Shows
The Trade Life by Projekt NetworkEpisode 10: Kyle Kelland on RecruitingThe conversation delves into the challenges of bad hiring experiences and the limitations of resumes and references in the trades industry. It highlights the need for a more effective approach to hiring, such as the use of work portfolios and the Projekt Network platform to showcase skills and experience. The conversation delves into the challenges of hiring the right people for construction projects, highlighting the reputation and cost implications of hiring mistakes. It also explores the criticality of oversight and trust in construction, emphasizing the importance of hiring and the potential consequences of oversight failures. The conversation delves into...
2026-02-1546 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkEpisode 9: JobTableThe conversation covers the importance of financial systems and controls within a contracting firm, the need for business skills in addition to trade skills, and the challenges of cash flow management in the construction industry. It also delves into the complexities of accounting, tax management, and growth-oriented financial strategies. The conversation covers essential topics related to cash flow management, invoicing, progress payments, and legal protection for contractors. It also delves into the significance of expense audits and the use of software tools for efficient business management.TakeawaysFinancial literacy is essential for small business...
2026-02-0240 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkEpisode 8: Mike Holmes Jr.https://projektnetwork.com/views/forumSummaryIn this episode of the Trade Life podcast, host Ian MaFayden sits down with Michael Holmes Jr. to discuss their shared experiences in the skilled trades, particularly carpentry. They delve into the importance of hands-on experience versus formal education, emphasizing that many young people feel pressured to choose a career path too early. Michael shares his journey from working with his father in construction to becoming a public speaker and television host, highlighting the value of exploring different trades before committing to one. The conversation also touches...
2026-01-2047 min
The Deconstruction PodcastHow a $40M Custom Builder Scales Without Losing CraftsmanshipMost contractors say they want to “scale”… but the real question is: how do you grow without sacrificing craftsmanship, quality, and your name? In this episode, we sit down with Ian MacFayden, co-owner of Hummingbird Hill Homes (luxury custom home builder in the GTA/Muskoka) and co-founder of Project Network—a professional platform built to help trades hire better, connect faster, and verify real work.Ian breaks down what it actually takes to deliver true luxury construction: the obsession with details, why “cheapest price” is a race to the bottom, and how the best builders scale by hiring top t...
2026-01-151h 09The Trade Life by Projekt NetworkEpisode 7: ToolaholicKeywordsapprentices, tools, battery technology, cordless tools, ergonomics, skilled trades, tool brands, Project Network, construction, tool reviewsSummaryIn this episode of the Trade Life podcast, Ian MacFayden and Kiefer Lineback discuss the challenges faced by apprentices in the skilled trades, particularly in relation to technology and tools. They explore how apprentices can navigate the vast array of tool brands, emphasizing the importance of understanding battery technology and ergonomics in tool selection. The conversation also touches on the evolution of cordless tools and the future of tool technology, with a focus...
2026-01-0542 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkEpisode 6: Connor MalloyThe conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in the skilled trades industry, focusing on the support for continuing education, the impact of reduced exposure to trades, and the challenges faced by post-secondary students. It also addresses the changing perception of trades, the challenges of gaining experience, and strategies for new entrants. Additionally, it discusses the challenges faced by trade schools and the need for industry support.TakeawaysSupport for continuing education is crucial for the skilled trades industry.Reduced exposure to trades creates challenges for post-secondary students.Chapters00:00 Introduction and...
2025-12-2239 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkEpisode 5: Kyle KellandOn this episode of The Trade Life by Projekt Network host Ian MacFayden sits down with Kyle Kelland to talk about pathways into the trades and tips for apprentices. Listen as Ian and Kyle share stories from their pasts and recent experiences with hiring our new tradespeople.Continue the conversation on www.projektnetwork.comor in the app store https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/projekt-network/id6755127571Also available in the Google Play Store
2025-12-1338 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkJohnny HourihanContinue the conversation in the dedicated episode forum on Projekt Network at:https://projektnetwork.com/views/forumSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Ian MacFayden and Johnny Hurahan explore the challenges and rewards of working in the trades. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the value of skilled labor, and the need for a community that supports and uplifts those in the industry. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and the future of the trades, emphasizing the need for pride and education in this vital field.
