What does it really take to build a trade business that lasts decades, and still feels good to run?
After more than 40 years in the trade, Miles Astley has seen it all.. From dodgy business partners and overstuffed filing cabinets to building a tight-knit, values-driven family business that’s still going strong today.
In this Real Tradie episode, Nic sits down with Miles from Astley Electrical, a seasoned sparkie who’s been in the game since the early ‘80s. From his first apprenticeship to now running a thriving, values-driven family business, Miles’ story is packed with real-world lessons and a whole lot of heart.
Miles shares openly about the highs and lows. Like the time he discovered his business partner was working against him behind the scenes, or how stepping off the tools after two shoulder reconstructions forced him to rethink everything. That turning point, while tough, opened the door to something bigger: leading the business with his family, building systems that could run without him, and focusing on long-term success instead of daily firefighting.
One of the most powerful parts of Miles’ story is “The Astley Way”—a cultural cornerstone his team created that now guides everything they do. It’s not just about how they wire a PowerPoint or show up to a job, it’s how they treat people. Clients become friends. Tradies become leaders. And values drive every decision.
Miles also shares how stepping off the tools (after two shoulder reconstructions) changed everything. It gave him space to work on the business, not just in it. Now working alongside his wife Jackie and two sons, Miles is in the process of handing over the reins on his terms. With systems, training, and trust, they’re building a business that won’t just survive, but thrive, long after he’s stepped back.
This episode is packed with hard-won wisdom: why respect matters more than skill in an apprentice, how to create a business culture that sticks, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.
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