Realising what really matters through shared journeys
“We’re all doing the same thing, just at different times, and that shared experience is powerful.” With over 40 years in the building industry, Doug Mipeka of Boutique Style Homes has seen it all, from new builds and extensions to the personal wake-up call that came after a quadruple bypass in 2007. That moment forced […]
Breaking the cycle and finding clarity through connection.
“Just talking about it makes a huge difference — even if you don’t have the solution yet.” For Hayden, owner of HG Built, the toll of the job crept up quietly. Long days, relentless pressure, and a never-ending list of expectations led to unhealthy coping habits — escaping with mates, weekend couch sessions, and binge […]
Finding your tribe when the pressure becomes too much.
“You feel supported and you don’t feel alone by being a member of BuildUp. It’s life-changing.” As a custom home and renovation builder, Ian Ray wears every hat — HR, accounts, project manager, problem solver, and therapist. Running a Brisbane-based company solo, the weight of responsibility often fell squarely on his shoulders. And after a […]
Finding support, structure, and strength through shared experience.
“The first thing I noticed when I joined BuildUp was that a lot of these guys were going through similar issues to me.” Running a construction company with over 30 full-time staff comes with plenty of pressure — and for Jason Mayo, those stresses once led to some dark and sleepless nights. In 2019, when […]
Building confidence and clarity through shared experience.
Every time there’s a problem, I float it out into the group chat — nine times out of ten, someone’s been through it.” When Chris first started Rise Group, he was surrounded by mates who weren’t in the building game. That isolation, paired with the long days on the tools and late nights doing admin, […]
Reducing the stress of construction project management with updated business practices.
“The biggest change has been meeting up with the network group and focussing more on the business and less on the job.” In his design and estimating role at Update Renovate, Ray deals with many internal issues, and his insights are extremely valuable to anyone in the industry. He shares stories of frustration, overcoming barriers, […]
Share the load with group problem solving and advice from professionals.
“It’s a bit of a relief that you’re not the only one in the industry that goes through this sort of stuff, everyone sort of cops it at some stage through their career.” With his father owning a hardware store, and his grandfather a builder, Luke was always leaning towards construction and carpentry. Through his […]
Dealing with the building stress of project management in healthy ways.
“I’m kicking back, hanging out with the family and my two sons.” Travelling around the world and working as a carpenter, Clayton learned a trick or two that gave him an edge in the construction industry in Australia. His stories about working in Canada are especially great to hear – there are plenty of opportunities […]
Take care of your mental health by leaving your work on the site.
“In the last few years, I’ve changed my daily routine.” It’s great to hear a story about two brothers who mesh enough to create and run a business together. Allen tells us how he and his brother Kurt got started in the construction industry and how they got to where they are today. Working on […]
Building communities and support networks to destress and achieve more.
“It’s really satisfying to be able to help someone with a problem that you’ve been through.” Hearing the story of how Josh started as an apprentice in 2004 and went on to make JM Homes in 2014 is a great listen. And he has a lot to say about how the industry has changed over […]
