Only Tradies Improve Reliability

Only Tradies Improve Reliability is a direct and practical guide to the real driver of equipment performance: quality trades work. Drawing on four decades in maintenance—from the tools to senior leadership—Gerard Wood challenges the belief that systems, reports, and models alone improve reliability. Instead, he argues that machines run well because skilled people take pride in doing the job properly. Written for electricians, mechanics, welders, fitters, and the leaders who rely on them, this book explores how craftsmanship, culture, and leadership intersect to create sustainable reliability improvement. Gerard offers tradies a mindset that deepens pride in their work and gives leaders insight into how to build environments where quality workmanship thrives. Honest, practical, and grounded in lived experience, this book aims to close the gap between management and the workshop floor—elevating trades culture and strengthening performance across industries.