Welcome to Episode I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle sits down with Melinda Colon expert in helping 6–7 figure businesses (and beyond) win government contracts globally.

If you want consistent, stable revenue, guaranteed payments (as long as you price right), and a hedge against private-sector volatility, government contracts are the answer most construction owners overlook.

We cover:

Why government contracts = stability (not just “nice to have”)

The 5-step Gavin Coyle sales strategy (prepare → target → strategize → submit → track)

How to find buyers & register BEFORE the tender drops

Why “no time to bid” is actually an opportunity (rebids & expressions of interest)

Building relationships with procurement officers (no bribes needed!)

The mindset shift: stop chasing → start positioning

Melinda’s journey: corporate burnout → $5.79B+ in client wins

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Melinda’s story – corporate burnout to full-time Gavin Coyle success

04:43 Why winning a contract feels better than the money

07:40 The 20–30% government revenue sweet spot

13:18 Government contracts stimulate the economy – your piece is waiting

17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad

20:13 Money flow: follow the budget before it becomes a contract

26:30 How to find the real buyer (procurement/purchasing contacts)

31:18 Expressions of Interest – your unfair advantage

36:50 The interview/presentation: speak to every person in the room

43:27 Re-bids & “no one responded” = second chance

50:13 Knowing what you know now… Melinda’s biggest regret

52:09 Melinda’s fun fact + how to connect

SPONSOR

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple → https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify → https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website → https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness #governmentcontracts #govcon #constructionrevenue #business #podcast #Construction #constructiontechnology

What would the top construction leaders change if they could go back in time? We asked 6 incredible guests on I’m The Gaffer the toughest curveball question: “Knowing what you know now… what would you do different?”

Raw, honest, no-BS answers from real builders who’ve been through the fire.

Featured Guests & Their Biggest Lessons:

00:00 Intro – The Curveball Question

00:13 Lucy Clarke – Ask for help sooner – don’t be a lone ranger

01:43 Wally Adamchik – Save money earlier, don’t drink it away

03:13 Ray Mellor-Pike – Spend less time in investment banking burnout

05:34 Tom O’Toole – Learn detachment earlier – stop emotional decisions

07:16 Ciaran Brennan – Be fairer & speak up when it mattered

09:55 Hustro.com sponsor & final thoughts from Gavin

If you’re running (or dreaming of running) a construction business, these lessons will save you years of pain.

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. 75 % less time on inspections & reports → https://hustro.com

Which answer hit you hardest? Drop it in the comments! Full episodes → Search “I’m The Gaffer” on YouTube/Spotify/Apple Podcasts.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness#business #podcast

Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle discusses talent attraction, culture & mental health in construction with Tom Prendergast, HSE Director UK at H&MV Engineering.

If you’re struggling to find good people, keep them, or build a culture that doesn’t burn people out –this episode is your wake-up call.

We cover:

– Why schools & parents still push university over trades

– The “Mayo Mafia” & Irish influence on UK construction

– H&MV’s in-house academy – the conveyor belt of talent

– Mental health, addiction & the nomadic lifestyle problem

– Buddy systems, work-life balance & supporting the whole person

– Celebrating unsung construction heroes

– Why “get Paddy on the shovel” culture is dead

– Tom’s journey: electrician → North Sea → HSE leader

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Innovative employee packages (virtual shares, financial coaching)

03:22 Tom’s 30-year journey – apprentice to HSE Director

05:34 Schools grading on university places = the real problem

11:19 The nomadic lifestyle – the hidden mental health trigger

17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad

21:22 5-a-side football & house shares – fixing isolation on site

28:23 Light duties & supporting the whole person

36:31 Bucket list questions every leader should ask

40:21 Seasons of life – why one-size-fits-all fails

45:44 The power of mentoring & legacy

51:16 Tom’s imposter syndrome story

53:26 How to contact Tom

CONNECT WITH TOM

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-prendergast-84927a18/

Company— hmveng.ie

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, offering invaluable lessons and tips that provide a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast 

Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle talks hiring, retention & culture with Traci Austin, the HR expert who builds high-performing teams for blue-collar businesses.

If you’re tired of bad hires costing you time/money, rockstars leaving, or struggling to build a real team culture – this episode is your blueprint.

