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
Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 9min
#322 Navigating Business Growth, Pricing, and Subcontractor Management
Nick and Tyler jump into their personal and business goals as they get older, including investing in the stock market & real estate and the importance of understanding business costs and pricing, attracting ideal clients, and effectively managing subcontractors. 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
Jul 25, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Overcoming the "Starving Artist" Mindset in Business
Tyler discusses the "starving artist" mentality that plagues many small business owners in the construction industry, leading to unsustainable business models and poor work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of properly valuing one's time and charging fair rates to create a sustainable business and improve the overall industry. 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
Jul 21, 2024 • 2h 1min
#321 Alec Meredith of Armstrong Construction
Alec Meredith, a one-man construction business owner, discusses his journey into the industry and how he has adapted his business model to focus on pre-construction services and building relationships with clients and architects. Find our guest: https://armstrongcsllc.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
Jul 19, 2024 • 19min
Endweek with Nick: Passive Level Construction
Nick Schiffer discusses the building science and construction methods of the project, including the design of the flat roof, insulation details, and the importance of exterior insulation. He also promotes an upcoming contractor summit and offers exclusive deals to attendees. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Construction Company Handbook Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Modern Craftsman Merch: 2 Pencils Stone Paper Notebook
Jul 18, 2024 • 39min
Midweek with Tyler: Navigating Residential Construction as an Owner-Operator
Tyler discusses his recent family vacation and home renovation projects, as well as his insights on the challenges faced by small business owners in the residential construction industry, particularly around understanding and pricing employee costs. Tyler offers consulting services and an upcoming industry event to help address these issues. 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
Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 41min
#320 Nick,Tyler and Jeff Talk Balancing Profit and Perfection
Nick Schiffer, Tyler Grace, and Jeff Sweenor discuss the challenges of building a high-end custom home, including roofing options, lighting design, and work-life balance. They also explore the importance of persistence, adaptability, and leveraging technology in the construction industry. 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
Jul 12, 2024 • 21min
Endweek with Nick: Fixing My Mistake
Nick confronts several issues on the 45 White Oak project, including a missed foundation inspection, coordinating with subcontractors and getting the project back on schedule. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Construction Company Handbook Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Modern Craftsman Merch: 2 Pencils Stone Paper Notebook
Jul 11, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Family, Work, and Growth: A Contractor's Summer Update
Tyler discusses recent personal and professional activities, including family events, a Habitat for Humanity project, and joining the Contractor Coalition Summit. He also shares insights on business growth for small contractors, common industry struggles, and his land development plans, while emphasizing the value of networking and knowledge-sharing in exclusive events. 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
Jul 4, 2024 • 56min
Midweek with Tyler: A Rocket Engineer's Journey to Astronaut Application and Homebuilding
Tyler Grace and Brio Bourgeois discuss the challenges and rewards of building a new home, including financial considerations, design choices, and creating an ideal family environment. They also touch on career aspirations, including Brio's application to become an astronaut, while sharing insights on property management and home technology. 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
Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 28min
#319 Big Door Expert Trevor Grine
Nick Schiffer and Jeff Sweenor discuss challenges and best practices for installing big doors with Trevor Grine a Big Door expert from Andersen Windows. They also highlight resources for installation training and support on complex door projects. Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend 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
