449 – From Dog Walks to Deal Talks: How Trust (and Pets) Helped Grow the Team

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In Episode 449 of The Site Shed, host Matt Jones sits down with James Hearn, founder of Silver Peak Construction, to unpack the practical steps he’s taken to scale his business across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

What started with commercial roadwork has evolved into a renovation powerhouse focused on bathrooms, laundries, and wet areas. But James’ secret to success isn’t just quality work—it’s trust, speed, and strategy.

This episode dives deep into how qualifying clients, building rapport, and systemising your quoting process can radically improve your win rate and team culture.

🛠️ Key Takeaways

✅ Qualify Hard and Early

James doesn’t waste time chasing leads that don’t fit. He screens clients not just by budget, but by compatibility—including whether they’re a “dog person” or a “cat person.” It may sound odd, but it works.

✅ Quote Fast or Lose

Speed is critical. Silver Peak Construction turns around quotes in record time, and it’s one of the reasons they consistently out-close their competitors.

✅ Build Trust with Systems

From operations manuals to post-job follow-ups, trust is baked into the way James trains his team and serves his clients.

✅ Invest in the Right People

James talks openly about the importance of hiring for culture and training for skill. When people fit the business, growth becomes sustainable.

✅ Keep Improving

Even with major wins under his belt, James remains committed to learning, refining processes, and mentoring his team.

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