

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

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 47min
#276 - Josh Salinger of Birdsmouth Design Build
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Josh Salinger discusses his approach to designing and building high-performance homes that are durable, healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient. The guys debate strategies for growing a construction business while maintaining quality and employee satisfaction. The conversation also touches on training builders, integrating design and construction, and creating a sense of mission for employees. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Birdsmouth Design Build Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Aug 24, 2023 • 37min
Midweek with Tyler: Keeping It Honest With Subs
This week, Tyler shares how he keeps the relationship with his subs good and honest. He discusses the similarities and differences between how he manages co-workers he has history with and his newer hires. Tune in to the episode for how Tyler keeps it fair and forthright when assessing subs. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 35min
#275 - Sara Schultz of Free Afternoon
Sarah Schultz, founder of branding and marketing agency Free Afternoon, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the importance of building a strong brand. She also discusses her podcast empowering women business owners. Other topics include high-quality t-shirts, partnerships, larger glass windows, construction software support, personal anecdotes, design management, building passive income, establishing a strong independent identity, overcoming fear and taking risks, and future podcast episodes and partnerships.

Aug 17, 2023 • 47min
Midweek with Tyler: Advice for Starting A Remodeling Business
Tyler shares his story starting his own remodeling company, and what he has learned along the way. From managing renovation projects to overseeing subcontractors, Tyler provides advice and recommendations for the initial start of you company to find a successful work flow. He also speaks on when to subcontract work versus self-performing tasks, and the pros and cons of taking on work yourself. Tune in for more valuable tips! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Aug 13, 2023 • 1h 59min
#274 - Bryan Uhler of Pioneer Builders Inc.
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Bryan Uhler, VP of Pioneer Builders, talks spec home building and the importance of building to code. As the person behind his own bookkeeping, Bryan shares how they utilze strategies to maximize profit and how you can too. Check out the episode to improve your cost efficiency and see how Bryan runs his business! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Pioneer Builders Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Aug 10, 2023 • 33min
Midweek with Tyler: Finger on the Pulse
Tyler answers a viewer email this week asking about business growth, and where to start. Tyler shares his experience of what works for him, and what to look out for when scaling up. Tune in for ways to sustainably and realistically grow your business! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 53min
#273 - Bob Kelly of WickRight Inc.
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Bob Kelly, owner, GC and inventor at WickRight Inc. shares the systems that he's creating with his team. Specifially vapor release systems for flat roof details, and ways to improve our current adopted methods. Bob talks about what he is learning at building science summer camp and how we have come to the methods our present system uses. With so many thought provoking topics, this episode is a can't miss! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: WickRight Inc. Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Aug 3, 2023 • 37min
Midweek with Tyler: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Inspector Interactions
Tyler walks through his processes with inspections and how his mindset has shifted towards them. Viewing them as a peer versus a road block changes that interaction and dynamic, but there is a lot of work to do to get there. Check out the episode to hear how we can make those changes. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 59min
#272 - Jason Bent of Bent's Woodworking
Jason Bent, a retired military professional turned hobbyist woodworker, shares his inspiring transition into woodworking content creation. He discusses how to diversify income streams and enhance craftsmanship while turning passion into profit. From mastering woodworking techniques to navigating the complexities of YouTube revenue, Jason highlights the importance of adaptability. He also reflects on the challenges of brand sponsorships and the need for a sustainable business model, encouraging aspiring woodworkers to embrace entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Jul 27, 2023 • 44min
Midweek with Tyler: Books that Build
The podcast discusses various books and magazines that provide valuable resources for construction, design, woodworking, and tile setting. They cover topics such as home design, thoughtful planning, HVLP spraying techniques, cabinet projects, tile installation, and traditional American houses. The speakers share their experiences and recommendations, highlighting the importance of self-education in the industry.


