Haunted by Bad Hires? End the Hiring Horror Before It Starts

Andy
The good news, you don’t have to keep repeating the nightmare. Today we are sharing exactly how to stop hiring duds and start attracting the A Grade tradies who lift your business, not bleed it dry. If you’ve ever felt trapped by a bad hire, this episode is your silver bullet. 

Ange
So grab a coffee or one of those freddo frogs ready for the trick or treaters because we’re about to show you how to end the hiring horror before it even begins.

Andy
You are listening to The Tradie Show. This is the podcast for trade business and contracting bosses like you who wanna lead with confidence, make more profit, and create a better lifestyle. 

Ange
We’re your hosts, Andy and Angela Smith, husband & wife team, and co-founders of Lifestyle Tradie. Are you ready to have some fun?

Andy
Hell yeah! Want to cut your business cost without cutting corners? Buy4Tradies makes it simple. This is a buying group built by tradies for tradies, plumbers, sparkies, solar and aircondition, landscapers just to name a few. Join for free and unlock trade only deals on materials, fuel tools, finance, IT, and heaps more. There are no contracts, no signup fees, just real savings with trusted national suppliers. So if you are ready to keep more cash in your pocket and less in your overheads, jump onto buy4tradies.com.au. That’s buy the number four tradies.com au and join for free today. Alright. It’s time to kick things off with some, hell yeah wins from our amazing Lifestyle Tradie members. 

Hell yeah! These are the legends who’ve been smashing it in their businesses, proving that small changes can lead to massive results. And hopefully these give you some inspo on what you can do in your business. Ange, what do we have this week? 

Ange
Alright, so we’ve got some great hell yes to share today, Andy. First up, a big shout out to Des, who’s a builder in Melbourne, Victoria, and he shares that we’ve just handed over our biggest project to date, a 600K House reno. Clients are over the moon and love their new home. We’re waiting on professional photos to share. We’re pumped. 

Andy
That is a big hell yeah. Well done Des. You are absolutely flying at the moment. What’s next, Ange? 

Ange
Okay, so next up is Daniel who runs a plumbing business in Adelaide and he writes, new employees started this week and are killing it. Huge experience and great workmanship. 

Andy
Yeah, listen, this is the hell yeah as well. When you bring in a new employee or any employee and they’re an absolute gun, that is called for a big hell yeah. Last but not least, who’s up next, Ange? 

Ange
Okay, so this one is an absolute ripper. This is from Sonya who owns a plumbing business in Brisbane with her husband, Matt. She writes, August was a huge, huge month for us. Comparing July and August in one month, we’ve increased our trading income by 65% and more than doubled our gross profit, and most importantly, our net profit jumped nearly 11 times higher. Big frigging hell yeah for us, all our hard work this year is really paying off. 

Andy
That is absolutely incredible. Especially in these times, as people say, but what I’m seeing is the ones that are putting in the time and effort and doing those little things right, aren’t experiencing any downturn. They are absolutely flying. That is a huge hell yeah. And that’s what it’s all about here, helping tradies like you take control, make changes, and see the winds roll in. Okay? So we all want rock stars in our business, right? But if you ask any trade business owner how they hired their first few team members, you’ll hear the same story. Work ramps up. You are drowning in quotes and jobs and you desperately needed another set of hands yesterday. 

Ange
So what happens? You hire the very first person who applies. They’re not perfect, but you tell yourself, I’ll fix them. Sound familiar? Two years later, and that same person is still in the books, still making mistakes, and you are still stressed out. 

Andy
And that’s how duds slip in hand, stay. We take what we can get instead of building a winning team we actually want. But that doesn’t create an incredible business over time, does it? It just creates more headaches. 

Ange
So here’s the shift you need to approach hiring the same way you approach marketing to your ideal customer. So at Lifestyle Tradie, we talk a lot about knowing your customer avatar. We talk about our decisive, Deb, who at Dr. Drip was our number one avatar in the residential market. You should be just as clear on the avatar for your next employee. 

Andy
Because if you don’t know exactly who you are looking for and what they’re looking for, you can’t become the kind of aspirational business a rockstar Tradie wants to join. So let’s break down how to do this the right way. 

Ange
So once you’ve accepted that hiring the first warm body isn’t a plan. The next step is getting crystal clear on the team you actually want to build. Think of it like planning a renovation. You don’t start swinging a hammer without a set of plans, right?