2025-11-2543 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkThe Golden YearsContinue the conversation in the dedicated episode forum on Projekt Network at: https://projektnetwork.com/views/forumSummaryIn this episode of The Trade Life, Ian MacFayden and Aaron Miller share their journey in the trades, discussing the challenges and successes of building Hummingbird Hill Homes and launching Project Network. They emphasize the importance of open conversations in the industry, the value of mentorship, and the need for a supportive community for tradespeople. The episode covers their personal backgrounds, early experiences, and the lessons learned along the way, highlighting the realities...
2025-11-2538 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkThe sh*t years - Lessons learned in bloodContinue the conversation in the dedicated episode forum on Projekt Network at:https://projektnetwork.com/views/forumSummaryIn this conversation, Ian MacFayden and Aaron discuss their journey in building a successful construction company, highlighting the importance of hiring the right talent, letting go of control, and navigating the challenges of growth. They share insights on project management, the impact of COVID-19, the struggles of offsite construction, and the lessons learned from legal disputes and financial hardships. The discussion emphasizes the significance of company culture, the necessity of sacrifice, and the...
2025-11-2529 minThe Trade Life by Projekt NetworkHow it all beganContinue the conversation in the dedicated episode forum on Projekt Network at: https://projektnetwork.com/views/forumSummaryIn the inaugural episode of The Trade Life podcast, Ian MacFayden and Aaron Miller share their journey in the trades, discussing the challenges and realities of starting and running a construction business. They emphasize the importance of open conversations, mentorship, and community within the trades, while also outlining future podcast topics that will delve deeper into various aspects of the industry. In this conversation, Ian MacFayden and Aaron discuss their journey in the construction and...
2025-11-2552 min
THE Last Action Critics!Episode 36-[S5]- Pride & Prejudice (2005)This week Will, Ian & Nora welcome the great A.E. Bennett on to discuss one of the greatest action... no, no not action this week, no this week ROMANCE! That's right, we have range, we can talk about OTHER things! Maybe not Ian, he's not great with something like romance, makes him uncomfortable, you listen, you'll get it. But the other three, THEY understand romance, THEY understand-PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005) PG 128minutesDirected By: Joe Wright. Starring Keira Knightly, Matthew Macfayden, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Judi Dench, Talulah Riley, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, Simon...
2025-09-231h 14
Glorified CarpenterEpisode 16 Ian MacFaydenIan MacFayden—Canadian Red Seal carpenter turned COO of HummingBird Hill Homes—joins the podcast!
We dive into the evolution of the trades, from where we started to where things stand today. Ian shares insights on attracting and retaining top talent as your projects scale and your team needs grow.
High performance isn’t just about house wraps—it’s about understanding the materials and systems that will outlast the families living in these homes. We get into how to integrate sustainability, Passive House, Net Zero, WELL AP, and carbon-conscious design into your everyday building practices.
Then we shift to the craft it...
2025-06-233h 33
The Sassenach Files: An Outlander PodcastWar Is A Terrible BusinessWelcome back for another episode of The Sassenach Files podcast. This week Chelsea is discussing the midseason finale of Outlander’s seventh season, “Turning Points”. Come along as she chats about Buck’s pivotal decision to travel back through time with Roger, Ian and Rachel’s palpable chemistry, and the use of the wind throughout the episode to communicate the turbulent emotions of the characters. She also talks about Jamie finally getting to speak to his son (!!!), the phenomenal performances by Angus MacFayden, Rod Hallett, and Barry O’Connor to bring their respective historical characters to life, and how the song sel...
2023-10-2959 min
Build Our Future Podcast#24 WELL Built Homes For Our Senses feat. Ian MacFayden (Hummingbird Hill Homes)The health of our bodies and the environment depends on us changing the way we build and standards like Passive House, WELL, and LEED are at the forefront of this shift. Ian MacFayden joins us today to speak about how he is incorporating wellness standards like these into the residential side of construction. Ian is a carpenter and certified Passive House builder from HummingbirdHill Homes, a construction firm with a process designed to reconnect us with nature and maximize all of the human senses. Our exchange with Ian today is all about building standards that prioritize sustainability and wellness...
2020-10-0643 min