The Building Talks Podcast

Talking with Joey Hidalgo about Estimating, Offshoring, and the Power of Starting from Zero

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast, wrapping up Season 4 with a story that perfectly captures grit, growth, and what’s possible in construction when mindset meets opportunity.In this finale, I’m joined by Joey Hidalgo, founder of the TMC Academy and host of The Profitable Estimator Podcast. Joey moved from the Philippines to Australia with just $700, sending out 50 resumes a day before breaking into estimating and launching his own Estimating business. He shares how he built his career, the underestimated power of estimators, and why systems and mentorship matter more than ever. We also discuss how offshoring can solve skills shortages when done right and why Australia’s hiring mindset needs a serious rethink.Takeaways:✅ Building a career from scratch in a new country✅ Estimating as a critical (and overlooked) skill✅ Joey’s WPR framework: Win, Profit, Repeat✅ The offshoring debate: cheap labour or opportunity bridge?✅ Fixing the hiring mindset to focus on training, not perfectionChapters:05:23  Cultural Representation in Construction08:20  National Pride and Historical Context14:14  Career Path and Opportunities in Engineering17:03  Transitioning to Estimating in Australia23:54  Innovations in Estimating Processes29:57  Reflections on Diversity in Construction39:25  From Estimator to Entrepreneur42:55  Identifying the Skills Gap in Estimating45:40  The Challenge of Estimating in Construction51:39  Building a BPO for Estimators55:34  The Importance of Fair Compensation58:22  The SOT Framework for Successful Offshoring01:01:11  Building Trust and Communication in Remote Teams01:08:43  Developing Talent in the Construction Industry01:17:19  Finding the Right Fit: Training vs. Hiring01:27:43  Perceptions of the Australian Construction IndustryTune in for an inspiring, no-fluff chat about building a career from scratch, unlocking offshore potential, and why estimating deserves way more respect.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#ConstructionCareers #EstimatingMatters #TheBuildingTalksPodcast #TMCacademy #ProfitableEstimator #OffshoringInConstruction #SkilledMigration #MentorshipInConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #DiversityInConstruction The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.auThe views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Talking with Scott Clements about Growing an Engineering Firm, Attracting Talent, and Embracing AI in Construction

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Hi there, and welcome to The Building Talks Podcast, where we dig into what really builds success…In this episode, I sit down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a growing multidisciplinary Engineering firm based in Southeast Queensland. Scott’s story takes us from his early career in the UK to scaling a 70-person consultancy back in Australia, including some impressive growth during the COVID era.We explore the mix of strategy, timing and mindset that helped Inertia grow through unpredictable conditions. Scott also shares sharp takes on labour shortages, skilled migration, the real role of AI in construction productivity, and how he's using smart partnerships, including a joint venture with a New Zealand tech firm, to keep Inertia ahead of the curve. It’s a shorter conversation than usual, but full of practical insights and forward-thinking leadership.Takeaways:✅ Growing through uncertainty, strategy vs luck✅ Using AI and partnerships to drive productivity✅ Talent shortages and the immigration squeeze✅ Positioning your business for future growth✅ Engineering leadership that challenges the normChapters:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview00:15 - Scott's Career Journey01:25 - Industry Themes and Challenges02:35 - Inertia Engineering's Growth and Strategy03:37 - Podcast Partnership and Sponsorship05:10 - Scott's Early Interest in Engineering05:45 - Overseas Experience and Cultural Impact11:01 - Inertia Engineering's History and Expansion18:27 - Southeast Queensland Market Insights24:54 - Productivity Challenges in Construction28:12 - Cultural Shifts in Construction28:48 - Innovation and Technology in Engineering29:50 - Partnership with New Zealand Firm30:38 - Challenges in Project Leadership32:46 - Investment in AI and Automation37:08 - Education and Skill Development39:53 - Immigration and Labor Shortages47:38 - Future Predictions and Strategies57:55 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTune in for a sharp, honest chat on scaling smart and leading with intention in the built environment.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#ConstructionLeadership #EngineeringBusiness #SoutheastQueensland #BuiltEnvironment #AIFuture #ImmigrationPolicy #ProductivityInConstruction #TheBuildingTalksPodcastThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Talking with Alana Luppi about breaking cycles, building culture and backing the next gen of builders

