Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Sparky Story: He Completed UpScale, Part 1 (Origin Story) - Ep 350
Description
Origin Story: How Thomas Marshall Built His Electrical Business From $400 in the Bank
In this episode of the UpScale Business Podcast, the team sits down with Thomas Marshall, an Aussie-born electrician who moved to New Zealand at just 16 years old, living alone while completing his apprenticeship.
Thomas shares the real story behind starting his own electrical business, Bluestone Electrical, right as the first COVID lockdown hit. With no steady income and just $400 left in his bank account, he had to figure out how to find work fast. He talks through the early hustle: posting in local Facebook groups, doing cold outreach to builders and property managers, and landing the contractor agreement that became his big break and helped him build a steady client base across Auckland.
Thomas also opens up about why he decided to invest in coaching early on, even when money was tight, and how having accountability changed the way he ran his business. He breaks down the biggest lesson from those early days: consistency beats intensity every time, and small actions done regularly compound into real results.
If you're a trade business owner just starting out, still finding your feet, or wondering whether coaching is worth it, this episode is packed with practical, honest insight from someone who's lived it.
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: upscalecoaching.com.au/success-stories
Live Coaching Events 2026: upscale-coaching.com/upscale-live-events
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.