You love him. You know he works hard — up early, home late, covered in dust or mud or paint. But there's this thing that keeps happening: the schedule's a mess, invoicing is behind, calls go unanswered, and you're both frustrated.
He blames the admin. The admin (maybe that's you, or someone you hired) feels overwhelmed and unsupported. And round and round it goes.
Here's the truth we've seen working with trade businesses doing $500K+ every year: The chaos in the office isn't because she can't handle it. It's because he's not in there supporting her.
And when tradies finally step off the tools and into the office — even just a few hours a week — everything changes. Fast.
Prefer to watch? You can watch it here
Or keep reading below for the full breakdown and actionable steps...
The Real Problem: Tradies Expect the Office to Run Itself
We hear it all the time from frustrated tradies:
- "I don't know what's going on — I get calls and questions constantly"
- "The schedule's never up to date"
- "Invoicing is weeks behind"
- "I just want to focus on the tools"
Sound familiar?
Here's what we ask them: What part are you playing in supporting your admin person or partner?
Because here's the reality — the office can't run without you. Your lady (whether that's your partner, wife, or admin support) isn't a mind reader. She doesn't know:
- What job changed today
- What's coming up next week
- Which client called and what they need
- What's urgent vs what can wait
The schedule changes daily. Sometimes hourly. And if you're not sitting with her regularly to work through it together, she's guessing. And you're both drowning.
What Happens When Tradies Step Into the Office (Real Results)
We've challenged several clients on this recently. Tradies who were convinced they "needed to be on the tools" or that "the office stuff wasn't their job."
Here's what happened when they started spending time in the office supporting their admin:
The Chaos Settled
One client told us: "I haven't been in the office much this week, and I'm not liking it. The scheduling feels chaotic again. I don't know what's coming up."
He realized how much smoother everything ran when he was there — not doing her job, but supporting her to do it well.
They Actually Loved It
These tough, hands-on tradies who thought office work would be boring or frustrating? They're loving it. They feel calmer. More in control. Less reactive.
Why? Because they're finally across what's happening in their own business.
The Return on Investment Is Clear
When you're in the office working with your admin support:
- Jobs get scheduled properly
- Invoices go out on time
- Client calls get handled faster
- Your team knows what's happening
- You stop firefighting and start leading
It's not about being full-time in the office. It's about finding your lane and working together.
How to Support Your Lady in the Office (Without Taking Over)
If you're a tradie feeling frustrated by how things are running (or not running), here's your challenge:
1. Schedule Regular Office Time
Even 2-3 hours a week makes a massive difference. Block it in like any other job.
2. Sit Down Together and Review the Schedule
Go through what's coming up. What's changed. What she needs from you. Make decisions together.
3. Learn What's Actually Needed from You
Ask her: "What do you need from me to make this run smoothly?" Then listen. Really listen.
4. Stop Expecting Her to Do It All
She's not there to do it all for you. She's there to support you so you can do it together.
5. Work with a Coach to Find Your Sweet Spot
Every business is different. Work out where your time is best spent — and where hers is too.
The Truth About Stepping Off the Tools
We get it. You're a tradie. You love the tools. You're good at what you do, and being on the job feels productive.
But here's what we see all the time: Working harder on the tools isn't fixing the business. It's just making you both more tired.
The real growth — the real profit, the real freedom — comes when you step into the role of business owner. And that means supporting the systems and people that make everything run.
It's not scary. The guys who've done this are calmer, happier, and making more money. Their relationships are better. Their businesses actually work.
What Our Clients Are Saying
"I didn't realize how much I was leaving her to figure out on her own. Now that we work on the schedule together, everything's smoother. I actually know what's going on in my own business."
"I thought being in the office would be boring, but I love it. I feel so much more in control, and we're not fighting about the business anymore."
"The return on investment has been 100%. My invoicing is up to date, my team knows what's happening, and I'm not getting constant interruption calls."
Ready to Get Your Business (and Your Life) Back?
If you're tired of the chaos, the stress, and the feeling that you're working harder but never getting ahead — it's time to try something different.
We help trade business owners (and their partners) rebuild both profit and partnership. Because when the business runs smoothly, life gets better too.
👉 Book your call here — let's get your business working for you, not against you.
Final Thoughts: She Can't Do It Alone (And Neither Can You)
Your lady — whether that's your partner or your admin — isn't there to do it all for you. She's there to support you so you can build something together.
But she needs you in it with her. Not just on the tools. Not just bringing in the work. But in the office, working through the chaos, making decisions together.
When you do that? Everything shifts. Fast.
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