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Made to Build
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Made to Build is HIA’s new video podcast, spotlighting the excellence, innovation, and future of Australian residential building.
Through raw, honest conversations and inspiring success stories, we bring you face-to-face with the builders, innovators, and business leaders shaping Australia’s housing future. This isn’t just another construction podcast—it’s the definitive voice of Australia’s residential building industry.
Do you work in the housing industry and have a story to tell? Or would you like to partner with the show? Tell us about yourself and your business.
Create a sellable business
Branding that stands for something. A bible for your build quality. Leaders who lift the load. Ryan Goodwin from Mode Group lays out how to build a business that could run - or even sell - without you. It’s about honouring the craft, setting the bar, and backing your team. Tune in on how you can think beyond today’s job.
Real renovation hacks
Patrick from McDowell Building chats about renovations - how to handle dust, noise, and tricky old homes. He’s big on clear plans, honest chats with clients, and keeping sites clean. With a small, solid team, he pushes for high standards and learning as you go. Good planning and solid comms are key.
Grow your business, learn trends & what's next
This three-guest HIA Conference special episode features comic-turned-entrepreneur Merrick Watts on using pain as a growth gauge and turning your passions into business. Paige Gercovich spills on the move toward timber use in kitchens, playful tiles and calm, earthy palettes. Dean O’Rourke chats new tech, cutting waste and making the trade shine for tomorrow’s workforce.
The Future of Aussie housing?
This special three-part HIA National Conference episode features Ian Hazan & Debbie Johnson (HIA Presidents, past and present) talking about backing our members, cutting red tape, and the builder’s role in better housing. Builder Dean Backman describes how he bumps a house's energy efficiency rating from 7 to 10 stars with airtight testing, triple glazing, and smarter detailing. Oliver Burnell made a massive career shift when he became a mature-age apprentice and started his journey in the residential building industry. He shares his story of trading a desk job for site dust—and explains why the shift paid off. This is essential viewing for anyone considering a career change to construction or curious about what's next in the Australian housing industry.
Tass method: One roof, no surprises
Ben and Aaron Tass were done with plans changing after the slab was poured, so they put the architect’s desk next to the builder’s. A multi-award winning construction company, every custom job now starts with real numbers, not wishful thinking. They walk through upfront cost breakdowns, clear client chats, and keeping growth steady in a brother-run shop. Want fewer variations and smoother builds? Give this one a run.
How Anthony Igmen helps builders nail electrification
Solar used to be a “nice‑to‑have.” Now tougher NCC energy‑efficiency targets are steering every new build toward full electrification. Anthony Igmen from Specialized Solar & Electrical lays out what that means on site - panels, batteries, EV chargers, subsidies, and the margins hiding in smart tech. We cover early‑stage design, ditching gas, and teaming up with the right sparkies. Tune in for tactics you can plug‑in to the next quote.
Why little things matter in building
Luke Callery is a builder on a mission to make homes perform better — and help other builders do the same. In this ep, he shares how chasing the ‘one percenters’ changed the way he builds, runs his business, and connects with clients. From letting go of micromanaging, to tracking your numbers, to rethinking what makes a quality home - it’s full of small shifts that actually make a difference.
How Neil Hipwell built FutureFlip from the ground up
Neil Hipwell left school at 14, started hiring tradies by 20, and built FutureFlip into one of the most recognised design and build companies in the country. In this episode, he talks about how backing yourself, leaning into your strengths, and making hard calls early on helped him build a business - and a life - on his own terms. Tune in for an honest chat about backing yourself, resilience, and what most builders get wrong about success.
Introducing - Made to Build
Meet Richard Armstrong and Owen Bazdaric, the hosts of the Made To Build podcast. You'll learn about their journeys through the residential building industry and a taste of what to expect from the podcast.
Meet our hosts
Owen Bazdaric
A fourth-generation builder with construction in his blood, Owen Bazdaric has been immersed in the industry since childhood, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
Owen is passionate about shifting the perception of the construction industry. He believes that building is not just a job but a craft that provides purpose, challenge, and immense reward.
Owen brings a dynamic presence to Made to Build, helping to spark real conversations, share invaluable industry insights, and inspire builders to take their businesses—and the industry—forward.
Richard Armstrong
A former registered builder and active industry advocate, Richard Armstrong has spent decades working alongside Australian home builders, helping them navigate the complexities of client communications. With firsthand experience both on the tools and in business, Richard understands the critical conversations that shape successful building practices.
Richard is excited about the evolution of the construction sector—where new technologies, sustainable practices, and fresh industry talent are transforming how builders work. His expertise and insights make him an invaluable voice on Made to Build, where he shares real stories, strategies, and solutions to help builders stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.
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Listen to our podcasts
Watch our apprentice-focused video podcast Built Different, our industry show and our episodes focused on the Hunter.
HIA Building Australia podcast
We bring together a broad spectrum of experts, industry insiders and change-makers to help our industry excel in the face of challenge and change.
Built Different podcast
The show for young tradies that are built different. Hear great stories and get terrific advice to help you smash your goals in your career, and in life.
Building the Hunter podcast
Hear from industry legends in the Hunter region as they share their insights, personal experiences and tips and tricks to run a successful business.
Meet our members
Read the stories of smart, strong and talented individuals we’ve connected with over the last 80 years.