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Thanks for joining me today on The Building Talks Podcast, got a ripper episode lined up…In this episode, I’m joined by Alana “Lu” Luppi, Senior Project Manager at ESR Group. From cleaning site sheds and abseiling high-rises to leading major commercial builds, Lu’s journey into construction is anything but ordinary.We chat about how mentoring over 40 emerging professionals shaped her career, the story behind launching the Speak Up Foundation, and why emotional intelligence and continuous training matter more than bravado. If you care about culture, growth and fixing the industry’s training gaps, this one's for you.Takeaways:✅ Mentoring done right can keep people in the industry✅ Curiosity trumps bravado in great leaders✅ The industry needs more structured training and support✅ Speaking up changes culture from the inside✅ You don’t have to “do it tough” just because others didChapters:04:40 – The Toughness of the Construction Industry08:52 – Personal Journey into Construction12:19 – Gender Dynamics in Construction17:03 – Career Pivots and Education20:05 – Mentorship and Support Systems28:15 – Empowering Women and Marginalised Group in Construction31:54 – Addressing Bias and Inclusion in the Industry33:33 – The Role of Mentorship in Career Development36:12 – Challenges in In-House Career Development39:05 – The Importance of Leadership and Support42:03 – Creating a Supportive Work Environment44:39 – The Speak Up Foundation’s Mission50:01 – The Future of Training and Development in Construction58:39 – Evolving Mindsets and Personal Growth01:00:46 – The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership01:03:18 – Navigating Challenges in Project Management01:07:32 – Time Management and Reflection in Construction01:10:52 – The Journey of Writing a Book01:16:31 – Balancing Passion Projects with Professional LifeTune in for an honest, energising chat on what it really takes to create a better future for construction.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #MentoringMatters #MentalHealthInConstruction #SpeakUpFoundation #WomenInConstruction #ESRGroup #ProjectManagement #IndustryCulture The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:  www.buildingenvirons.com.au  Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.auThe views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Talking with Andrew Deveson and David Caputo about what it takes to Scale Kapitol from Zero to a Billion-Dollar Builder

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Welcome to the 100th episode of The Building Talks Podcast  & what better way to celebrate than with a powerhouse conversation guaranteed to inspire and challenge your thinking!Back on the mic are Andrew Deveson and David Caputo, co-founders of Kapitol, who first joined us back in March 2023. In today's conversation we dive into the details about how Kapitol has become Australia's fastest growing commercial builder, what it takes to lead a business that’s redefining the industry through digital innovation, smart systems, & strong culture. We also explore how they’re tackling training, wellbeing, leadership, and their upcoming move into health and defence projects.  Takeaways:✅ How Kapitol went from startup to billion-dollar builder✅ The strategic discipline behind their rapid rise ✅ Their honest thoughts on the 13,000+ hours of internal training ✅ How they're using digital innovation & systems thinking to reshape construction✅ Their mindset, staying healthy & leading with clarity✅ Growing into new sectors: health, defence, Northern Territory✅ Leadership, restlessness and resilience at scaleChapters:05:43 – Introduction and Reflections on Growth06:53 – The Importance of Partnership in Business08:57 – Rapid Growth and Business Success14:00 – Investing in Systems and Training20:12 – Cultural Shifts and Industry Disruption25:51 – Future of Construction and AI Integration33:09 – Transforming the Construction Industry38:30 – Diversification and New Opportunities43:02 – Building Systems for Success50:00 – Navigating Leadership Challenges59:38 – Investing in Training and Development01:06:55 – Investing in AI: Costs and Training01:12:45 – Mental Preparation for Leadership01:22:02 – Future Goals and Strategic VisionTune in for a no-filter look at how two leaders are rewriting the rulebook for Australian construction at scale.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Kapitol #ConstructionLeadership #CommercialConstruction #DigitalEngineering #ConstructionCulture #40HourWorkWeek #Upskilling #AustralianConstruction #PropertyPodcast #BuiltEnvironment #ModernConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #100thepisode The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:  www.buildingenvirons.com.au  Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Talking with Ben Rowe about 'New Epping', and what it takes to deliver a $2 billion mixed-use precinct, and his insights to Property Development!

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Good on you for joining us for another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time, I had the chance to speak with Ben Rowe, Project Director at RIVERLEE, who’s overseeing one of Melbourne’s most ambitious urban transformations, the regeneration of the 'New Epping' precinct. It’s a 50-hectare site that’s evolved from a 10-year plan to a 20-year vision, and Ben’s been at the centre of it for the last eight years.We get into the realities of managing a multi-decade, multi-asset development that includes housing, healthcare, commercial, and retail, all while adapting to planning delays, shifting markets, and rising construction costs. Ben shares his approach to keeping long-term momentum, how to build trust with councils and communities, and what it takes to navigate risk, pick the right builders, and bring patient capital into the fold. He also opens up about his advocacy work through Queers in Property, driving visibility and inclusion in the built environment.Takeaways✅ Keeping momentum on long-term, complex projects✅ Balancing risk, resilience and changing market conditions✅ Building stakeholder trust through clear communication✅ Why developers need adaptability and strong networks✅ The importance of inclusion in property and constructionChapters:06:38 – The Journey into Property Development09:21 – The Complexity of Large-Scale Developments12:03 – Creating a Vision for Urban Regeneration19:32 – Creating People-Friendly Spaces24:38 – Understanding Community Needs29:48 – Challenges in Construction Costs34:36 – Managing Diverse Asset Classes37:31 – User-Centric Design in Healthcare Projects41:58 – Current Status of New Epping Project49:09 – The Art of Development: Storytelling and Influence52:00 – Current Challenges in Melbourne’s Property Development58:13 – Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Role of Queers in Property1:08:31 – Future Projects and Industry OutlookTune in for a real-world look at what it takes to deliver a future-ready precinct from the ground up.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#UrbanRegeneration #PropertyDevelopment #EppingProject #Riverlee #BuiltEnvironment #PrecinctPlanning #LongTermVision #ConstructionLeadership #InclusiveDesign #QueersInProperty #BuildingTalksPodcastThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au