Andy
Close your eyes and picture your business a year or two from now. 

Ange
Uh, hang on. No, don’t close your eyes. You’re probably driving or maybe even swinging a hammer. 

Andy
Okay? Don’t close your eyes, but start thinking about your business a year or two from now with your eyes wide open. Yes. You know how many vans are in the driveway? Who’s running the job so you’re not chained to the phone? What’s the vibe on site? Are the crew laughing, problem solving, getting it done without you micromanaging them? 

Ange
Don’t just think tradie, describe the person. Are they a qualified plumber with five years experience? Maybe they’re a first year mature apprentice, eager to learn. Detail the attitude, the skills, and the way they treat customers. This becomes your employee avatar. Just like we create a customer avatar, when we plan marketing. 

Andy
And here’s the kicker, you also need to know what that rockstar wants from you. What would make them say, I’d be mad not to go and work there? Because if you, you’re not ready to meet their expectations, career growth, good culture, work-life balance and even the best tradie won’t stay. 

Ange
Yes. So this is how you start hiring strategically instead of desperately. You know, the role, the qualities, and the deal you are offering before you even write the ad. That’s how you attract A Graders instead of patching holes with anyone who turns up. 

Andy
All right. Now that you’ve pictured that dream tradie, let’s flip it. What do they want from you? Because hiring is a two-way street. You can’t just put up a job ad and hope the legends come running A Grade tradies have options and they’re picky too.

Ange
When we asked our members what their best staff value most, the answers were really clear. Sure, good money matters, but it’s far from the whole story. Here’s what keeps great tradies loyal.

Andy
They want fun and a positive work culture. Nobody wants to spend 40 plus hours a week with a grumpy boss or a toxic crew. Your workplace vibe matters more than you think. 

Ange
Yes, and next is structure and systems. If you are still running jobs on scrap pieces of paper or a whiteboard. They’ll be gone before you finish morning tea. Solid onboarding and job management systems show your professional and that you take your business seriously. If you have a team younger than 30, these guys grew up with a mobile device in their hand. 

Andy
They also want career development. Most tradies dream of running their own show one day. Don’t be scared of that, embrace it. Offer training, leadership opportunities, even mentoring on how a business runs. Ironically, helping them grow is what keeps them around.

Ange
I couldn’t agree more. And you need to add respect and recognition. They actually want to be involved in the decisions that affect the team. They want a pat on the back when they smash a tricky job. It’s simple, but it’s powerful.

Andy
And yes, good pay and work-life balance, clear hours, fair overtime. Maybe the occasional Friday early mark, those little things do count. 

Ange
God, they don’t want much. Hey! 

Andy
They want everything these days. And well even you have high expectations. Most business owners do, right? Yeah. So besides that, you don’t wanna hire a dud. You are looking for an absolute rockstar. 

Ange
Yes, I agree. Okay, so another great way to think about this is through the lens of the four levels of Bedu benefits, BEDU. It stands for basic, expected, desired, and unexpected. You have to actually ensure that you tick all the boxes, delivering benefits in all four boxes. So let’s test you. Are you ready? 

Andy
Ready. Let’s start with level one basic things like uniforms, a phone, a great work truck that’s clean. You know, the things that are literally non-negotiable when you go to work for a new, new employer. 

Ange
Totally. So level two is expected. Again, these are things that Tradie would say is pretty standard and expected if they came to work for you. I’m talking about things like a fair wage, the tools or equipment they have and paid overtime.

Andy
Right. I’m pretty sure you’ve ticked both of those boxes. Most businesses have basic and expected, but here’s where it gets interesting. Do you actually address the benefits of the top two tiers?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. When was the last time your business worked for you instead of running you into the ground? If you are sitting there thinking, yep, that’s me, then we need to talk. I’m Andy Smith and I’ve been where you are. Long hours, cashflow nightmares, no control. Does any of these sound familiar? But here’s the thing, you don’t have to keep living like this. There’s a way out, and it starts with a game plan call. It’s just 10 minutes. We’re going to identify the bottlenecks holding your business back and map out a clear, straightforward plan to get you moving forward. Think of it as your shortcut to make more profit, more control, and more time to actually enjoy your life. And if you are stuck with cashflow issues, team headaches, or just feel like you’re drowning in endless work. Well, guess what? I’ve got your back. So here’s what you need to do. Head to lifestyletradie.com.au. Hit the big green game plan call button, or just scroll down on your phone. Listen, if a 10 minute call could save you hours of headaches, why wouldn’t you take it? Make the move, let’s turn things around and get your business working for you, not against you. Hell yeah!

