Episode
213

Built from the Roof Up | Mike Keast

For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast. From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and backing yourself through the ups and downs of business. In this episode we talk about staying focused when things get tough, what it really means to lead by example, and how mindset and momentum can carry you through any season. We also dive into lessons from David Goggins, the role of AI and technology in the trades, and how doing the hard things day after day shapes both the person and the business.
With
Mike Keast
MK Roofing
,
Director
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Built from the Roof Up | Mike Keast

For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast. From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and backing yourself through the ups and downs of business. In this episode we talk about staying focused when things get tough, what it really means to lead by example, and how mindset and momentum can carry you through any season. We also dive into lessons from David Goggins, the role of AI and technology in the trades, and how doing the hard things day after day shapes both the person and the business.

In this episode, David Melse chats with Mike Keast about his 20-year journey in roofing. From working on roofs at nine years old in his parents' business to running his own successful roofing company and a painting business in Invercargill, Mike shares insights on entrepreneurship and resilience.

Mike emphasises consistency as the key to success, referencing David Goggins' extreme discipline. Despite not knowing everything about running a business, Mike values learning through challenges, viewing restructuring phases as growth opportunities rather than setbacks.

They discuss the impact of technology on business, with Mike using AI respectfully while cautioning against overreliance. He's created a showroom to enhance customer experience, believing people buy from people they like, not just for the product.

The conversation shifts to fatherhood, with Mike highlighting the importance of being present with his two daughters. Both agree that time with children is far more valuable than material gifts, recognising how quickly they grow up.

Mike shares his philosophy on personal and business growth: facing fears, solving problems adaptively, and focusing on meaningful priorities rather than distractions. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Take action despite uncertainty and acknowledge that challenges are inevitable but conquerable.

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Episode
213

Built from the Roof Up | Mike Keast

For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast. From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and backing yourself through the ups and downs of business. In this episode we talk about staying focused when things get tough, what it really means to lead by example, and how mindset and momentum can carry you through any season. We also dive into lessons from David Goggins, the role of AI and technology in the trades, and how doing the hard things day after day shapes both the person and the business.
With
Mike Keast
Director
,
MK Roofing
Episode
212

From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle | Nick Inkster

For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster. From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen. In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city.
With
Nick Inkster
Founder
,
Inkster Company Limited
Episode
211

Failing Forward: Lessons in Growth, Leadership, and Coffee Culture | Sacha Coburn

For episode 211, we sat down with Sacha Coburn. From failing her first ballet exam to leading one of New Zealand’s most loved café brands, Sacha’s journey is full of grit, humility, and lessons in leadership that stick. In this episode we talk about learning to back yourself even when you feel out of your depth, why failure is the best teacher, the balance between winging it and over preparing, and how people not spreadsheets ultimately make or break a business. Plus some laughs about ballet tights, Harvard awkwardness, and the joy and chaos of building Coffee Culture.
With
Sacha Coburn
COO
,
Coffee Culture

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