The Built to Last Show

Bigger Isn’t Always Better in Business - Lee Flanagan

Lee Flanagan - Bigger Isn’t Always Better in Business In this episode, we chat with Lee Flanagan, a heating business owner who scaled up fast—then scaled back for more profit and a better life. Lee built a 14-person team, taking on contracts with landlords, care homes, and schools. On paper, it looked like success. In reality, he was stressed, stretched thin, and not making the money he expected. Over time, he realized that a smaller, more controlled business model was the key to higher profits and a better quality of life. We discuss: * The challenges of managing people in the trades. * Why growing too fast can be riskier than staying small. * The impact of diversification—offering multiple services like heating, drainage, and renewables. * The importance of personal happiness over chasing arbitrary business targets. Lee shares how he redesigned his business to work for him rather than the other way around, proving that success isn’t about how many vans you have—it’s about the life you build. 📢 If you're wondering whether you should grow, scale back, or pivot, this episode is full of real-world insights!

Building a Business with Purpose - Michael Paini

Michael Paini - Building a Business with Purpose In this episode, we sit down with Michael Paini, founder of Option Energy Solutions, to explore his journey in the heating industry. Starting as a plumbing and heating engineer in 2012, Michael has built a business that prioritizes both technical excellence and environmental responsibility. Michael shares how his early career in traditional heating evolved into a passion for heat pumps and renewable energy, influenced by eye-opening documentaries and growing consumer awareness. He discusses the delicate balance between customer service and sustainability, the challenge of competing with large-scale national firms, and his commitment to 1% for the Planet, ensuring that his business gives back to environmental causes. With 60% of his business now focused on heat pumps, Michael explains why consumer education is key to industry progress and why peer-to-peer training could help solve the industry's growing skills shortage. If you're a heating engineer considering a shift to renewables or a business owner interested in balancing profit with purpose, this episode is for you!

Don’t Lean on Your Excuses! Steve Judge

Steve Judge - Don’t Lean on Your Excuses! In this episide, we welcome Steve Judge, a motivational speaker and former world champion paratriathlete, to talk about the mindset needed to succeed in business and life. Steve’s story is nothing short of inspirational. After a near-fatal car accident left him unable to walk, he defied the odds, setting goals to rebuild his strength, walk again, and ultimately become a world champion. Now, he applies the same goal-setting mindset to helping business owners overcome obstacles and stop leaning on excuses. In this powerful episode, Steve breaks down: * How to turn barriers into challenges and keep moving forward. * The importance of tenacity and resilience in business. * How to define what success really means to you. * The power of routine, accountability, and peer support. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure how to push forward, this episode will give you the tools to reignite your drive and make things happen! 🎧 Listen now for a motivational boost!

Running a Business with Your Other Half - Becky Lacey

Becky Lacey - Running a Business with Your Other Half This episode features Becky Lacey, the non-engineer behind a successful heating business, who proves that running a plumbing company isn’t just about being great on the tools—it’s about having the right systems, mindset, and team. Becky shares her journey of accidentally falling into business, how she and her husband have grown their company, and why defining success beyond just being “busy” is the key to long-term stability. We discuss: * Balancing work and family life when running a business as a couple. * The importance of systems and processes to avoid burnout. * Why tracking data and setting clear financial goals is vital for success. * How to take calculated risks to grow sustainably. Becky’s story is relatable, insightful, and packed with real-life lessons for anyone in the trades—whether you’re running a family business, considering growth, or just trying to get more control over your time. 📢 Listen now to hear how Becky turned a chaotic start into a thriving, well-structured business!

The Expansion Trap & Scaling Smart - Tommy Lee Zmuda

Tommy Lee Zmuda - The Expansion Trap & Scaling Smart In this insightful episode, we sit down with Tommy Lee Zmuda, a heating business owner who has seen the highs and lows of scaling a business. We talk about the Expansion Trap—the all-too-common cycle of growing too fast, hiring too quickly, and losing control of profitability. Tommy shares his own experience of rapidly expanding his team, only to realize that more people didn’t mean more profit—it just meant more problems. In this episode, we cover: * How to grow strategically without sacrificing profitability. * The biggest mistakes tradespeople make when hiring. * Why systems, marketing, and financial planning are key to sustainable growth. * How to define success on your own terms—whether that’s a large team or a lean, efficient operation. If you’re thinking about growing your business—or wondering whether bigger really is better—this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid the common pitfalls and build a business that works for YOU. 🎙️ Tune in now for expert advice on smart scaling!