How Ryse Constructions is earning loyalty through systems, not shortcuts

In the midst of labour shortages and volatile supply chains, many builders have found themselves chasing trade availability instead of trade loyalty. But Greg McGee, General Manager of Ryse Constructions, believes there’s a better way—one that starts with culture, not cost.

“If your trades are answering your call and turning up when it matters, that’s no accident,” Greg said on a recent The Good Builder Podcast taken from the Sydney Build Expo. “That’s the result of how you run your jobs—and how you show up for your people.”

With hundreds of house and land deals underway, Ryse Constructions is building more than just homes—they’re building a system where trades want to return, because the builder makes it easy to do their best work.

Leadership on Site, Not Just from the Office

Greg’s message is simple: the most effective supervisors are the ones who are respected—not feared. “Be honest. Communicate clearly. Set your site up properly. And be the person your trades want to work with again.”

At Ryse, job readiness is non-negotiable. Whether it’s 27 homes in one estate or a high-risk cyclone weather event, site teams take the time to prepare. Before recent wild weather in North Brisbane, the team proactively cleaned up, emptied bins, secured materials—and not a single piece of debris was reported out of place.

“We have cameras across our estates,” Greg said. “We monitored them through the storm and didn’t see a single thing blow across the street. That’s the standard we expect. That’s what happens when your team takes ownership.”

Clean Sites, Clear Scheduling, Paid on Time

The message to trades is consistent: you’ll be looked after. And that starts with organized schedules, tidy sites, and reliable payments.

Ryse doesn’t apply economies of scale to trade pricing—but what they do offer is efficiency. “If your bricklayer finishes one house and can walk 50 metres to the next job, they’re staying productive. We’re creating that ecosystem—intentionally,” Greg explained.

Loyalty Can’t Be Bought—It Has to Be Earned

It’s not just about delivering volume. Greg’s experience—spanning 40 years in the industry—has taught him that the most successful builders aren’t the ones who pay the most. They’re the ones who plan the best, communicate the clearest, and lead with consistency.

“If you want better trades, start by being a better builder,” he said.

Want to Share Your Site Story?

We’re always looking to spotlight the builders, site supervisors, and trades who are lifting industry standards. Get in touch with The Good Builder if you’re building better and want your story told. Email us at [email protected]

Author: TGB Editorial