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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationGrowth pains, design trends & next-gen builders
Growth pains, design trends & next-gen builders
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This special HIA National Conference 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 about new tech, cutting waste and making the trade shine for tomorrow’s workforce.
Lessons I've learned from entertainment: continued resilience, self belief, curiosity and that desire to see things and learn things.Merrick Watts, Made to Build podcast
About Merrick Watts
Merrick Watts has done a bit of everything: radio, TV, stand-up, wine, even a stint on SAS: Australia. He kicked off as one half of comedy duo Merrick and Rosso, then branched out into acting, stand-up, and podcasting. These days, he runs Grapes of Mirth, a comedy tour that brings laughs to wineries across the country. He also hosts the Picture Discuss podcast and still pops up on TV from time to time. Basically, if it’s fun, Merrick’s probably doing it.
About Paige Gercovich
Paige Gercovich is Senior Designer and Ops Manager at Oasis Building Group, known for bold, custom home designs. She’s got an Advanced Dip in Building Design and is studying Architecture at Deakin. Paige is all about making design both beautiful and practical, shaping each build to suit the client. She’s also diving into 3D construction printing, which we’ll cover in a future episode. For now, we chat all things design, builds, and pushing the limits.
About Dean O'Rourke
Dean O'Rourke is Executive GM at ABN Group, overseeing major builders like Homebuyers Centre and Dale Alcock Homes. With 500 staff and $500M turnover, he leads retail, safety, training, and more. Dean’s known for building a strong, high-performance culture. Beyond ABN, he’s deeply involved in the industry. He's a former HIA President, current CTF board member, and National Chair of Planning and Environment. His leadership continues to shape the future of residential construction in Australia.
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