What does the future of construction look like with AI, automation, and intelligent systems?

In this episode of The Profitable Estimator Podcast, Joey sits down with Shane Hodgkins — Co-Founder & CEO of Matrak Industries — to dive deep into the future of construction technology, estimating, supply chains, automation, and agentic AI.

Shane shares the incredible journey behind building Matrak Industries, how the company evolved from solving real jobsite frustrations into a global construction tech platform, and why the next decade will completely reshape how the construction industry operates.

This conversation covers:
✅ AI in estimating and takeoffs
✅ The future of construction jobs
✅ Agentic AI systems
✅ Construction supply chain automation
✅ Startup lessons and founder mindset
✅ Why human expertise still matters
✅ How Matrak Industries is transforming construction workflows globally

One of the biggest insights from this episode:

“AI won’t replace great estimators. But estimators who embrace AI will outperform those who don’t.”

If you’re in construction, estimating, tech, or business leadership — this episode is packed with valuable insights about where the industry is heading.

👇 COMMENT BELOW:
How do you think AI will impact construction over the next 5 years?

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🔗 Connect with Matrak Industries:
https://matrak.com/
linkedin.com/company/matrak-industries?originalSubdomain=au

🎙️ Hosted by:
The Profitable Estimator Podcast
/ themeasuringcompany

Why builders should stop giving free quotes and why price is NOT why you lose jobs.

In this episode of The Profitable Estimator Podcast, Joey Hidalgo sits down with Mick Hawes, founder of Builders Business Black Belt, to break down why so many builders struggle with time, money, and freedom in their business, and what to do about it.

With over 35 years of experience coaching builders and small business owners, Mick shares powerful insights on leadership, mindset, systems, and the hidden reasons builders burn out or fail to scale.

One of the biggest myths Mick challenges is the industry obsession with free quotes. He explains why giving away quotes for free damages builders, subcontractors, and the entire construction industry — and how professionally prepared proposals can transform the builder-client relationship.

If you're a builder, estimator, contractor, or construction business owner, this conversation will change the way you think about pricing, value, leadership, and running a profitable building business.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
• Why builders should stop giving free quotes
• The mindset shift from “winning the job” to becoming the prize
• The Triple S Method: Stabilise → Systemise → Scale
• Why most builders fail to achieve time, money, and meaning in business
• How builders can escape the price competition trap
• Why outsourcing estimating can dramatically improve profitability
• The importance of mindset and leadership in construction businesses
• How strong communities and mentorship transform builders’ success

About Mick Hawes
Mick Hawes is the founder of Builders Business Black Belt, a coaching community dedicated to helping residential builders build better businesses and lives.

For more than three decades, Mick has helped builders improve their leadership, systems, profitability, and personal effectiveness, while building stronger teams and businesses.

Connect with Mick Hawes
Website: https://buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com
Podcast: The Toolshed Podcast

About The Profitable Estimator Podcast
The Profitable Estimator Podcast helps builders, estimators, and construction professionals improve profitability through better estimating, systems, and business strategy.
Hosted by Joey Hidalgo, the show explores real-world insights from leaders across the construction industry.

Subscribe for More

If you're serious about building a more profitable construction business, subscribe for weekly insights on:
• Construction estimating
• Builder profitability
• Remote estimating teams
• Construction leadership
• Systems for builders

She was mistaken for the secretary. Now she’s running the industry.

Kate Raymond, CEO of Master Electricians Australia, joins Joey Hidalgo for Episode 1 of The Profitable Estimator Podcast – CounterMeasure Series. With 25+ years in construction law, regulation, and industry leadership, Kate’s story is a masterclass in challenging trade bias, embracing innovation, and building sustainable businesses.

In this episode:

• The quiet gender biases still happening on job sites
• How to lead with equity—no matter your trade or team size
• Why skilled migration isn’t a debate—it’s a necessity
• What estimating tools and AI sparkies should actually use
• The MEA resources every electrical business owner needs to protect their license and price profitably

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🔗 Links + free bonus checklist in the show notes below.
👇 Subscribe to never miss a margin-boosting episode.