The Puzzle Factory: Real Talk for NZ Electricians and Trade Businesses

In this powerful relaunch of The Puzzle Factory, Alex sits down with David Baker, founder of Rapid QS — the estimating service shaking up the New Zealand construction industry. We dive deep into the broken state of trade pricing, including inflated quotes from government departments and why transparency in construction costs is long overdue.

✅ Why some government project rates are wildly inflated
✅ How Rapid QS is helping tradies quo...

We made it! In this season finale of The Puzzle Factory, Tait and I look back on an incredible first season—nearly 8,000 listens and views across platforms! We dive into the steep learning curve of launching a podcast, share what we’ve learned along the way, and, most importantly, thank all of you—our listeners and amazing guests.As a special thank you, we’re giving away 2x Mayhem Fishing Lures to the first two comments on Spotify ...

Guest: Mike “Mugsy” Mugglestone – Director, Full Power Electrical (Warkworth)
This week on The Puzzle Factory, we’re joined by Mike “Mugsy” Mugglestone, the man behind Full Power Electrical in Warkworth. After relocating and starting his business in the area 8 years ago, Mugsy has steadily grown it into a well-known name in the trade.

We dig into what it takes to establish yourself in a new town, the lessons he’s learned along the wa...

Episode 8: How to Quote an Electrical Job with Alex Hulme

Pricing electrical work isn’t just about throwing out a number—it’s about accuracy, profitability, and making sure you’re not selling yourself short. In this episode, host Alex Hulme gives a candid, no-nonsense take on how he approaches quoting, packed with practical advice you can put into action straight away.

What You’ll Learn :

⚡ What information you need
📋 Getting material...

The Puzzle Factory - Episode 7

🎙 Guest: Paul Sievers – Devonport Electrical

Episode Summary:

Ever been burned by a “guaranteed leads” digital marketing promise? Or wondered why NZ’s electrical apprenticeship system feels a bit… outdated? This week, Paul Sievers from Devonport Electrical joins Alex to expose the biggest traps tradies fall into, why apprenticeships need an overhaul, and a sneaky hazard lurking under the bed.

Yep, we’re...

The Puzzle Factory - Episode 6

Guest: Ronnie Tan – Creditworks

Episode Summary: In business, trust is everything—but how do you know if a customer is actually good for it? This week, Alex sits down with Ronnie Tan from Creditworks, a commercial credit expert who helps businesses navigate financial transparency, avoid bad debts, and stay ahead of financial risks.

But it’s not just about numbers—this episode takes an unexpected detour i...

Blackout Electric - Episode 5
Guest: Seb Weaver – Blackout Electric 

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Alex sits down with long-time friend andBlackout Electric owner, Seb Weaver, for a conversation packed with laughs, business insights, and a deep dive into what it takes to build a standout family business. From carving out a unique space in the market to creating branding that resonates, Seb reveals the secrets behindBlackout Electr...

The Puzzle Factory - Episode 4
Guest: Matt Melville - Rum and Que

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we catch up with Matt Melville, the founder ofRum and Que.Matt and Alex talk about his journey emigrating from Australia, working as a sparky, to starting a BBQ comp team, and finally turning his passion into a full-time business. Now,Rum and Que is a huge success, and Matt’s story is all about following your passion and making it happ...

Hosts: Alex & Tait – Business Growth Expert

Episode Summary:
In this episode ofThe Puzzle Factory, Tait shares 5 actionable steps to prepare your business for 2025. From conducting a SWOT analysis to segmenting your customers, Alex offers practical strategies for strengthening relationships, improving your credit checks, and optimizing your time management. Tune in for easy-to-follow advice that will help you build a solid founda...