In the past five years, the trades industry has evolved dramatically, and few represent that evolution better than the founders of Habitat. From humble beginnings to leading a team of nineteen, their journey is as much about people as it is about carpentry.
Starting with Humility
When they first began, neither founder knew exactly what they were doing. “We came into it with the mentality of, ‘we’re not sure what we’re doing,’” they admit. Early business coaching and a willingness to adapt helped them grow quickly. Ego never had a place in their story; the focus was always on the success of the company, not individual pride.
Learning the Trade the Right Way
Both founders emphasise the value of starting on the tools, learning the processes, and paying your dues. “Everyone that we’ve brought through, who’s become elite, started in the framing world,” they say. Early exposure to high standards builds work ethic, precision and adaptability, traits that carry into every project.
The Changing Face of Trades
The industry today looks very different from twenty years ago. Gone are the days when apprentices were struggling students who just needed a job. Today’s tradespeople are disciplined, aware of mental health and come from a wide range of backgrounds. Women, neurodiverse individuals and people with varied life experiences are entering the industry and proving that these differences are strengths.
The Importance of Attitude and Culture
When hiring, attitude always comes first. Skills can be taught, but the right mindset is non-negotiable. Culture matters. Habitat invests early and deliberately in building a high performance, respectful environment where the team can thrive. This approach ensures that everyone grows together and that on site standards remain consistently high.
Mentorship Matters
A key takeaway from their journey is the importance of mentorship. Young tradespeople should focus on learning from experienced professionals rather than chasing the highest pay. “The money looks after itself if you get the right experience,” they emphasise. Success is measured in the knowledge, skills and confidence gained along the way.
Building Great Builders
What separates a good builder from a great one? Integrity, respect for people’s time, strong communication and surrounding yourself with the right team. They’ve seen firsthand the difference between someone who can simply build and someone who can lead a team, communicate with clients and deliver excellence every time.
Motivation Beyond Money
For them, passion is the driving force. Their motivation comes from creating opportunities for their team, watching apprentices grow into confident carpenters and building high quality homes that make a lasting impact. And sometimes, it’s as simple as getting back to digging holes and enjoying the craft.
Busting Myths About Trades
They are also focused on challenging outdated stereotypes. Today’s tradespeople are not all rough blokes with tattoos. The industry is attracting diverse, disciplined and highly capable individuals. It is a far cry from the old image of tradies, and it is a change they are proud to be part of leading.
