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 or YouTube!Tune in for our Season 1 wrap-up, and get ready for even bigger things ahead in Season 2.🎣 Want to win? Drop a comment now!podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz

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 way, and how to navigate the day-to-day mental challenges that come with running a trade business. Oh—and we chat about that viral moment when a dolphin launched itself onto Mugsy’s boat during a fishing competition, which made international headlines.

Inside this episode:
⚡️ How to build and grow a trade business in a new area
⚡️ Lessons from 8 years in business—what worked, what didn’t
⚡️ Managing mental health in the trades, realistically
⚡️ The wild dolphin story that went global
⚡️ Worksite yarns that’ll have you laughing out loud

Why listen?
Whether you’re building your own business, looking for trade insights, or just keen for a good story, Mugsy brings the goods—real talk, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of laughs.

https://fullpower.nz/

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 pricing from the suppliers
💡 How to structure a quote
🔍 Tips and tricks so you don't make the same mistakes I have

This episode is full of gems that will help you refine your quoting process, charge what you're worth, and ultimately, grow your business.

About the Host:

With 20 years in the electrical industry, Alex Hulme has worked as an electrician, project manager, estimator, and even as the director of a successful electrical business. He knows first-hand the challenges of pricing jobs effectively and shares real-world strategies to help tradies quote smarter and win more work.

www.nztradegroup.co.nz

🎧 Tune in now and level up your quoting game!

#ThePuzzleFactory #NZElectrician #ElectricalQuotes #TradeBusiness #SparkyLife

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 going there. From overpriced Google Ads to dodgy apprenticeships and phones that could (literally) shock you, this episode is packed with real talk, expert insights, and a few solid laughs.

What’s Inside?

🔹 The truth about digital marketing for tradies—what works & what’s a scam
🔹 NZ’s electrical apprenticeship system: where it fails & how to fix it
🔹 Why your phone might be more dangerous than the wiring you’re working on
🔹 The fine line between tech convenience and liability in a client’s home
🔹 Practical tips to protect your business, your tools, and your sanity

About Paul:Paul Sievers is the kind of sparky who’s seen it all—good jobs, bad jobs, and enough marketing horror stories to write a book. With years in the trade, he’s got sharp insights into business growth, training the next generation, and keeping yourself out of trouble on the job.

https://devonportelectrical.co.nz/

📩 Got feedback or want to be on the show? Email us at podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz
⭐ Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

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 into deep-sea cod 🐟, uncovering the untapped potential of New Zealand’s natural economy. From business credit to the deep ocean, this one’s packed with insights, unexpected twists, and a few good laughs.

But that’s not all—somehow, this episode takes a big detour into deep sea cod 🐟 and the untapped potential of New Zealand’s natural assets. From the depths of the ocean to the depths of the balance sheet, this one is packed with insights, unexpected twists, and a few good laughs along the way.

What’s Inside?

🔹 How to vet your customers before they cost you money
🔹 Why business transparency = business success
🔹 The credit risks most NZ businesses overlook
🔹 A deep dive (literally) into New Zealand’s oceans and natural economy
🔹 The unexpected connection between business finance and deep sea fishing

About Ronnie: Ronnie is the guy you want on your side before things go wrong—a no-BS commercial credit expert helping businesses navigate financial risks and credit transparency. With years of experience in construction and trade, he knows exactly where businesses trip up—and how to avoid it.

Website: ⁠Creditworks

⁠Got Feedback or Want to Be on the Show?📩 Hit us up at podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz

💡 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

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 Electric’s success—and the lessons he’s learned along the way. If you're looking to start your own business or just want to hear what it's really like behind the scenes, this episode is a must-listen!

About Seb:
Seb is the owner ofBlackout Electric, a business that’s quickly making a name for itself with standout branding and top-notch service. In this episode, he shares the highs, the lows, and all the laughs in between.

Website :Blackout Electric

Want to get in touch and give us your feedback or be a guest on the show?

Get in touch at:
podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz

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 happen. We also share a few laughs and reminisce on some mischief from our past—after all, we’ve been mates for years!

About Matt Melville:
Matt Melville is the founder ofRum and Que, a popular BBQ brand in NZ. Originally from Australia, Matt moved to NZ, worked as an electrician, and eventually found his love for BBQ. After starting a BBQ competition team, he turned that passion into a business. Today,Rum and Que is one of NZ's most loved BBQ brands, and Matt’s journey is a true inspiration.

Want to know more about Rum and Que?

www.rumandque.com

Discount Code for 10% of atwww.rumandque.com - NZTG10

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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 foundation for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

1. SWOT Analysis: Identify your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to create a focused business plan for 2025.
2. Customer Segmentation via Xero: Organize customers into A, B, and C groups and create strategies to re-engage each group.
3. Strengthen Business Relationships: Focus on key relationships—staff, customers, wholesalers, and partners—to drive growth.
4. Credit Checks: Make credit checks part of your process to ensure financial security.
5. Professional Development & Time Management: Schedule regular meetings, set clear goals, and manage your time effectively.

https://nztradegroup.co.nz/