But with the right support and business coaching, big change is possible.
In this case study, we break down how one of our clients—a staircase builder—made a pivotal shift. He went from working solo and overwhelmed to building a small team and finally implementing the systems that had been gathering dust for months.
This isn’t just about hiring staff. It’s about mindset shifts, setting practical goals, and using the right tools to get off the hamster wheel.
If you’re stuck in the same cycle or wondering if business coaching is right for you, this story will hit home.
The Starting Point: Overwhelmed and Overloaded
When Ben (not his real name) joined the Ladies With Tradies business coaching group, he was running his staircase business completely solo. Every part of the business—from quoting and onsite work to admin and planning—rested on his shoulders. Like most small business owners, he had the drive but no time to build the systems.
“I put two boys on working for me now. Before that, I was working solely by myself,” Ben shared during a group coaching session.
“Now I’m just trying to manage them and making sure they’ve got enough work while I’m in the office organising stuff.”
On paper, that sounds like progress. But in reality? The extra staff added more stress, not less—because the business systems weren’t there to support growth.
Ben had invested in new software to improve quoting accuracy, reduce manual input, and speed up production planning. But it was sitting idle.
“It’s just been sitting there doing nothing,” he admitted.
“I say I haven’t got time to do it. I’m busy with everything else. But now I’m finding myself having some extra time... so this is definitely going to be my goal for the next 90 days.”
That moment—when procrastination turns into commitment—is exactly where coaching makes the difference.
Step One: Defining the Goal
At Ladies With Tradies, goal setting isn’t just a feel-good chat. It’s a process.
We use the SMART goal method, helping our clients break big ideas into action plans that actually get done:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Results-driven
- Time-bound
For Ben, the goal was simple but powerful:
Implement the software within 90 days to improve quoting speed and workflow.
This wasn’t about learning a fancy new tech tool. It was about reclaiming his time, reducing his overwhelm, and setting his business up to grow without burning out.
“I bought this software because it was going to make everything easier,” he said.
“But then work got out of control, and I just couldn’t find any time to dedicate to learning how to use it.”
From Excuses to Action: Flipping the Mindset
Like most tradies, Ben’s biggest obstacle wasn’t the software—it was time. Or more accurately, his relationship with time.
“I haven’t had time” was the story he told himself. But during coaching, we challenged that mindset.
“If you find yourself saying, ‘I don’t have time,’ stop and correct the language. Say, ‘I’m choosing not to prioritise this.’”
That one sentence changed the game. It made Ben accountable—not just for what he was doing, but for what he was avoiding.
This wasn’t just a personal breakthrough for him. It resonated with the entire coaching group. Because let’s be real: procrastination, perfectionism, and overwhelm are part of every tradie business owner’s story.
Building Structure: Turning Plans into Practice
Once the goal was set and the mindset had shifted, it was time to get practical.
Ben and his partner Lisa (also not her real name) decided to carve out weekly time blocks for learning the software. This was a game-changer. Instead of saying, “We’ll get to it when things quiet down”—which never happens—they made it a non-negotiable part of the week.
Their plan included:
- Weekly time set aside for software training
- Splitting admin responsibilities between them
- Using their new staff to free up Ben’s time in the office
This wasn’t about working longer hours. It was about working smarter.
By making the plan specific, simple, and achievable, they eliminated the overwhelm that had kept them stuck for months.
The Results: A Business Back in Control
Within a few short weeks, Ben started to see the difference.
With the new hires settled in and the software finally getting implemented, daily operations began to shift:
- More quoting was getting done from the office—not on the fly.
- Site work was being delegated properly.
- Stress levels dropped, because Ben wasn’t carrying everything on his back anymore.
“We didn’t get too far into the program last time,” Lisa shared.
“But we took some of the steps on board, and it actually worked. We’ve now got somebody on board, and that all turned out pretty well.”
It’s easy to underestimate these small wins. But for a business that used to run entirely on one man’s time and energy, this shift was massive.
Ben finally moved from working in the business to working on the business.
Why This Works: The Coaching Edge
What made the difference for Ben wasn’t just new information. It was implementation.
Through the Ladies With Tradies program, Ben and Lisa had:
- A framework to set goals that matter
- A supportive group to stay accountable
- Coaches who asked the right questions
- Tools that simplified what previously felt overwhelming
This is why coaching works so well for tradies. It brings clarity, structure, and support into businesses where most owners are winging it alone.
Whether it’s workflow, cash flow, operations, or mindset, coaching offers real, practical solutions for real business problems.
Key Takeaways for Other Tradies
If you’re running your business from the passenger seat of your ute or drowning in admin every night, Ben and Lisa’s story is packed with lessons:
- Hiring help is only the beginning. Without systems, staff just create more pressure.
- Your mindset matters. Replace “I don’t have time” with “I’m not prioritising this” and watch what happens.
- Keep goals simple. Focus on one high-impact project at a time.
- Structure wins. Block time in your calendar and treat it like a job.
- You’re not alone. Coaching gives you the clarity, direction, and accountability to grow.
Ready to Take Control of Your Tradie Business?
If Ben and Lisa’s story sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most tradie business owners are great at their trade—but no one ever taught them how to build the business part.
That’s where Ladies With Tradies comes in.
From tradie finances to operations, workflow systems to mindset shifts, we help you finally get clarity, structure, and freedom in your business.
Let’s chat about where you’re stuck—and where you could be.
