“If we want the industry to get better, we have to get better,” says Duayne Pearce, builder, mentor, and host of The Level Up podcast. It’s a sentiment that’s not only fueling conversations across building sites but also sparking a movement one where upskilling, mental health, and collaboration are becoming just as important as winning jobs, signing contracts and pouring slabs.

This week, The Good Builder sat down with Duayne Pearce to talk shop, mentorship, and his upcoming event, The Level Up Experience – an all-day gathering on May 30 at Bretts Trade Timber and Hardware, Geebung. The event is up to be one of the most action-packed dates on the builder calendar (complete with $50K in prizes, tool demos, and food trucks), what really stands out is the ethos behind it.

“I’m not here to just build houses. I’m here to help build better builders.”

That mission aligns neatly with our own at The Good Builder, to support professionals who want to run a good business, lead with integrity, and position themselves for a smarter, more sustainable future in construction.

What Makes This Event Different

Sure, there’s a free brekkie. And yes, there’s live music, VIP lunches, and a full trade floor of tech, tools, and materials. But it’s the speakers, both local and international who elevate this event.

You won’t just hear about the latest framing guns or composite claddings. You’ll dive into leadership principles, strategies for mental health in the trades, and the business advice needed to ride out uncertain markets. The agenda includes everything from cost management insights to fostering culture on site.

It’s real builders talking to real builders. No fluff. No sales pitch. Just honest stories, hard-earned lessons, and a community mindset.

The Builder Behind the Podcast

For those not already subscribed to his Level Up podcast (seriously, make sure you give him a follow), Duayne Pearce is one of the industry’s sharpest and most grounded voices. He still runs his building company day-to-day. But he also mentors, creates online training courses, and runs an online community designed to give builders the tools make a real difference in their business.

His message is clear, 

“If you’re on the tools every day and still feeling behind in your business, it’s time to level up your thinking, not just your skillset.”

“There’s a difference between being a good builder and running a good building business. A lot of blokes don’t get taught the second part,” Duayne told us.

What’s Happening on May 30?

The Good Builder team will be there not just to observe but to contribute to something special. We’re not saying too much yet, but we’ll be connecting with builders who are shifting gears, and we’ll be showcasing some practical insights worth taking back to your team.

Here’s what’s confirmed:

• A stacked speaker lineup with thought leaders on leadership, finance, and mental health.
• Live tool demos and trade expos.
• VIP experiences and up-close access to key speakers.
• $50K in giveaways, but actually.
• A good time with like-minded professionals who want to see the industry thrive.

As always, it’s not just about showing up. It’s about showing up with intention. If you’re looking to network, learn, get inspired or even just step back and reframe what you want your business to look like this is the day for it.

TGB Takeaway

The trades are evolving fast and while it’s tempting to keep your head down and get the job done, every so often there’s a chance to pause from the rat race and meet a few good people (and even learn a thing or two). Events like The Level Up Experience don’t come along every week (not yet anyway, haha), so when someone like Duayne Pearce puts his name behind it, you know it’s going to deliver.

For more information about the event, click here. For event tickets, click here.

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.