10 Things I’ve learned from 30 years as a Tradie

By Shane, Director of Plumbstruct Industries

After almost 30 years in the trade industry, I’ve seen it all—from long days digging trenches in the rain to the sheer satisfaction of stepping back and admiring a perfectly finished project. But being a tradie has taught me far more than just how to build, fix, and problem-solve. It’s shaped who I am as a leader, a problem-solver, and a community member. Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned over my career that continue to shape the way I run Plumbstruct Industries today.

1. The Customer Comes First—But Boundaries Are Essential

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of striking a balance between customer service and protecting the time and energy of the team. We pride ourselves on clear communication and delivering quality outcomes, but there’s only so much you can do in a day. That’s why we made the decision to filter all incoming calls through the office rather than answering them directly on-site. It’s a simple change, but it’s made a massive difference. It keeps us focused on the job at hand, reduces distractions, and ensures customer enquiries are handled efficiently by the right person.

2. Innovation Often Starts with a ‘Can’t Be Done’ Job

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been called in after another tradie told a client, “That can’t be done.” And I love it. There’s something about solving complex problems and finding smarter solutions that gets me fired up. I’ve made a career out of tackling jobs others walk away from—whether that means finding a way to avoid ripping off an entire roof or navigating tricky site restrictions. Where others see roadblocks, I see opportunity. That mindset has not only built our reputation but also kept the work interesting.

3. Apprentices Are the Backbone of the Industry—If You Invest in Them

Bringing apprentices into the business has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Since taking on my first apprentice in 2017, I’ve realised the importance of proper mentorship. Take James, for example. He started with us at 15, doing work experience, then casual labouring before signing on as a school based apprentice. Now, he’s a gun tradie with a killer eye for detail and a solid work ethic. But that didn’t happen by accident—it took guidance, patience, and giving him the space to ask questions and make mistakes. Apprentices are the future of the trade, and investing in them is investing in the future of the industry.

4. A Good Laugh Can Get You Through the Toughest Days

Let’s be real—this job can be hard yakka. Long days, unpredictable weather, and the occasional curveball on-site can make for tough going. But having a good team that knows how to have a laugh makes all the difference. The on-site banter is a big part of what keeps morale high. Whether it’s Declan and me battling for the title of ‘resident clown’ or Brenndan copping flak for forgetting their lunch again, that humour brings the team together. It’s simple: when people enjoy coming to work, they do better work.

5. Never Stop Learning

The beauty of the trade industry is that it’s always evolving. From carpentry to plumbing, waterproofing to business management, my journey has been one long learning curve. Completing my Certificate IV in Business and keeping up with changing regulations has been just as important as mastering my tools. I’m a big believer in staying curious—whether it’s learning a new building method or finding a more efficient way to manage enquiries. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you start falling behind.

6. Details Make the Difference

Any tradie can slap together a basic build, but it’s the attention to detail that separates a decent job from a great one. Whether it’s perfectly aligning tapware, ensuring a flawless finish, or simply making sure we leave a site cleaner than we found it, those small touches stick in a client’s mind. We don’t just build things to last—we make them look bloody good too.

7. Transparency Builds Trust

If there’s one thing I know about clients, it’s that they value honesty. From the very first quote to the final walkthrough, I make sure everything is laid out clearly—costs, timelines, potential challenges. Even if it’s not what they want to hear, clients appreciate the honesty. It’s that transparency that builds long-term trust and brings in repeat business. Overcomplicating things or sugar-coating bad news only leads to headaches down the track.

8. Working Smarter, Not Just Harder, Is the Key to Longevity

This trade is tough on the body. In my early years, I was all about working harder—long hours, pushing through the pain—but over time I learned the real trick is working smarter. Implementing simple systems like using Google Sheets and Zapier to track enquiries has been a game-changer. It’s not about fancy CRMs or overcomplicating things; it’s about creating processes that make life easier and more efficient, so the team can focus on what we do best—building and problem-solving.

9. Community Over Awards, Every Time

Don’t get me wrong—winning awards like the Australian Small Business Champions Award has been a massive honour. But at the end of the day, it’s the connection with the community that means the most. Whether it’s seeing familiar faces at local markets, supporting a neighbour with a tricky reno, or simply knowing we’ve made someone’s home safer or more functional, that’s where the real reward lies. Recognition is great—but relationships last longer.

10. Family and Passion Keep You Going

Running a business isn’t easy—it’s long hours, late nights, and carrying the weight of every decision. But having my wife by my side for the past 21 years has made it all worth it. She’s been my rock through the highs and the chaos, and together we’ve built something we’re both proud of. Her quirky sense of humour keeps me grounded, and her passion for what we do is contagious. We’re soulmates in life and business, and that partnership is at the heart of Plumbstruct Industries.

Looking Ahead

After almost 30 years on the tools, I’m still learning, still growing, and still loving what I do. Trades work isn’t just about pipes, timber, or waterproofing—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and building connections with people. Here’s to the next 30 years—and maybe a few fewer trenches along the way. Cheers!