The Site Shed | Systems, Strategy and Growth for Tradies and Contractors
The Site Shed is a global podcast for tradies and contractors who want clearer systems, stronger strategy, and steadier business growth. Each episode is designed to educate and inform around the topics that matter most in running and scaling a modern trade business.
Hosted by former plumber and digital agency owner Matt Jones, the podcast dives into real-world conversations on marketing, operations, apprenticeships, technology, hiring, leadership, finance, and more, all tailored to the trades and construction industry.
Youâll hear practical insights, honest lessons, and expert perspectives from across the globe.
Whether you work as a tradie, contractor, builder, electrician, landscaper, or run any service-based business, youâll find ideas and experiences you can put into action straight away.
If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, The Site Shed gives you the tools, frameworks, and viewpoints to help your business move forward with confidence.
The Site Shed | Systems, Strategy and Growth for Tradies and Contractors
Hiring in a Labour Shortage: What Works Now in 2026 | ft. Tom Reardon | Ep. 480
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Hiring good people has never been harder. And itâs not getting easier in 2026.
If youâre a tradie or contractor struggling to find, keep, or motivate good staff, this episode will change how you think about hiring forever.
In this 480th episode of The Site Shed, Matt sits down with Tom Reardon, founder of PeopleIN and one of Australiaâs most experienced workforce leaders, to break down what actually works when labour is tight and why most trade businesses are unknowingly making hiring harder than it needs to be.
This isnât theory. Itâs real-world, boots-on-the-ground advice from someone whoâs scaled teams across Australia and New Zealand.
If youâre sick of reacting to hiring problems and want a long-term game plan, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Chapters:
00:00 - Teaser
01:18 - Tom's Background and People Infrastructure Explained
03:36 - Culture is Not Static: How it Evolves as Your Business Grows
06:39 - The "Rotting Apple" Problem: How One Bad Attitude Kills a Team
09:16 - The Astronomic Cost of a Bad Hire (It's 3 Times Their Salary)
12:26 - Beyond Salary: Attracting Talent with a Career Path, Not Just a Job
15:47 - The Danger of Promoting Sideways (Don't Damage a Good Career)
18:01 - Can Bad Attitudes Be Turned Around? (Only with a Strong Culture)
21:20 - Performance-Based Remuneration: The Future of Trade Incentives
24:59 - Using NPS (Net Promoter Score) for Accountability
27:48 - Why Most Trade Businesses Lack Strategy
30:38 - Stop the Doing: The Importance of 90-Day Resets
33:02 - Inaccurate Data Trap: Net Profit Percentage vs. Dollar Value
36:26 - Culture Must Evolve: Everyone is Responsible for the Core Values
39:19 - Promoting Leadership: Markers of Action and Results
42:47 - Why Australian Trades Are Globally Sought After (Quality and Standards)
đ€ About the Guest: Tom Reardon
Tom Reardon is the founder of PeopleIN, one of Australiaâs largest workforce and labour hire groups. With over 20 years in recruitment, labour hire, and workforce strategy, Tom has helped businesses scale without losing culture, even in the tightest labour markets.
CONNECT WITH TOM REARDON
Website: https://www.peoplein.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convos_on_the_couch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-reardon-555b614/
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LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guys
Mattâs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthematt
Your Next Step:
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