Behind the Facade Ep. 10: Building More Than Carpentry with Ethan Chittick

The latest episode of Behind the Facade welcomes Ethan Chittick, Director of Commercial Carpentry, for an honest conversation about leadership, growth, culture, and what it really takes to build a successful construction business. The episode delivers practical lessons for anyone working in construction, business, or leadership.

Success Starts Before the Workday

One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion was the importance of discipline and personal performance.

Ethan, Jake and Daniel spoke openly about their commitment to early morning training, discussing how fitness routines, consistency and mental resilience directly impact decision making throughout the day. Rather than seeing training as a physical activity, the trio framed it as a non-negotiable foundation for leadership, productivity and overall wellbeing.

For Ethan, completing the hardest task of the day before most people are awake creates a mindset that carries through every business challenge that follows. Whether dealing with project pressures, client expectations or team management, he believes a strong routine allows leaders to approach problems with a calmer and more measured perspective.

The Power of Systems and Structure

As Commercial Carpentry continues its growth journey, Ethan shared some of the systems that help keep the business focused and organised.

One standout strategy was his colour-coded calendar system, which allows him to review exactly where his time is being spent. By categorising activities such as estimating, site visits, meetings, administration and problem solving, he is able to identify trends, improve productivity and ensure his time aligns with company goals.

The discussion highlighted a valuable lesson for business owners: success is rarely accidental. Consistent review, planning and self-assessment are often what separate growing businesses from those that stagnate.

Building Culture Through Leadership

The conversation also explored what makes a strong workplace culture.

Rather than relying solely on company-wide initiatives, Ethan emphasised empowering project leaders and site teams to create positive experiences for their crews. Simple actions like team breakfasts, site lunches and recognising achievements can have a significant impact on morale and engagement.

A recurring message throughout the episode was that culture is built through consistent actions, not slogans. When leaders genuinely care about their people and create opportunities for connection, performance naturally follows.

Growth, Ambition and Staying Hungry

Having started Commercial Carpentry in 2016, Ethan reflected on the company's journey from smaller projects to major commercial work.

What stood out was his relentless focus on growth. While he acknowledged that the path has evolved over time, the underlying ambition has remained unchanged.

His advice for younger people entering the industry was simple: stay hungry, keep learning and never stop improving. Rather than becoming fixated on short-term outcomes, Ethan believes that continuously adding value, developing skills and delivering quality work ultimately creates long-term success.

Learning Through Mistakes

One of the most relatable sections of the podcast centred around lessons learned from making tough decisions.

Ethan openly discussed projects that didn't go to plan and the importance of taking responsibility when outcomes aren't ideal. The discussion highlighted a reality every contractor faces: mistakes are often the greatest teachers.

The hosts explored how experience allows leaders to better assess risk, separate emotion from decision making and identify the right projects, clients and opportunities. The lesson was clear: every setback carries valuable insights if you're willing to learn from it.

What Makes a Great Leader?

When asked what he looks for in future leaders, Ethan's response moved beyond technical ability.

While competency and respect are essential, he believes great leaders are defined by their ability to anticipate challenges, solve problems before they arise and support their teams through difficult situations. Leadership is not about being the fastest installer or the best tradesperson. It's about creating an environment where everyone around you can perform at their best.

Mentorship and Giving Back

A particularly powerful moment came when the conversation turned to mentorship and the impact of the podcast itself.

Ethan shared a story about a young tradesperson who had considered shutting down his new business but decided to keep going after listening to the experiences shared on Behind the Facade. Hearing firsthand accounts of challenges, setbacks and perseverance helped him realise that the struggles he was facing were normal.

It's exactly the type of impact the podcast aims to have: creating open conversations that help others navigate their own journey in the construction industry.

Looking Ahead

When asked where Commercial Carpentry will be in five years, Ethan's answer was delivered with absolute clarity and confidence.

His vision is to build a company recognised as one of Australia's leading commercial carpentry contractors, capable of delivering the industry's largest and most complex projects.

While the ambition is bold, the discussion made it clear that Ethan's focus remains on the same fundamentals that got him this far: great people, strong systems, relentless work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Episode 10 of Behind the Facade is packed with practical insights for business owners, project managers, tradespeople and anyone looking to grow within the construction industry. From personal discipline and leadership to operational excellence and long-term ambition, Ethan Chittick offers an authentic look at what it takes to build both a successful business and a high-performing team.