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
Dec 21, 2023 • 39min
Midweek with Tyler: That's a wrap
Tyler discusses wrapping up a difficult renovation project that took much longer and cost much more than expected due to unforeseen issues. He talks about the challenges of the project and working with understanding customers. Tyler expresses gratitude for his customers, sponsors and listeners and looks forward to improving the podcast in the new year. SPONSORED BY: Kuiken Brothers Residential & Commercial Building Materials (NJ & NY) Featuring: Andersen Windows & Doors If you have a project in New Jersey or New York, Kuiken Brothers is the premier partner of Andersen Windows & Doors. Showrooms, Service, Millwork Expertise like no other. Experience the Kuiken Brothers Difference. Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding Looking to take those windows to the next level? Surround them with Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding. 90+ historically inspired poplar moulding profiles. Milled from poplar, shipping jobsite direct, nationwide. The Modern Craftsman Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov
Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 49min
#291 - Lance Ramsey Project Manager
Sponsors: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Lance Ramsey shares his career journey from studying geography and finance in college to becoming a project manager for a homebuilder in Nashville. He documents his daily work through videos and provides advice for others looking to enter the construction industry. Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace talk with Lance about his experience and perspectives on project management, construction processes, and using content to educate others. https://linktr.ee/Laramse 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 Modern Craftsman Merch: 2 Pencils Stone Paper Notebook Top Epiosdes of 2023: 244 Aron Jones 247 Michael Conneely 248 Jason Hibbs 250 Ken Decost 253 Rens Hayes 255 Mark D. Williams 260 Travis Brungardt & Joe Cook 259 Chris Murray 262 Kevin O'connor 274 Bryan Uhler 280 Jeff Sweenor 279 Mike Guertin 282 Jeremy Kassel 276 Josh Salinger
Dec 14, 2023 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Becoming proficient in multiple trades
Tyler Grace answers a listener's question about becoming proficient in multiple trades while maintaining high-quality standards. He emphasized the importance of starting small, learning from mistakes, continuous self-improvement, and proper preparation to develop skills over time. SPONSORED BY: Kuiken Brothers Residential & Commercial Building Materials (NJ & NY) Featuring: Andersen Windows & Doors If you have a project in New Jersey or New York, Kuiken Brothers is the premier partner of Andersen Windows & Doors. Showrooms, Service, Millwork Expertise like no other. Experience the Kuiken Brothers Difference. Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding Looking to take those windows to the next level? Surround them with Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding. 90+ historically inspired poplar moulding profiles. Milled from poplar, shipping jobsite direct, nationwide. The Modern Craftsman Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov
Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 25min
#290 - Tyler & Nick talk developing confidence & taking risks
Sponsored By: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Join the guys this week as Tyler explains the differences between high-end custom cabinet shops and mid-level shops. Nick shares how taking risks is necessary to achieve your goals in business, even though it's not easy. They also talk about the importance of having confidence in yourself to figure out the challenges in front of you. Tune in for a good one! 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 Modern Craftsman Merch: 2 Pencils Stone Paper Notebook Top Epiosdes of 2023: 244 Aron Jones 247 Michael Conneely 248 Jason Hibbs 250 Ken Decost 253 Rens Hayes 255 Mark D. Williams 260 Travis Brungardt & Joe Cook 259 Chris Murray 262 Kevin O'connor 274 Bryan Uhler 280 Jeff Sweenor 279 Mike Guertin 282 Jeremy Kassel 276 Josh Salinger
Dec 7, 2023 • 24min
Midweek with Tyler: Everything on a job is punchlist
Tyler talks about his punch list which starts at the very beginning of the project to ensure when he closes the project out everything is completed. SPONSORED BY: Kuiken Brothers Residential & Commercial Building Materials (NJ & NY) Featuring: Andersen Windows & Doors If you have a project in New Jersey or New York, Kuiken Brothers is the premier partner of Andersen Windows & Doors. Showrooms, Service, Millwork Expertise like no other. Experience the Kuiken Brothers Difference. Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding Looking to take those windows to the next level? Surround them with Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding. 90+ historically inspired poplar moulding profiles. Milled from poplar, shipping jobsite direct, nationwide. The Modern Craftsman Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov
Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 57min
#289 - JP Dinnell of Echelon Front
Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: JP Dinnell, Chief Training Officer at Echelon Front joins Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace to discuss leadership principles like taking ownership, setting clear expectations, keeping communication open, emotional detachment, and building a culture of high performance. JP also shares how he applies these principles in his personal and professional life. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: JP Dinnell Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media
Nov 30, 2023 • 28min
Midweek with Tyler: Holiday Push
Tyler Grace discusses wrapping up a renovation project and his plans to take some time off after it is completed. SPONSORED BY: Kuiken Brothers Residential & Commercial Building Materials (NJ & NY) Featuring: Andersen Windows & Doors If you have a project in New Jersey or New York, Kuiken Brothers is the premier partner of Andersen Windows & Doors. Showrooms, Service, Millwork Expertise like no other. Experience the Kuiken Brothers Difference. Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding Looking to take those windows to the next level? Surround them with Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding. 90+ historically inspired poplar moulding profiles. Milled from poplar, shipping jobsite direct, nationwide. The Modern Craftsman Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov
Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 46min
#288 - Tyler Farrell of Killowen Construction
Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Tyler Farrell of Killowen Construction returns. Tyler and the guys have an honest conversation about the challenges of owning a construction business in 2023. They discussed struggles with employees, mental health, and balancing business and personal goals. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Tyler Farrell Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media
Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 19min
#287 - Nick and Tyler Talk Kitchen Design Issues and Lessons Learned
Sponsored By: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Join Nick and Tyler this week as Tyler vents his frustrations over his current kitchen renovation project. Tyler feels the cabinet design and quality is subpar, and not meeting the standards presented to him. He discusses how to go about voicing his concerns to the client while maintaining their relationship. Nick provides advice on having an open conversation with the client to get them on the same page, and ensure expectations are being met. Tune in as they chat lessons learned about vetting leads and maintaining more control over projects. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media
Nov 16, 2023 • 25min
Midweek with Tyler: Workaholism
Tyler Grace discusses his past struggles with being a workaholic and how it negatively impacted his mental health and family life. He explains how he developed an unhealthy addiction to working long hours thinking it would help his anxiety over his financial stability. He's since learned to establish a healthier work-life balance through adjusting his business model. SPONSORED BY: Kuiken Brothers Residential & Commercial Building Materials (NJ & NY) Featuring: Andersen Windows & Doors If you have a project in New Jersey or New York, Kuiken Brothers is the premier partner of Andersen Windows & Doors. Showrooms, Service, Millwork Expertise like no other. Experience the Kuiken Brothers Difference. Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding Looking to take those windows to the next level? Surround them with Kuiken Brothers' Classical Moulding. 90+ historically inspired poplar moulding profiles. Milled from poplar, shipping jobsite direct, nationwide. The Modern Craftsman Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov
