Michael Emerzidis, founder of Hardnox Association, shares his journey from 18-year-old builder's laborer to business coach mentoring construction, engineering, and trades professionals. With 23 years managing multimillion-dollar projects across demolition, civil infrastructure, and luxury builds, he's built an ecosystem where real-world experience beats corporate theory. Discover why 80% of small businesses fail in their first year, how curiosity scientifically drives 63% more business growth, and why energy—not just accountability—separates burnout from breakthrough. Michael reveals his unconventional approach to retention, delegation, and communication breakdowns that cost thousands in liquidated damages daily. Learn how he built a pizza oven using an exercise ball mechanism, why young tradies feel entitled, and how Hard Knocks masterclasses sell out by bringing experts together to exhaust their intellectual property for the next generation.
Michael Emerzidis, founder of Hardnox Association, shares his journey from 18-year-old builder's laborer to business coach mentoring construction, engineering, and trades professionals. With 23 years managing multimillion-dollar projects across demolition, civil infrastructure, and luxury builds, he's built an ecosystem where real-world experience beats corporate theory. Discover why 80% of small businesses fail in their first year, how curiosity scientifically drives 63% more business growth, and why energy—not just accountability—separates burnout from breakthrough. Michael reveals his unconventional approach to retention, delegation, and communication breakdowns that cost thousands in liquidated damages daily. Learn how he built a pizza oven using an exercise ball mechanism, why young tradies feel entitled, and how Hard Knocks masterclasses sell out by bringing experts together to exhaust their intellectual property for the next generation.
(02:00) Four-year-old dismantling remote control car sparking lifelong problem-solving mentality and builder's journey
(16:00) Communication breakdowns costing $5000 daily in liquidated damages and compliance failures
(24:00) Hard Knocks Association growth groups launching every six weeks with boutique member cohorts
(30:00) Building dome brick oven using speed ball mechanism demonstrating resourceful tradesman mindset
(34:00) Why 80% coaches burn out clients and energy-focused accountability transforms business growth
About Michael:
Michael Emerzidis is a business coach, mentor, and the founder of the Hardnox Association, a growing ecosystem built for builders, tradies, and industry-aligned professionals who learn by doing. With over 20 years in construction, remediation, civil infrastructure, operations, and high-risk demolition, he’s managed multimillion-dollar projects, scaled multiple businesses, and helped owners turn chaos into clarity.
Through Hardnox, he now runs growth advisory groups, masterclasses, and a community driven by real experience not theory helping business owners strengthen systems, reduce risk, and build foundations that last. .
To attend our masterclasses, join a business growth group, and grow your network alongside driven business professionals, visit www.hardnox.com.au
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