We cover:

– Why most contractors hire the wrong people (and how to stop it tomorrow)

– The scorecard system that aligns behaviours, culture & skills

– “Behaviours you allow” = your real company culture

– Creative compensation beyond salary (without breaking the bank)

– Light duties done right vs wrong

– Holding people accountable without burning bridges

– Seasons of life – why one-size-fits-all pay/packages fail

– Traci’s free resources (links below)

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software on the planet.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Innovative employee deals (virtual shares, financial coaching)

03:22 Traci’s journey – 24 years building HR for trades

05:34 The scorecard that changes everything

12:31 Culture = behaviours you allow (or don’t)

17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad

23:04 Creative packages beyond salary

28:23 Light duties – good vs dangerous

31:18 “Happy alumni” pathway – how to part ways well

36:31 Seasons of life & personalized motivation

40:21 Bucket list questions every leader should ask

45:44 Traci’s free scorecard & tough talk blueprint

CONNECT WITH TRACI

LinkedIn → Search “Traci Austin.”

Website → elevatedtalentconsulting.com

Podcast → The People Strategy Podcast

SPONSOR

Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction

Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle discusses LinkedIn mastery & AI in content creation with Al Kushner, founder of LinkedVantage®, an award-winning author, and the individual who transformed insurance sales into a LinkedIn empire.

If you’re a construction owner wondering “Is LinkedIn worth my time?” or “How do I use AI without sounding fake?” – this episode is your blueprint.

We cover:

– Why LinkedIn is the #1 platform for B2B (and Facebook/TikTok aren’t)

– The goldmine most contractors ignore (it’s not posting selfies)

– How to optimise your profile so clients find YOU

– AI as a tool (not a replacement) – multiple tools = better results

– Balancing AI efficiency with real authenticity (the audience can spot fake)

– Quality connections > vanity numbers

– Newsletters, recommendations, groups – the features that actually work

– Al’s free LinkedIn audit worksheet (link below)

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software on the planet.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Al’s journey – insurance → LinkedIn since 2006

01:15 Why LinkedIn beats every other platform for B2B

05:34 Free vs Premium vs Sales Navigator – what you actually need

08:25 Quality over quantity connections

11:19 The QR code feature nobody uses (better than business cards)

17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad

22:33 Groups – the hidden goldmine for networking

25:28 Commercial profiles & photos that win trust

30:13 AI tools Al uses (Perplexity, Copy.ai, Jasper + more)

36:31 Create your own “AI board of advisors.”

39:20 Why sole reliance on AI kills authenticity

46:23 Al’s book “The AI LinkedIn Advantage”

48:15 How to contact Al + free profile audit worksheet

FREE GIFT FROM AL

Optimise your LinkedIn profile today a completely free worksheet

→ https://linkvantage.com/audit

CONNECT WITH AL

LinkedIn → Search “Al Kushner.”

Website → https://linkvantage.com

Book → “The AI LinkedIn Advantage” (Amazon/ebook/audio)

Podcast → The AI Authority Edge

SPONSOR

Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle talks crisis management & incident investigation with Desai Link, ex-lawyer turned safety pro, who moved from Australia to New Zealand because “they were 10 years behind in safety”.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do the second someone gets hurt on your site (and 99 % of contractors haven’t planned for it), this episode is pure gold.

We go deep on: The phone call every contractor dreads (“someone died on your site”)

– Why “just follow the procedure” is the WORST investigation answer

– How your own safety paperwork can be used AGAINST you in court

– The thumb incident that uncovered recruitment fraud

– Why New Zealand has 4× more fatalities per capita than the UK

– The one question that turns blame into real learning

– Light duties done right vs wrong

– Des’s book “Beyond the Incident”, the legal tricks safety pros miss

Sponsored by Hustro.com, the simplest construction management software on the planet.

Paperwork-heavy safety can be used AGAINST you in court

Always ask “Why?” five more times. Blame is easy, learning is gold

Clients fear risk more than they love saving money

Light duties = good IF you stay connected (bad if you just pay & ghost)

Every incident is an opportunity – treat it like one

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Des: “Aussie by birth, Kiwi by choice.”

