I recently jumped back on The Tool Shed Podcast with my good mate Mick Hawes to talk about something that’s close to my heart – how builders can create real, lasting wealth beyond the job site.
Over the years, I’ve met countless builders and tradies who’ve built incredible businesses, yet still feel trapped by long hours, rising costs, and unpredictable cash flow. Most went out on their own for freedom – but somewhere along the way, that freedom slipped away.
From Hard Work to Smart Systems
That pattern hits home for me because I’ve lived it too – just in a different industry.
In my corporate days, I worked 70-hour weeks chasing “success,” only to end up burnt out and back at square one. The turning point came when I realised wealth isn’t created through harder work – it’s built through a smarter, safer system that preserves capital first and compounds it over time.
In this conversation with Mick, we unpack that exact idea – how to shift from working harder for money to having your money quietly working for you. It’s a practical chat for builders, tradies, and business owners who want more control and stability without adding extra stress or risk.
And that message matters, because after speaking with hundreds of builders and tradies over the years, I’ve seen the same pattern play out time and again.
- When times are good, profits flow in – but they often flow straight back out again on short-term rewards.
- Then, when things tighten – a quiet quarter, a delayed payment, or a downturn – there’s little set aside to stay steady.
It’s not a discipline problem. It’s a system problem.
That’s why this conversation matters. We talk about what it really means to create wealth that lasts – not through hype or high risk, but through having a clear, rules-based process for managing money, preserving capital, and compounding steadily over time.
Who This Podcast is For
This podcast is perfect for:
- Builders and tradies who are working long hours and want their money to work for them
- Small-business owners who earn good income but lack a structured way to invest it
- Farmers and everyday Australians who want financial security without the stress or guesswork
If that sounds like you, this episode will give you a calm, practical way to start – no jargon, no pressure, no hype.
How to Fit Investing into a Busy Life
At one point in the conversation, Mick asked the question almost every builder asks me:
“How can someone who’s already flat out possibly fit this in?”
And that’s the heart of the episode – how to start investing without it taking over your life. We unpack the simple framework I use to help busy builders and tradies take their first step toward creating a second income stream, even with packed schedules. (Hint: you’ll only need around 20–30 minutes a day at most – and that’s if you’re being active.)
You’ll hear how small, consistent actions – when guided by structure instead of guesswork – can make all the difference. (If you’ve ever thought “I’d love to invest, but I just don’t have the time,” this part alone is worth tuning in for.)
And once you have that rhythm, the next question becomes:
“How do you make sure your hard-earned money stays safe while it grows?”
That’s where our chat takes a powerful turn.
Why Preserving Capital Comes First
Most people enter the market focused on making money. But what we discuss in this episode flips that idea on its head – showing why not losing money becomes the foundation for long-term success.
We explore what “capital preservation” actually looks like in practice, and why builders, tradies, and small-business owners tend to connect with this mindset more than anyone else. Mick even calls out how this principle mirrors what great builders already do – planning, managing risk, and following a process before they ever start construction.
If you’re curious about how to build wealth safely without the stress, this segment will give you a completely different perspective on investing.
Why This Podcast Episode Is a Must-Listen:
If you’ve ever wondered how to create more freedom – without adding more hours, risk, or stress – this episode will show you what that looks like in real life.
Mick and I break down the key mindset shift that every builder, tradie, and small-business owner needs to make: stop working for money, and start learning how to make money quietly work for you.
What makes this conversation powerful isn’t theory – it’s practicality. You’ll hear how builders are applying a simple, structured approach to investing that fits around their busy schedules, protects their hard-earned profits, and helps them build wealth with confidence.
It’s an honest, down-to-earth discussion about creating financial stability through systems, not guesswork – and why protecting your capital is the first step toward lasting freedom.
To your success,
Terry
Topics Discussed In This Episode…
- Why relying only on your business or trade income leaves your future vulnerable – and how to fix it
- The simple first step to start investing safely, even if you’re short on time
- How to create an investing routine that fits around your work and family life
- The rule that keeps you calm and confident through market ups and downs
- Why thinking in percentages – not dollars – helps you stay steady and consistent
- How a clear, checklist-driven process takes the guesswork out of every decision
- Why holding cash on hand can actually strengthen your returns over time
- How to spot strong, profitable companies instead of chasing hype or risky stocks
- The power of community support – and how learning with others builds accountability and confidence
Quotes
- “Ultimately… if you focus on preserving your capital and making sure that you don’t lose (money) as the number one priority, then the making money part comes as a byproduct.” – Terry Tran
- “All of our decisions generally are made emotionally… in your (Terry’s) system, they’re not. When the data makes sense, you feel good and you’re taking action.” – Mick Hawes
- “Start with why. When the why is clear, the how becomes easier.” – Simon Sinek
- “If you’ve got a process that you know can generate quite a safe return that gives you double-digit compounding growth year after year… those two vehicles (a well-run business and a structured investing system) alone will give you that financial freedom.” – Terry Tran
- “Community is just… the most important thing. It’s like a peloton in a bike race, or it’s like the way geese fly in a V formation. If you travel together in a group like that, you can go much further, faster, and use a lot less energy.” – Mick Hawes
Relevant Links
Companies / Stocks that were mentioned:
For Builders and Everyday Investors
- Builders Business BlackBelt (Mick’s Business Coaching for Builders)
- 🎧 Episode 143: How Builders Can Create Passive Income – The ToolShed Podcast with Mick Hawes
- 🛠️25- Page Builder/Tradie Starter Guide- Building Wealth Beyond The ToolShed
- 📘The Freedom Trader Stock Investing Checklist – Use the exact checklist Terry relies on before buying a stock
- 🎓The Freedom Trader Free Masterclass – Discover how you can invest more safely, without the guesswork.
