In the latest episode of Million Dollar Days podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Thomas Coy, founder of Coy’s Constructions, a specialized building company focusing on high-performance passive house construction. Tom’s journey from carpenter to builder to entrepreneur offers valuable insights into the construction industry and sustainable building practices that are revolutionizing how we think about our homes.
Tom’s path to becoming a builder wasn’t a straight line. Starting with aspirations to become a landscaper, his experience mowing lawns in the snow during a gap year in London led him to discover his passion for carpentry. Upon returning to Australia, he completed his apprenticeship and worked for others before establishing Coy’s Constructions. As his business grew, he identified the need to expand beyond carpentry and obtained his builder’s license, allowing him to take on larger projects and continue growing his enterprise.
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Tom’s deep dive into passive house construction. Unlike standard homes, passive houses are meticulously designed to maintain consistent internal temperatures (usually between 20-22 degrees Celsius) throughout the year with minimal energy input. This is achieved through various technical elements including superior thermal insulation, thermal bridge-free design, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and heat recovery ventilation systems. While these homes typically cost 15-30% more to build initially, the energy savings and comfort benefits quickly offset the investment.
What makes passive homes so special is their performance. A typical passive house has only a 2-degree temperature difference from floor to ceiling (compared to 10 degrees in standard homes), produces no drafts, filters the air continuously, and dramatically reduces energy consumption. For individuals with allergies or sensitivities to external pollutants, these homes can provide significant health benefits, with Tom noting that hay fever sufferers often experience relief shortly after entering their passive homes.
Beyond the technical aspects, we discussed the business challenges of running a construction company. Tom emphasized the importance of proper business education, something not typically covered in builder training. He spoke candidly about how managing client expectations, maintaining accurate timelines, and properly pricing projects are often more challenging than the actual construction process. As he put it, “The building part is the easiest part.”
Perhaps most inspiring was Tom’s vision for the future. His “big scary goal” involves building Coy’s Constructions to a size where he can take his entire team to Africa to build a village. This purpose-driven approach to business demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for positive change beyond profit margins. As Tom eloquently stated, at the end of his career, he doesn’t want to simply say he built hundreds of homes – he wants to have made a meaningful impact.
The conversation also touched on valuable life lessons about dealing with setbacks and using challenges as opportunities for growth. Both Tom and the hosts agreed that going through difficult experiences often leads to greater success and personal development, with Tom noting that these experiences allow you to help others by sharing what you’ve learned.
For anyone in the construction industry or considering sustainable building options, this episode provides valuable insights into both the technical and human aspects of running a purpose-driven construction business in today’s changing market.