Meet the founder,

I’m Andrew (Andy) Shaw

With over 35 years of experience in the construction industry—starting as an apprentice, working as a bricklayer, and eventually founding and growing my own business—I successfully ran and expanded my company for 15 years, achieving a net profit margin of over 20% year on year. This success afforded me the flexibility to retire early and pursue other roles within the construction field. I've since dedicated my time to understanding building companies, traveling to teach others, and founding Brickies Network, the Bricklayers Association of Australia.

Brickies Network Story

Over the past five years, I've traveled across Australia to research the state of bricklaying. It's fascinating how brick and block laying businesses operate so differently from one state to another, and even from region to region. Some businesses are thriving by taking innovative approaches, while others stick to the status quo and struggle with poor results. This experience inspired me to establish Brickies Network, the Bricklayers Association of Australia, a community of industry professionals. Our mission is to protect, develop, and support bricklayers, advocate for industry reform and justice, and elevate bricklaying as a respected profession.

Why I Do It

I'm passionate about the bricklaying trade. Based on my own experience owning a bricklaying business and traveling across Australia to examine various bricklaying businesses, I developed Brickies Network, the Bricklayers Association of Australia. Becoming a Brickies Network member gives you access to tried-and-proven tactics and strategies specifically designed for bricklaying businesses.

After spending so much time with bricklaying business owners and drawing on my own experience, I've seen that everyone is struggling with something. Whether it's quoting, invoicing, managing staff, resolving disputes, or planning ahead—the list goes on. But with only so many hours in a day, you're generally just flat out getting the job done.