

Modern Craftsman
Modern Craftsman
The Modern Craftsman is a podcast for builders who think beyond the jobsite. Hosted by Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace, this show explores what it takes to build a better business, a stronger team, and a more sustainable career in the trades.
Each episode features real conversations about leadership, project management, client communication, team culture, mental resilience, and long-term success in construction. Whether you're a carpenter scaling your company, a remodeler refining your process, or a builder navigating burnout, you'll find insight, support, and hard-earned lessons from those who've lived it.
Each episode features real conversations about leadership, project management, client communication, team culture, mental resilience, and long-term success in construction. Whether you're a carpenter scaling your company, a remodeler refining your process, or a builder navigating burnout, you'll find insight, support, and hard-earned lessons from those who've lived it.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 30, 2025 • 45min
Midweek with Tyler: Avoid These Pre-Construction Mistakes
This week Tyler walks through his recent pre-con workshop case study, sharing mistakes made and lessons learned from a challenging pre-construction project that led him to transform his approach, focusing on aligning with the right clients, protecting his time and margins, and consistently delivering value through strategic planning. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 49min
Crafting Connections with Ryan Mulkeen
Ryan Mulkeen, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Kuiken Brothers, discusses the company's strategic approach to marketing, the development of their classical moulding collection, and the importance of professionalism and customer experience in the building materials industry. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, private equity, and innovation in the industry. https://www.kuikenbrothers.com Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Jan 23, 2025 • 34min
Midweek with Tyler: Cost-Plus Contracting
This week Tyler delves into the intricacies of cost-plus contracting, exploring the management of general conditions, the distinction between overhead and project-specific costs, and the strategic use of market rates versus fully burdened rates to ensure transparent and fair pricing for clients. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 42min
Building It All While Managing Risk with PJ Antonik
PJ Antonik, Founder and CEO of Oak Development & Design, shares his journey from successful spec building to adapting his business model to the changing market conditions. He shares insights on the challenges of building in Nantucket's historic district, managing client relationships, and transitioning between spec and custom projects. https://www.oakdd.com Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Jan 16, 2025 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Living in the Present
Tyler discusses his recent personal journey to become more present and intentional in his life, sharing strategies and insights he has gained through reducing his technology use, focusing on the basics, and being more engaged with his family. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 57min
How To Do Hard Things with Mark D. Williams
Mark Williams, founder and owner of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc., joins Nick and Tyler to explore the importance of mental health, work-life balance, and personal growth for entrepreneurs and builders. The conversation includes strategies for managing anxiety, finding clarity, and building a supportive community to achieve personal and professional success. https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com Sign-up for the Modern Craftsman x TCB Bootcamp: https://www.curiousbuilder.com/bootcamp And use code MCXTCB10 for 10% off! Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Jan 9, 2025 • 31min
Midweek with Tyler: Embracing Change
This week, Tyler discusses turning 39, looking ahead to 40, reducing distractions, and building a new home, as well as plans to elevate the content and direction of his podcast. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 7min
Learn from 2024 and Prepare for 2025 with Nick and Tyler
Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace discuss the challenges and successes of their businesses in 2024 as well as their goals and plans for both business and Modern Craftsman in 2025. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all! Get the Modern Craftsman Marketing and Lead Generation Course: https://modern-craftsman.teachable.com/ Use code "MC2024" to receive $200 off through Dec. 31, 2024 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Dec 26, 2024 • 56min
Midweek with Tyler: Another Year of Transformation
In the last Midweek episode of 2024, Tyler talks about his personal and professional transformation over the past year — highlighting key lessons learned about prioritizing fulfillment, the power of preparation, the value of community and collaboration, and the importance of investing in one's future. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades
Dec 23, 2024 • 56min
Lead Generation Course and Recap with Tyler Grace
Tyler Grace discusses the current market slowdown and its impact on contracting businesses, highlighting the importance of effective lead generation and marketing strategies to build a brand that is resistant to market fluctuations. The conversation covers common marketing mistakes, an overview of the "Lead Generation and Marketing for Contractors" course, a recap of their recent webinar, and the value it provides for contractors of all experience levels. Get the Modern Craftsman Marketing and Lead Generation Course: https://modern-craftsman.teachable.com/ Use code "MC2024" to receive $200 off through Dec. 31, 2024 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux NAHB International Builders' Show Expo Pass The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades


