Success Mindset: Fail Fast, Learn Faster - Building a Trade Business From Scratch - Ep 372

Andy Wells ran an engineering consultancy with seven offices and around 80 people. It was successful, and he was close to burnout at 40. So he stepped back, rented a shed, and started working on Land Rovers. In this episode of the Success Mindset series, we visit Andy at the Adventure Garage in the Northern Rivers, a workshop full of Land Rovers, custom motorbikes, surfboards and a coffee shop out the back. He tells us how a weekend hobby turned into a business with sponsors like Royal Enfield, Motul and Pirelli, even though he had no mechanic’s background and had never run a workshop. If you run a trade business and you’re stuck planning, doubting yourself, or running on empty, there’s a lot here for you. What we cover: Why Andy sees problems as part of the build instead of a reason to stop How he handles the voice that says “give up”, and why he ignores it Stepping back from a business that was burning him out Why he chose to keep his team small and stop taking work nobody wanted to do How he handles the jobs he hates, like timesheets and invoicing, by finding people who cover his weak spots Landing big brand partnerships when you’re still a small business Filming the messy, frustrating days along with the finished product Taking on work that suits your goals once your reputation can support it What 7,500 kilometres on a bike through the Kimberley taught him about getting through setbacks Why failing and learning is the thing that keeps him moving Whether you’re a few years in or thinking about a big change, Andy’s approach to risk, learning and building a team around your strengths is worth a listen. Hosts: @erinaroxx @mitchvan_ We’ve got the tools you need to scale your business, automate, hire, and delegate. Book your call with our team to talk strategy and learn more about our program. Need help growing your business? Follow us on IG for daily content for your trade business: @upscalebusinesscoaching Book a free session with our Growth Specialist: upscale-coaching.com/schedule-podcast Watch insights and tips on YouTube: upscale-coaching.com/upscale-youtube Find out where your business stands with our Tradie Quiz: upscale-coaching.com/application-podcast Hear from tradies who’ve done it, and learn what it really takes to grow a successful trade business: Success stories Live Coaching Events 2026: upscale-coaching.com/upscale-live-events