Why are people obsessed with watching tradies? Meet SA’s tradies of TikTok and Instagram
Adelaide tradie Stavros Kapoulitsas has built his social media following with a crowbar in hand. And he’s not the only SA tradie using the power tool of social media.
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By day Stavros Kapoulitsas is a tradie, by night he’s a TikTok star with 1.4m followers.
When the demolition and asbestos removal tradesman is not working on site, he’s creating content that has catapulted him into social media fame.
The Adelaide man said he worked “like a dog” in his early days at his father Stan’s business and growing his following on TikTok and Instagram.
Mr Kapoulitsas has his old man to thank for instilling his work ethic at a young age.
“I loved to play video games, but instead I worked with my dad for ten hours a day as a kid and it was worth it,” he said.
Mr Kapoulitsas said he was not seeking fame but it came unexpectedly as he was learning the ropes of the family trade.
“I started using TikTok when it was called Musically and suddenly I started gaining a following,” he said.
“My mates didn’t even notice me online till I ended up having like 100,000 followers.
“People tell me I didn’t know you were a tradie, you do TikTok.
“And I have to say It’s actually all the way around you know, I have always been a tradie and TikTok fame came after.”
Growing up Mr Kapoulitsas was the class clown and said he never thought his sense of humour would lead him anywhere.
“I was never liked by any of the teachers but always liked by the students because I made everyone laugh, I was the funny one,” he said.
Now 24, Mr Kapoulitsas is working alongside his brother as they prepare to take over All State Group Services from their father.
But on the side the successful tradie has amassed 1.4m TikTok followers and another 60k on Instagram attracting sponsorship deals.
Some of his most popular videos have reached 18m views with more than 60 surpassing six figures.
Mr Kapoulitsas is aware of his audience and the influence he has on the younger generation.
“I never really like to get political. It’s not me. If I tried that, I think I’d start losing followers,” he said.
“My content is pretty simple everyday humour, dark humour, but never too serious.
“My videos are really quick to shoot and being a tech geek, I edit them on my phone on my own.”
Mr Kapoulitsas is among many South Australian tradies taking to social media to promote their businesses.
“Every SA tradie online has their own niche, and if it can earn them extra money and fame, then why not?”
Here are nine more SA tradie accounts to follow on Instagram and TikTok.
Wade Fletcher and Tayt Syme
Instagram handle: @pintateverypub
Followers: 1964
Two beer-loving tradie mates Wade Fletcher and Tayt Syme have gained traction on social media as they journey to visit all 687 pubs across SA.
Their mission? To support local businesses while enjoying the experience.
“We started this account to fundraise for kids with cancer while we also show what SA has to offer,” Mr Fletcher said.
Joe Deionno
TikTok handle: @deionnoelectrical
Followers: 40.2k
Meet SA electrician Joe Deionno, who regularly shares TikTok videos featuring his employee’s rooftop banter during solar installations.
“You see a lot of polished content online by other businesses, we just want to reality, while having fun,” he said.
“We want to show what it’s like on our job site.”
Brett Menadue
TikTok handle: @blackwooddecks
Followers: 3408
Based in the Adelaide Hills Blackwood Decks owner Brett Menadue’s handle full of interactive decking design and construction content.
“My TikTok account allows me to access a younger cohort of people for my business and I enjoy answering questions online,” he said.
Leanne Kirkaldie
Instagram handle: @tradieladyadelaide
Followers: 25.8k
Leanne Kirkaldie offers a glimpse into her daily life as an electrician, often surrounded by voltage and insulation testers.
Dubbing herself a “Tradie Lady Elechick” she shares what’s in her tool bix, videos on the job and the occasional off-duty shot not in her hi-vis gear.
Kristy and Brett Beams
Instagram handle: @kristyandbrett
Followers: 5898
Since they joined the current season of The Block, Adelaide couple Kristy and Brett Beam’s Instagram account has amassed almost 6000 followers.
Mr Beams is a former tiler, so they’re ones to watch once filming wraps.
Matt and Joe
TikTok handle: @wlbricklaying
Followers: 2306
Watching tradies lay bricks is surprisingly satisfying and mates Matt and Joe from showcase this under their WL Bricklaying handle.
Mark Evans
TikTok handle: @broaden_build
TikTok followers: 517
Instagram handle: @_broaden_
TikTok followers: 437
If you want to see what it feels like to be a tradie working in the design and building industry, then you will enjoy scrolling through Broaden’s TikTok and Instagram and Facebook feed.
“TikTok has emerged as a platform for us to showcase our craftsmanship,” owner Mark Evans said.
PhonzyB
TikTok Handle: @phonzyb_plumbing
Followers: 3615
The Adelaide-based “celebrity plumber” knows the art of business promotion and garnering TikTok followers.
PhonzyB videos frequently feature him tackling challenges with his craft, wrench in hand.
James Vawser
Instagram Handle: @jamesvawser
Followers: 1179
Adelaide’s singing sparky James Vawser recently put down the tools to take on Australian Idol contestant.
After finishing in the top 24 perfectly melds his singing talent with his tradie expertise on TikTok.
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