Mindful Builder

Building Your Clear Marketing Message

“Stop talking to everyone like they’re in the industry. Talk to them in ways that are going to evoke emotions and what’s important to them.” In this video, we sit down with Laura De Ridder from Sorted Digital Marketing to chat about why so much of the construction marketing we see misses the mark, and what builders and tradies can do instead to attract the right clients. We cover how to get clear on who you’re actually talking to, why storytelling builds trust faster than specs and spreadsheets, and how to use different platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for different jobs. Laura also explains why authenticity matters more than polished ads, and why SEO is non-negotiable if you want to be found when people are searching for a builder. If you’re tired of relying on referrals alone and want marketing that feels practical, honest, and aligned with the work you do, this conversation will help you sharpen your message and show your value in a way clients actually connect with. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 0:00 - Introduction: Building Better Through Education 1:07 - Meet Laura from Sorted Digital Marketing 2:22 - Why High Performance Building Isn't Mainstream 3:29 - Laura's Background: Starting a Digital Marketing Agency 4:16 - Organic Social Media vs Paid Ads Explained 5:52 - Working with Passive House & High Performance Builders 8:42 - Stop Talking Numbers: Speak to Your Customer Avatar 10:10 - The Problem with Builder Social Media Content 10:55 - Content Pillars: Creating Diverse Marketing Strategy 12:03 - Understanding Different Social Media Platforms 15:32 - Instagram as a Search Engine: SEO & Keywords 20:20 - Copywriting Tips: Avoid ChatGPT Mistakes 22:03 - Hashtags in 2024: The New 3-Hashtag Rule 25:07 - Using AI Tools for Authentic Content Creation 25:28 - Passive House Marketing: Too Technical for Consumers 26:00 - Blower Door Tests: Making Technical Content Engaging 27:15 - Negative Hooks: Why They Work on Social Media 28:07 - Attention Spans & Social Media Dopamine Hits 29:51 - Technology, Patience & Frictionless Society 33:14 - Essential Marketing Channels: Website, Social & More 34:38 - AI Search & Website SEO Strategy 36:12 - Website Essentials: What Every Builder Needs 37:21 - High Quality Content vs Phone Content 37:45 - Blogs & Newsletters: Building Your Database 43:01 - Content Ideas: Health, Comfort & Cost of Living 63:25 - Diversity in Content Strategy 65:56 - 2026 Marketing Trends: Authenticity Over AI 67:27 - Personal Touch: Phone Calls & Client Check-ins 70:02 - Video Hooks: Visual & Audio Engagement 72:14 - Self-Filming Tips: Be Punchy, Don't Waffle 74:08 - ASMR Content: The Power of Sound 77:48 - Mindful Moment: Apprentice Development Guide LINKS: Sorted Digital Marketing: https://sorteddigital.com.au/ [https://sorteddigital.com.au/] Sorted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sorted/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website: https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website: https://www.carlandconstructions.com/www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Australia's most friendly builder?

“I remember crying, driving back to Geelong because it was just too much.” In this Mindful Builder Podcast episode, Devin Grant of Performance Membranes shares the real story behind building a successful construction business and what happens when the workload finally catches up with you. We talk burnout, six-day weeks, and the lessons Devin learned after starting Granted Constructions in 2013. Then we get into the practical side of Passive House building in Australia; why it’s not a “spaceship”, why it’s “just a house done right”, and what Devin’s learned from living in his own Passive House for 8+ years. We also unpack Devin’s work with Performance Membranes, training 2,500+ builders and trades in airtightness, weatherproofing, and building better-performing homes. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Meet Devin: A Journey in the Building Industry 01:37 Early Career Challenges and Growth 05:36 Transition to Commercial Projects 08:35 Burnout and Rediscovery 10:29 Discovering Passive House 13:22 Living in a Passive House: Real Experiences 21:31 Building Better: The Future of Construction 27:06 The Origin of Performance Membranes 29:19 Growth and Industry Impact 30:08 Customer Retention and Training 31:09 Product Sponsorship and Alignment 31:48 The Evolution of Building Standards 33:01 The Importance of Proper Membrane Use 41:13 New Product Developments 46:38 The Role of Industry Collaboration 51:08 Supporting Apprentices and Future Builders LINKS: https://proclima.com.au/Performance Membranes: https://membranes.build [https://membranes.build] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performancemembranesau/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website: https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website: https://www.carlandconstructions.com/www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

What's wrong with Australian windows?