Ange
Okay. Top two tiers. We are moving into level three, which is desired. These are the things in the industry that employees know are possible to receive from a new boss, but are they delivered? I’m talking about things like a team breakfast or the use of a vehicle on the weekends. They desire to have them, but are pretty sure they won’t be included. So what do you offer in your business that could fall in this category? 

Andy
Then you’ve got the highest level, which is unexpected. The stuff that makes you stand out. These are benefits that literally, wow, any potential employee. 

Ange
So this unexpected level includes things like half day Fridays through summer or one of our members, Tony Isgrove from Isgrove Paint and Decorate. He does monthly Dream Day Awards where once a month they spin this rainbow wheel and one lucky team member has their dream fulfilled. I’m talking mountain bikes, skydives, family holidays to the Gold Coast, like seriously, this guy is next level.

Andy
Yeah, so next level and so generous, and I know not everybody has the budget to start there, but it’s great to see what is possible as your business grows and makes consistent profit. 

Ange
Exactly. Plus, it helps everyone think about their own business. How did you go when you consider basic, expected, desired and the unexpected level? Are you aspirational to work for? 

Andy
The bottom line is that rockstar tradies want a professional workplace where they feel valued and can grow. When you provide that, you are already miles ahead of any of the competition. 

Ange
Now, let’s talk about making your business the place every A grade tradie wants to join because here’s the reality. A plumber is a plumber and a sparky is a sparky, and your competition is every other boss in town. So why would a rockstar pick you?

Andy
You need to be an aspirational employer. That means creating a business people are drawn to almost like you’ve cast a spell, fitting for the week of Halloween, right? It’s about more than money. It’s about culture, pride, and reputation. 

Ange
So start with what people see every day. Keep your vans clean and your branding sharp. When a gun tradie spots your vehicle at the lights, you want them thinking, Hmm, I could see myself driving that vehicle. 

Andy
Same with uniforms. A crisp professional kit does more than just impress customers. It makes your crew feel a part of something. When we updated Dr. Drip’s uniforms, I can still remember that our team walked that little bit taller. 

Ange
And don’t underestimate the power of social media, share behind the scenes fun. I’m talking Friday cake days, team barbecues, even the odd prank if that’s your style. Remember, you are not just marketing to customers. Future staff are watching too, and they’re literally sizing you up.

Andy
And your website does matter as well. Add a dedicated ‘Join our team’ page that speaks directly to tradies. Use language that shows you value them, include photos or even a short video of your crew. Let potential hires see the personalities, not just the job. 

Ange
When we created our employment video for Dr. Drip, it wasn’t slick or corporate, it was real. Our team talked about why they absolutely love the culture, that authenticity is what catches a rockstar’s eye. 

Andy
That’s the payoff for building an aspirational business. Every touch point from a van parked on site to an Instagram post, it’s part of your recruitment marketing. Show that your business is professional, fun, and future focused, and you’ll be the company that great tradies quietly keep on the radar. 

Ange
So when the next legend’s ready to jump ship looking for a better job, you’ll be the first call they make. That’s how you turn hiring from a horror story into a treat.

Andy
By now, you know who your ideal team member is and what they want. The next step is to consistently attract them. Think of this like winning new customers because hiring is just smart marketing with a different audience. 

Ange
Your A Grade tradies don’t necessarily respond to a single job ad. When they start to wonder what’s out there, you need to be present because they actually start to notice you over time. 

Andy
First they see your vans on the road or your post on Instagram. Then they hear a mate talk about how good your culture is. They start watching quietly until one day they’re ready to make the move. And you need to be the obvious choice. 

Ange
Exactly. The thing is, a rockstar already has a job. They are just interested in a better job.

Andy
And that’s why we taught our Lifestyle Tradie members the details behind the rockstar conversion model. Seven Simple steps to keep Great tradies coming your way, time after time.

Ange
So there is a great deal of detail behind each one of these seven points that we taught in detail to our members. But to help you get the gist of what you need to do, I wanna share with you the seven steps. All right, Andy, you start. 

Andy
Right. Step one, visibility and branding. Clean, well-branded vehicles and uniforms are your moving billboard. Make sure they shout out professionally every time you pull up to a job. 

