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
Jun 27, 2024 • 41min
Midweek with Tyler: Set Scope, Budget, and Profit to Succeed
Tyler Grace discusses the greatest pain points within the residential construction industry, specifically the inability to guarantee profitability on jobs due to lack of clear budgets, scopes, and expectations set with customers. He advocates for establishing business practices and communication styles that ensure contractors are paid for their time and reimbursed for expenses on every project. 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
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 16min
#318 Leveraging Customer Feedback with Jon Walker
Jon Walker, the CTO of Buildertrend, discusses how he leverages customer feedback to improve their construction management software, while Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace debate best practices for running profitable construction businesses and adopting new technologies. 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
Jun 21, 2024 • 24min
Endweek with Nick: Challenges in Construction Project Management
Nick discusses challenges faced on a construction project and solutions implemented. He talks about issues with site work, underground plumbing, framing, engineering details, and coordinating trades to complete windows and door installations. 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
Jun 20, 2024 • 40min
Midweek with Tyler: Valuing Personal Wellbeing
Tyler discusses balancing work responsibilities with family time over the summer. He reflects on running his business for 14 years and how considering opportunity costs helps determine fair rates and the best use of his limited time. 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
Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 44min
#317 Ryan Smith The Roof Slayer
Ryan Smith aka RoofSlayer2681 joins Tyler to talk about the challenges facing the framing industry, such as price pressure from builders and low-cost competition undercutting prices. https://www.instagram.com/roofslayer2681 https://roofcutters.com/ Modern Craftsman Partnerships 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
Jun 13, 2024 • 41min
Midweek with Tyler: Overcoming Social Anxiety
Tyler Grace discusses his struggle with accepting praise and his social anxiety, particularly in settings that require small talk or meeting new people. He explains how he has navigated these challenges in his personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside his comfort zone for personal growth and business success. 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
Jun 9, 2024 • 1h 27min
#316 Finding High Quality Workwear with Carl Murawski
Carl Murawski is an experienced electrician who has worked in the trades for over 20 years. He now runs a YouTube channel where he reviews high-quality workwear and tools. Carl is extremely knowledgeable about work boots and other durable, high-quality products suited for tradespeople. His goal is to authentically help people find the best gear while being honest about the pros and cons of different options. Carl is frustrated by companies that market poor-quality products through disingenuous tactics. He is passionate about craftsmanship and buying items that are made to last through repairs. Carl is currently considering a full-time transition from his career in electrical work to focus on expanding his YouTube channel reviewing workwear and tools. ttps://www.youtube.com/c/carlmurawski Modern Craftsman Partnerships 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
Jun 7, 2024 • 15min
Endweek with Nick: Client Communication
Nick Schiffer discusses the importance of effective communication in construction projects to avoid budget overruns and delays, and emphasizes communicating changes quickly to keep clients informed and in control of decisions. 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
Jun 6, 2024 • 46min
Midweek with Tyler: Networking & Contractors Coalition Summit
Tyler breaks down his experience at the Contractors Coalition Summit and his general approach to quality networking. Join Tyler at The Boston CCS: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ 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
Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 48min
#315 Contractor Ethan Eckstrom
Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace interview 23-year-old contractor Ethan Eckstrom about his career in home design and construction. Ethan reveals his unique method for rapidly gaining expertise in building homes, combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and continuous education. Don't miss his insights on getting a leg up in construction at a young age! Ethan Eckstrom is a 23-year-old contractor and architectural designer from Massachusetts who has been designing homes since high school. He currently runs his own design and construction company. Ethan is passionate about both the design and construction aspects of residential projects. He is considering pursuing a formal architecture degree and license but struggles with balancing his creative design work with managing construction projects. https://www.eckstromhomedesigns.com/ Modern Craftsman Partnerships 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
