In this episode of the Building Doors Podcast, host Lauren Karan sits down with Bradley Durkin, Founder and Director of Contrast Construction, a thriving Queensland-based construction company. With over 25 years of experience spanning commercial construction, design, and multi-residential projects, Bradley shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the cattle industry to leading a successful business through some of the most challenging times in construction history.
Bradley dives into the values instilled by his rural upbringing, the hurdles of leadership in a hands-on trade industry, and the importance of empowering others to make decisions. From navigating supply chain issues during COVID-19 to adapting to rising costs and government regulations, Bradley’s insights are a testament to resilience, adaptability, and innovation.
Listen in to hear Bradley’s inspiring story and practical advice for overcoming adversity, scaling a business, and balancing work with family.
Bradley Durkin is the driving force behind Contrast Construction, a trusted name in Queensland construction since 1999. Starting his career as an apprentice carpenter, Bradley combined hands-on trade expertise with business acumen to grow Contrast into a reputable company specializing in residential and commercial projects.
His journey reflects a passion for learning, leadership, and resilience, with a focus on providing innovative solutions to the evolving construction landscape, including a growing specialization in the Aged Care sector. Bradley’s commitment to quality, adaptability, and empowering his team has been pivotal to his success over 25 years in the industry.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- Bradley’s journey from the cattle industry to Construction
- The challenges of starting a business without a family business background
- Navigating industry turbulence: COVID-19, supply chain issues, and rising costs
- Lessons on leadership: empowering decisions and building trust
- The value of country upbringing: integrity, hard work, and connection
- Why learning how you learn best can change the course of your career
- Balancing family life with the demands of growing a successful business
- Building extraordinary businesses around ordinary people
- Insights from global experiences, including managing projects in China and beyond
Bradley’s reflections on leadership, learning, and building a sustainable business will resonate with anyone striving to grow their organization, navigate challenges, and build a legacy grounded in values.
Connect with Bradley Durkin:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-durkin-96576128/
About your host:
Lauren Karan, Director, and Founder of Karan & Co.
With over a decade of experience as a recruiter and development coach, Lauren Karan found that her priorities rapidly changed after the birth of her two children. In 2022 she founded Karan & Co flipping the out-dated recruitment model with a focus on retention through career coaching and development.
Lauren believes that If opportunity doesn’t knock, you have to build a door – and it’s this same philosophy that inspired her to create the Building Doors podcast. The Building Doors podcast is for anyone undergoing a transformation in their life. Regardless of whether you feel stuck in your current role, need some inspiration on what steps to take next, want to learn how to level up as a business owner or simply want to listen to the experiences of successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals, the Building Doors podcast is all about unlocking your potential.
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In case you missed it:
You can listen to our previous episode
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👋 To say hello, provide feedback, or express interest in a guest appearance on The Building Doors Podcast get in touch with us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.