. So, we discuss other ways businesses, regardless of size, can prioritise sustainability and make a meaningful impact. Marnie suggests practical steps like evaluating your supply chain and giving back to the community.
Marnie then shares some of the projects her business has worked on, like their efforts to create a threatened species sanctuary. Currently, she has partnered with Odonata for a project aimed at integrating biodiversity projects with business operating models. Marnie isn’t all talk, she’s leveraging her business to make a real difference in the world, which is something we should all be aiming for.  
 
We hope this episode will inspire you to think about what you can do differently in your business. Striving for sustainability is hard work. You need commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to learn, but it’s so so important. No one is going to be perfect, but if we all do our part we can make a better future, one photograph or one building at a time.


LINKS:
Connect with Marnie: 
Website: www.marniehawson.com.au
Instagram: @marniehawson

Connect with Us: 
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Mistakes happen. We can’t stop them; we can only choose how we feel about them.
In today's episode, we’ll explore the power of embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. We’ll share the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes, as well as our insights on creating an environment that empowers our team to take risks and learn from their experiences.
Empowering Our Team:  Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of a team, and they must create an environment where mistakes are allowed. When team members feel they have the freedom to make mistakes, they tend to think more critically and take ownership of their actions. It also leads to fewer interruptions and more efficient problem-solving.
The Importance of Team Dynamics: It’s also crucial to build a supportive and trusting team. Toxic team members can disrupt the learning and growth process by blaming others for mistakes and avoiding accountability. On the other hand, a team in harmony will feel comfortable admitting their mistakes and will collaboratively work towards a solution.
Creating a Low-Risk Environment: While you should allow mistakes, you also need to create a low-risk environment for that to happen. Matt suggests setting clear boundaries based on the level of experience and the potential impact of the mistake. For instance, a first-year apprentice should not be expected to perform tasks beyond their skill set, while a site lead may have more autonomy. By defining these parameters, leaders can empower their teams without compromising quality or client satisfaction.
 
Learning from Mistakes with Client Relationships
We also touch on the challenges of managing client relationships in the construction industry. We’ve both made mistakes in this area and learned some hard lessons. Matt emphasises the importance of maintaining control and managing client expectations. Hamish highlights the significance of fostering open communication and trust.  
Remember: making mistakes is not only acceptable but also necessary for personal and professional growth. We hope this conversation provides some insight on how to create an environment where your team can grow and thrive.
LINKS:
Sanctum Homes:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/
Carland Constructions:  www.carlandconstructions.com/