Ange
Yes. Step two is social proof. Share your team wins and behind the scenes fun on social media. Show the culture, not just the jobs. Future staff are always watching. 

Andy
Step three, a careers page. Have a dedicated Join our team page on your website that speaks directly to tradies. List perks, growth opportunities and a clear call to action. 

Ange
Step four is an employment video for your careers page. Shoot a short, authentic video with your team talking about why they love working for you. It doesn’t need to be slick, it just needs to be real. 

Andy
Step five, consistent marketing. Remember, every piece of marketing you place to attract customers is also a recruitment ad. Keep your messaging steady and professional. 

Ange
Step six is a fast response. When a rockstar reaches out, whether you’ve advertised or not, you’ve gotta reply fast. Great tradies won’t wait for weeks for a callback. 

Andy
Step seven, continuous engagement. Stay on their radar. Post updates, celebrate staff milestones, and keep your culture visible so when someone’s ready to jump ship, you are the first place they think of.

Ange
And just like what happened to one of our Lifestyle Tradie members, Rua, who owns a plumbing company in Adelaide with her husband Lee, they recently shared this win with all of us. We’ve hired another new tradie who has fit right in with the team. The best thing is we had two tradies come to us without advertising to ask for a job as they’d heard from other employees how great it is to work in our company and how good our systems and management are.

Andy
Or Brad and appliance maintenance business also in Adelaide, who shared, had an experienced tech send a resume through. His wife liked what our social media showed and the family first ethos of the company, so asked him to see if we had any positions. Interviewed and he’s happy to wait for the right time to move across.

Ange
Seriously. That’s the dream, isn’t it? Great people knocking on your door. 

Andy
I think it’s important to note here that a rockstar is not just some dude hanging around waiting for a seek ad to pop up into their inbox. We don’t want someone that doesn’t have a job currently.

Ange
No, we want a rockstar. It’s someone that already has a job but wants a better job, and you are the solution.

Andy
Follow these steps, and you’ll never have to face a hiring fright night again. Instead, you’ll have a pipeline of A Grade tradies who already know your culture and are lining up at the door waiting to join. 

Ange
That’s how you turn hiring from a desperate. Dash into a system that keeps the gullies and goblins out of your business and lets the real rock stars walk right on in. 

Andy
It’s tradie dilemma time, and it’s brought to you by Buy4Tradies, the buying group, helping tradies like you save serious coins on materials, fuel, vehicles, tools, and other services. If you’re not using it, you are probably paying too much. This is our Q&A segment where you let us know what you are having trouble with in your business and we’ll give you our best advice to sort it out. 

Ange
Okay, so today we have a question from Jeff who owns a HVAC business in Rockhampton in Queensland, and he writes, two of my employees keep rushing to finish early every afternoon. I’m worried they’re cutting corners, but I don’t want to be a micromanager. How do I keep quality up and still let them feel trusted? 

Andy
Ooh. Yeah, it’s interesting mate, living in Rockhampton, no doubt you guys have some hot weather up there and they’re keen to get to the pub or go for a swim in the pool. But I think the big thing here is it’s your job as a business owner to make sure that they’re doing the right things and when you say you don’t want to be a micromanager, that’s where you need to need to put things in place like a checklist, that they’re not allowed to leave at the end of the day until they’ve done some certain points. They’ve put their notes in the job management system. Maybe they’ve billed the customer collected payment. The site is left clean and tidy and everything is  okay. The challenge with people rushing to finish a job, they start leaving tools behind. They start missing steps. And if you’re not micromanaging them or putting something in place, they just get away with it and then they get away with it, and then all of a sudden it becomes the norm and it becomes a bigger problem.

Ange
I think it’s important to say that if they’re racing, there’s a chance that maybe you are ending up with callbacks because they literally are maybe cutting corners, and this is why having a checklist at the end of every job is incredibly important. Thanks for writing in your question, Jeff. And remember, if you want Andy and I to answer your most challenging question, then send it our way.

Andy
And that’s a wrap on today’s episode. Remember, when you know exactly who you are looking for and create a business, great tradies want to join, you’ll never have to fear another hiring nightmare again. 

Ange
Until next time, keep it real, keep it profitable, and don’t let any hiring nightmares sneak into your crew.

Andy
Subscribe to The Tradie Show, wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Rate and write us a review or for more information about Lifestyle Tradie, head to lifestyletradie.com.au.