In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Paul Rojas, a commercial litigation lawyer and founder of ConstructSupport Australia. Paul pulls back the curtain on the silent crisis gripping the construction industry: record-high insolvencies. With years of experience working with builders, liquidators, and directors in the midst of legal storms, Paul provides a stark look at the realities of cash flow strain, contract breaches, and the domino effect that can topple even established companies.

Paul shares hard-won wisdom on why proactive legal counsel is not an expense, but a critical investment in your business's survival. He demystifies complex contract clauses, reveals the common pitfalls that sink SMEs, and outlines the practical steps every construction business owner must take to shield themselves from financial collapse. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a new subcontractor, this episode is an essential guide to building a more resilient and legally sound business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Insolvency and Risk in Construction:

• Why insolvency rates in the construction sector are at an all-time high.
• The “four-year lag” effect of economic shocks like COVID-19.
• The domino effect when one builder collapses and how it impacts the entire supply chain.

Contracts and Legal Protection:

• Common contract mistakes that can destroy your business.
• The difference between variations and cost escalation clauses and why it matters.
• Why every builder and subcontractor must understand their contract terms, not just have them.

Business Growth and Leadership:

• Paul’s unique “merge to retire” model for law firm acquisitions.
• How to build a sustainable business through referrals, acquisitions, and trusted partnerships.
• Lessons from leading teams, spotting culture misfits, and trusting your gut in hiring.

Resilience and Legacy:

• How to restructure a struggling business and turn it around.
• The power of focus and why staying in your niche protects you from unnecessary risk.
• Paul’s vision for a more transparent, accessible legal service model for SMEs.

Key Quotes from Paul Rojas

• “As boring as it sounds, it always comes down to your contracts; they’re there to protect you.”
• “Insolvency doesn’t hit straight away. There’s always a four-year lag before the real impact shows.”
• “Stick to what you know and do it well. You can’t be everything to everyone.”
• “Sometimes the biggest lesson in business is learning to trust your gut.”

About Our Guest:

Paul Rojas is a commercial litigation lawyer and founder of RCR Lawyers, ConstructSupport Australia, and a national debt collection company. With more than 20 years of experience across construction, insolvency, and commercial law, Paul has helped countless businesses navigate disputes, avoid collapse, and rebuild stronger. Passionate about making legal support more accessible, he is now pioneering a subscription-based legal model for SMEs in the building industry.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.
• Connect with Paul Rojas on LinkedIn to learn more about his work.

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• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
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Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.