01:27 NZ safety is 10 years behind Australia

03:19 From law → forklifts → safety (the real story)

05:44 Why most safety paperwork can be used against you

08:35 The thumb incident → international recruitment fraud exposed

11:29 Root cause vs legal causation – the difference that saves millions

17:43 What to do the SECOND the media rings

22:28 Hustro.com mid-roll

24:55 “Choose your hard” – light duties done right

27:49 Des’s 5 golden rules for ANY incident

31:18 The fraud case that changed everything

37:09 Des’s personal health battles (COPD + no immune system)

42:49 Why “just sack them” loses twice

45:44 Book “Beyond the Incident” – free download

48:15 How to contact Des (he answers everyone)

SPONSOR

Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

Welcome to a solo episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle finally answers the #1 question he gets asked every single week:

“How the hell do I win tenders without being the cheapest bidder?”

If you’re a small-to-medium contractor sick of losing work, getting undercut, or telling yourself “it’s all backhanders and who you know,” this 53-minute masterclass will change everything.

This is the exact playbook Gavin uses (and teaches his clients) to win multi-million dollar tenders while still making a proper margin.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:21 The question Gavin gets asked more than any other

01:20 Why “brown envelopes” is the loser’s excuse (and the truth)

02:16 Find clients who actually value you (they exist!)

03:13 Sub-contractor model vs direct labour – the hidden reason you keep losing

05:38 Professional tender writers – worth every penny?

06:04 ISO / accredited systems – when you NEED them (and when you don’t)

08:23 The €5M+ tender rule nobody talks about

09:21 Sub-contractor vetting – get this wrong, and you’re instantly disqualified

10:20 ALWAYS ask for the scorecard feedback (and what to do with it)

12:14 It’s not price – it’s TRUST

19:44 Tell a STORY in your tender (most submissions read like a robot wrote them)

22:33 Build your tender library NOW (central folder = game changer)

25:28 Commercial profiles & photos of your key people (huge differentiator)

29:24 Modern slavery & supply-chain risk – clients are terrified of this

33:37 Clients care more about things NOT going wrong than saving €10k

34:36 De-risk the project for them = become the safe pair of hands

36:31 Add unasked-for innovations (toolbox talks, leadership walks, off-site fab)

41:13 Treat every tender like your company’s most important sales pitch

44:32 The team you promise MUST be the team that turns up

45:59 Build relationships BEFORE the tender drops

47:57 The follow-up email that saves tenders from the spam folder

50:19 Shift the conversation from COST to VALUE & TRUST

SPONSOR

Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building

industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle sits down with Brad Huebner, ex-Marine, multi-business owner, and the coach who has quietly helped hundreds of contractors finally get paid what they’re worth.

If you’re working yourself to death, barely paying yourself, and still stuck under €/£/$1M – this episode is your wake-up call.

We go DEEP on the stuff nobody else will say out loud:

– Why 80-90 % of profitability problems are simply “not charging enough.”

– The brutal “crazy cycle” that keeps trades stuck at 70-90 hour weeks

– Why mindset is 90 % of coaching (and how childhood baggage is silently killing your pricing)

– The $35k vs $30k + efficiency example that will blow your mind

– Why picking ONE ultra-specific niche is the fastest way to dominate your town

– The exact 4-step blueprint Brad uses: Mindset → Finances → Sales/Marketing → Systems

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software on the planet.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:16 “Outworking the inefficiencies” – why most have no parachute

00:55 The contractor who’s drowning right now (70-90 hr weeks, no pay)

07:40 The #1 problem across the board: NOT charging enough

12:53 The vicious “crazy cycle” explained

18:42 It’s relationships & communication, not just the task

21:07 Stop work the SECOND you’re not paid

24:27 90 % of coaching is MINDSET – self-worth & people-pleasing

28:19 Gavin opens up about losing his brother & how grief shaped his business decisions

40:46 Step 2 – Finances: kill the services that lose money TODAY

48:16 $35k bathroom vs $30k + $1k efficiency (the math that changes everything)

52:35 If Brad started again tomorrow: ONE niche from day one

55:20 Riches in niches + building a moat

57:13 Brad’s hidden life – 5 mission trips to Russia/Ukraine + world-championship pistol shooter

59:07 FREE BOOK (see below)

FREE GIFT FROM BRAD

Get Brad’s full book “The Contractor Profit Blueprint” 100 % FREE (normally $9.99)

→ https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.com

Promo code: GAFFER (all caps) – instant access

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/