Lifting The Line

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.