

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

Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 56min
#310 Home Improvement with Zachary Dettmore
Zachary Dettmore discusses his experience working on a renovation project for This Old House, including how he bid the job without knowing the challenges of filming, and his goals for continually improving and scaling up his home improvement business. https://www.dettmore.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

Apr 26, 2024 • 45min
Endweek with Nick: Conscious Craftsmanship
Matt Berman & Andrew Kline of Workshop APD, James Rob of Madera, and Nick Schiffer of NS Builders discuss design philosophies and approaches to using natural materials, emphasizing simplicity, honesty, and craftsmanship. They also share stories of past projects and lessons learned about balancing modern and traditional design elements. Matt Berman & Andrew Kline https://www.workshopapd.com James Rob https://www.maderasurfaces.com/ 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
Apr 25, 2024 • 34min
Midweek with Tyler: Creating Resources to Help Other Builders
Tyler Grace discusses his plans to create resources for builders on the Modern Craftsman website to help listeners beyond consulting calls, while also seeking listener feedback to improve the podcast and website content. 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

Apr 22, 2024 • 1h 4min
#309 Nick & Tyler Try to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Nick Schiffer reflects on his past experience as a project manager and questions his identity as a builder while struggling with imposter syndrome, as Tyler Grace discusses balancing career growth while maintaining a flexible work-life balance as a small remodeler. Modern Craftsman Partnerships Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media
Apr 18, 2024 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Building in Belize
Tyler Grace shares his experiences building a house in Belize with his father and returning home from vacation, discussing the culture, construction practices, and cost of living in Belize while outlining his plans to develop helpful resources for small construction businesses on his website. 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

Apr 15, 2024 • 2h 1min
#308 Inspections with Austin Katje
Austin Katje joins to discuss balancing business growth and personal life while working in the construction industry. The guys also share experiences with career choices, managing diverse projects, learning from mistakes, and finding hobbies outside of work. Jeff Sweenor aslo joins as a guest co-host. Austin Katje https://veldco.com/ Guest co-host Jeff Sweenor https://www.youtube.com/@Sweenorbuilders Modern Craftsman Partnerships Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media
Apr 11, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Navigating slowdowns
Tyler Grace provides advice to a young contractor experiencing a slowdown in business, encouraging him to focus on relationships and goals over quick money. 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

Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 50min
How Builders Build Teams That Actually Last with guest David Wintzer
David Wintzer discusses construction industry challenges like hiring and retention, leveraging AI, pre-construction processes, and collaboration over competition. They also explore the struggles in mentoring, financial strain, emotional challenges, and professionalism in the industry. The podcast delves into the evolution of AI in construction, efficiency in architecture, robotics, and technology integration. Collaboration and event promotion in the construction sector are also highlighted.
Apr 4, 2024 • 33min
Midweek with Tyler: Creating a Sustainable Small Businesses
Tyler Grace, a residential contractor specializing in creating sustainable small businesses, discusses the challenges of running a small business without overworking. He shares insights on efficiency, value, impact of hiring for renovations, strategies for profitability, navigating imposter syndrome, and the importance of support in the industry.

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 59min
#306 Home Maintenance with Andrew Patterson
Andrew Patterson of Patterson Custom Homes has developed a home maintenance system to help builders educate homeowners and track required maintenance. Nick, Tyler and Andrew also cover challenges with new materials, setting clear expectations, and protecting reputations. Andrew Patterson https://pattersoncustomhomes.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


