Podcast

The Great Tradie Debate – The Huge Gap in Property Managers Knowledge With Corrine Forsyth and Shelby

Every property manager knows the dread of that maintenance request that lands late on a Friday afternoon, the leaky tap that turns into a flood, the broken fence that’s been “in progress” for 6 months, or the tenant complaint that snowballs into a claim against your agency. Investors expect fast, cost effective solutions. 

Tenants want safety and comfort restored. Trades need clear instructions, access and approvals. In the middle sits a Property Manager who was rarely taught the technical bits at licence level, yet carries the consequences when something is missed.

In this episode, I chat with Corinne and Shelby about the real skills property managers need to manage maintenance effectively. They share how better training, stronger relationships with trades, and a proactive approach can prevent costly mistakes and lift the standard of property management across the industry. 

This conversation reframes maintenance as a professional advantage, not just a pain point, we chat about what’s missing in current PM education, why too many teams are xxx and how their Trade Education Event gives property managers real world tools they can take straight back to the office, practical training that makes a genuine difference to how maintenance is handled.

“ I was five years into my property management career before I knew that a rust spot on a flexi hose means it’s about to burst  and that knowledge could have saved thousands of dollars in water damage.”

—  Corrine Forsyth

In this episode we explore:

  • The common maintenance misunderstandings that leave property managers exposed
  • Why most Property Management qualifications don’t teach real world maintenance or troubleshooting skills
  • How to build a core network of trusted trades who support and educate your team
  • The importance of proactive training, continuing professional development, and accountability for self development
  • How the right trade training can make your maintenance process easier and more effective and can help your team handle maintenance better
  • Why strong communication and clear internal expectations with your team can reduce risk and improve service
  • How collaborative industry events can replace competition with shared learning and build a strong network of relationships around you
  • Why hands on experience and real life learning help property managers feel more confident when inspecting and managing properties

Connect with Done For You Services

Resources:

Connect With Corrine Forsyth and Shelby Thompson
Trade Education Masterclass

📅 Date: Wednesday, 29th October 2025
🕒 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
📍 Location: 53 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Springfield Lakes, QLD 4300

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned PM, you’ll walk away with practical tools, legislative clarity, and stronger trade relationships.

🎟 Reserve your spot here: Book Now

Connect With Shelby Thompson

Corrine Forsyth

Connect with Kylie: