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Our work

Case studies & real results for tradies

Admin sorted. Stress reduced. Results delivered.

We get it, running your trades business is full-on. Whether you're knee-deep in invoices, worried about IRD letters, or staring blankly at your social media pages, we're here to sort the back end so you can on the tools. 

Take a look at how we've helped tradies take control of their business, sort out their finances, and get organised. 

Case Study #1: Turning Things Around

Residential Builder, Paeroa

The problems:

  • $32,000 in overdue bills

  • A $50,000 overdraft

  • Significant IRD debt

  • No staff agreements

  • 600+ unread emails

The business had grown fast, but without the right systems in place, it was hard to keep up. That’s where we came in.

The Solutions:
First up: setting up Xero properly. This gave us a clear picture of the business's finances so we could tackle the debt. We then set up payment plans for overdue accounts and the IRD, giving the owner a structured path forward.

But it wasn't just about the numbers we also:

  • Created staff employment agreements

  • Built out HR processes

  • Brought consistency to the bookkeeping

  • Sorted through a mountain of unread emails and regained control of communications

The results:
Today, the business is in a much stronger position:

  • Positive bank balance

  • IRD debt fully paid off

  • Staff are paid on time, every week

  • The owner is back on the tools and no longer overwhelmed by the admin pile

He’s now able to be on the tools while knowing that the financials and day-to-day operations are under control.

Tradie business Executive Summary showing the first positive bank balance in 2024

"Since I have been using Shadow Administration, they have helped me structure my business, so I spend less time in the office and more time on the tools."

Case Study #2: Keeping Facebook Content Consistent

BuildLink Paeroa, Timber & Hardware Store

The Problem:

Before we stepped in, BuildLink Paeroa had all the right stuff: great products, solid service, and a strong local reputation. But their social media needed some serious attention.

Aimee and Nick didn't have the time to post consistently, their Instagram account didn't exist, and their Facebook page lacked on-brand, consistent content.

The Solution:
We focused on their Facebook presence and brought in:

  • Branded content that looks and feels like BuildLink

  • Posts promoting services like delivery, quotes, and pole shed builds

  • Monthly tips, supplier features, and specials

  • Community events and involvement, from the Santa Parade to tradie nights

  • Spotlights on local projects using BuildLink materials

It wasn’t just about showing up; it was about showing up in a way that felt like them. Friendly, helpful, and always local.

The Results:
On-brand posts are going out every week, without Nick and Aimee having to worry, and local community engagement on almost every post.

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • Views: 5,341 (up 55.4%)

  • Reach: 1,185 (up 90.2%)

  • Interactions: 159 (up 98.8%)

  • Page visits: 425 (up 73.5%)

  • Monthly follower growth: +133.3%

Tablet mockup showing the BuildLink Paeroa Facebook feed with social media content by Shadow Administration

"After deciding to outsource, I haven't looked back. The impact has been significant - increased engagement and traffic for specific products or posts that inform customers. I wholeheartedly recommend Shadow Administration's services, as the results speak for themselves"
Aimee Dunn, BuildLink Paeroa

Photo of the Symphony Construction builders with their House of the Year Award
Phone mockup showing the home page of the Symphony Construction website designed by Shadow Administration

Case Study #3: From doing it all to a business that runs smoothly

Symphony Construction, Waikato Residential Builder

The Problems:
Like many husband-and-wife tradie teams, Symphony Construction started out with one person on the tools and the other handling everything else.

Between raising kids, handling client comms, doing the books, and trying to keep up with social media, it was a lot.

As the business grew, so did the pressure. That’s when they brought us in.

The Solution:
A VA team that acts as their full support behind the scenes.

  • Weekly payroll and bookkeeping

  • Client emails and communication

  • Social media content

  • Website design and updates

  • Graphic design, like their mall door signage

  • Email inbox management

The Results:

  • Admin, inbox, and finances are sorted every day

  • Consistent online presence and advertising that reflects their brand

  • More time for the team to be on the tools, and high-value projects

  • Freed up space to focus on major builds like the House of the Year Award-winning Matangi new build

  • Reagan gets to focus on quoting and training the apprentices

Want results like these?

Book your free discovery call today.