Ladies with Tradies - WORKIN' THE TRADE, LIVIN' THE LIFE!
Grab a cuppa, or go through the coffee drive through, press play and buckle up Tradie business owners! We will cover things in this podcast that don't shy away from the raw honest truth about business. It is hard, it is raw, and we also wanna deliver you all the tips and tricks you need to learn about business too.
IN LOVE: How are you trekking in your relationship as a couple in business? Are you respecting each other? Are you finding it hard to toe the line between business and home? Do you squabble like husband and wife like you do at home when you are in 'work mode?' It is not easy to maintain a relationship and business at the same time. But the relationship should be #1 at all costs! Learn how to improve on this.
IN LIFE - do you have one or is your business taking over? Many couples need permission to actually have a life. The tradie thinks if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid - but you need some semblance of balance too. So how do you strike it?? First you need to be clear about what you want and how you want your life to look both now and into the future. Otherwise - you can just wander aimlessly with no real plans as to what you want your business to provide.
Ladies with Tradies - WORKIN' THE TRADE, LIVIN' THE LIFE!
EP. 49: Off the Hamster Wheel: How Stacey and Jeff Get Their Business, Money, and Life Back
In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Stacey and Jeff Connell from Connell’s Building and Renovation, alongside their coach Teresa Mullins, to share how they stepped off the hamster wheel and built a business (and life) they actually love. From clashing over “office vs tradie” roles, drowning in tiny jobs, and battling burnout, to raising their rates, letting go of the stress, and working as a real team, this story is proof that change pays off.
From a secret struggle with drinking to learning the power of breakeven numbers and boundaries, Jeff opens up with honesty that will hit home for many tradies. Stacey shares how letting go of control, hiring help, and trusting the process gave her back her spark. And Teresa shows how the right mix of mindset, money know-how, and accountability can change everything.
In this episode of Ladies with Tradies – Workin’ the Trade, Livin’ the Life, host Kate Muldoon chats with Stacey, Jeff, and Teresa about what it really takes to stop running in circles and start creating a business that feels lighter and more rewarding.
You’ll hear:
- How Stacey and Jeff went from working against each other to building as one team
- Why ditching small “maintenance” jobs and changing their business name was a game changer
- The surprising confidence boost that came from raising their rates by $50 an hour
- How breakeven numbers gave them clarity and control over cash flow
- Why hiring the right admin support created freedom for Stacey—and better results for clients
- Jeff’s brave journey of stepping back from heavy drinking and finding balance again
- The ripple effect of open, vulnerable leadership on staff and apprentices
Key Takeaway
Getting off the hamster wheel isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about working together, knowing your numbers, and trusting the process. With the right support and the courage to let go, you can create a business that pays and a life you’re proud of.
Pause and discover our 200K+ Tradie Business Program for trades businesses turning over $200K to $750K. Weekly high impact after hours coaching with Kate Muldoon, a 10 module self-paced course, templates, resources, our private app and community plus a free business snapshot. Cut the chaos, win back time and grow with confidence. Visit ladieswithtradies.com to join the 200K+ Tradie Business Program.