“We’re dumping energy to maintain comfort.” That’s how Andre Griffs from BINQ sums up what’s happening in far too many Australian homes. We crank the heater, blast the air con, and wonder why the house still feels off. Often, the culprit is simple. The windows are not performing. We sat down with Andre to unpack what’s going wrong with Australian windows, why it matters more than most people realise, and what BINQ is doing differently to lift the standard. Windows aren’t a finishing touch. They’re a performance decision. And if Australia wants healthier, more comfortable, more energy-efficient homes, we can’t keep treating windows like a commodity. Conversations like this, with people like Andre pushing the industry forward, are how standards lift. If you’re building or renovating and you’ve never thought deeply about your windows, we hope this episode helps you to think differently and do more research in the future. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Sponsorship Shoutout 01:33 Guest Introduction: Andre's Story 02:37 Andre's Early Career and Education 09:55 The Birth of BINQ Windows 14:32 Challenges and Innovations in the Window Industry 28:07 The Cost of Thermal Bridge-Free Design 29:28 UPVC vs. Aluminum: Sustainability and Performance 30:19 Recycling and Environmental Impact of PVC 32:23 Challenges and Benefits of High-Performance Windows 37:44 Key Factors in Choosing Windows 44:27 Market Trends and Innovations in Windows 50:32 The Importance of Trades and Apprenticeships LINKS: Website: https://www.binq.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/binq_windows/ Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram: @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website: https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt: Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website: https://www.carlandconstructions.com/www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Australia's building lag: The big WHY

"In Germany, you’d never see a timber frame left out in the rain."  That’s just one of the eye-opening differences we uncovered with Daniel Jakobs, a master carpenter and construction engineer from Germany, on the Mindful Builder Podcast. Dan has spent over 20 years in high-performance, ecological construction, and now serves as Technical Sales Manager for pro clima® in Australia and New Zealand. If you’ve ever met him, you know he’s got a world-class hipster beard, a great sense of humour, and the rare ability to make building science fun. Dan shares what sets European building standards apart, from meticulous prefabrication and weatherproofing to the absolute importance of ventilation for healthy, durable homes. Discover why protecting timber, getting back to basics with tools, and prioritising proper airflow are non-negotiables for future-ready construction.  Australia has the talent and the tools; now it’s about raising our standards. That means learning from the best of Europe, investing in better methods, and refusing to settle for more relaxed standards. For new apprentices and seasoned builders alike, it’s about being open to new ideas, looking after your craft, and building homes that are healthy, durable, and genuinely fit for the future. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction  01:08 Special Offers and Promotions 01:53 Exciting News and Announcements 02:04 pro clima® Sponsorship 05:12 The Future of Building 05:47 Dan Jakobs Background and Journey 06:15 Building Practices in Germany 08:09 Challenges in Australian Building 21:42 Treated Timber and Building Materials 26:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Prefabrication 28:03 Small Scale Prefab: A Practical Approach 30:57 The Importance of Timber Quality and Sustainability 32:06 Education and Training in Carpentry 39:22 Innovations in Timber Products 42:52 Addressing Mould and Moisture in Construction 44:15 Encouraging Better Building Practices 52:12 Tips for Apprentices and Industry Professionals 58:43 Conclusion LINKS: https://proclima.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Is Natural building only for hippies

"Is natural building just for green hippie owner-builders?"  We sat down with Rachel from Natural Building Australia to tackle this question head-on. Rachel's academic background and hands-on experience reveal how natural building has evolved from 1990s counterculture to a professionalised industry attracting broader audiences. Thanks to hemp industry growth and increasing awareness of healthy building materials, natural building is becoming a legitimate mainstream option in Australian construction. Rachel discusses the challenges facing natural building - building codes that don't recognise materials used successfully for centuries, labour shortages, and higher costs for bespoke approaches. But she's optimistic about the future, highlighting community workshop builds that attract diverse participants, including architects wanting to get their hands dirty and more women changing the traditionally blokey building site culture. Natural building isn't just about sustainability - it's about health, community, skill building, and connection. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner curious about alternatives to conventional construction, Rachel's insights demonstrate that natural building offers practical pathways for creating healthier homes and more connected communities. 👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇 00:00 Introduction to Natural Building 03:10 Defining Natural Building 04:53 Challenges and Misconceptions 05:13 Historical Context and Evolution 07:03 Mainstreaming Natural Building 09:08 Regulatory Hurdles and Performance 11:57 Labor and Cost Issues 21:07 Straw Bale Construction 24:59 Comfort and Performance in Natural Homes 28:06 Innovative Cooling Techniques in Passive Design 29:21 Balancing Comfort and Natural Building Methods 30:10 Client Expectations and Building Regulations 30:45 The Role of Architects and Builders in Sustainable Design 32:00 Challenges and Misconceptions in Natural Building 34:47 The Importance of Healthy Building Materials 35:38 Encouraging Curiosity and Innovation in Building 36:39 Resources and Community Support for Natural Building 44:01 Hands-On Involvement and Learning Opportunities 48:11 Integrating Natural Building into Apprenticeships 52:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts LINKS: Natural Building Australia: https://naturalbuildingaustralia.org/place/rachel-goldlust-natural-building-consultant/ [https://naturalbuildingaustralia.org/place/rachel-goldlust-natural-building-consultant/] Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]