Modern Craftsman

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk about what it really takes to walk away from a project — and why it's sometimes the most responsible move a builder can make. They break down a real scenario where NS Builders stepped back during pre-construction, share the signs they couldn't ignore, and open up about the fear, second-guessing, and professionalism required to make the call. This one's about clarity, boundaries, and protecting both your team and your reputation. Show Notes: Reputation and Client Selection (0:00) Sponsors and Product Promotions (1:18) Client Communication and Project Challenges (4:46) Unrealistic Expectations and Project Management (11:53) Client Behavior and Professionalism (27:52) Owner-Supplied Materials and Project Management (38:21) Reputation and Future Business (47:37) VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/jXEt7T3BDn4 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about the roads not taken — reflecting on how he almost didn't end up in construction and why it's worth asking what other paths might have looked like. He explores how understanding your "what if" moments can bring clarity, motivation, and renewed purpose in the work you do today. Show Notes: Exploring Alternative Career Paths (0:00) The Challenge of Career Choices (2:29) Early Career Aspirations (6:50) Passion for Nature and Landscape Design (9:38) Reflections on Career Satisfaction (11:52) Workshops and Resources for Scaling (18:08) Consulting Services and Future Plans (20:20) Video Version: https://youtu.be/0tGbAjk-Yg0 The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk through the emotional side of building a business — the doubt, the grind, and the quiet moments where it feels like nothing is working. Inspired by a post that hits close to home, they open up about the mental weight of leadership, how to tell when "hard" is part of the process or a sign to pivot, and why success comes not from certainty, but from showing up anyway. Show Notes: Work-Life Balance and Defining Success (0:00) Sponsor Announcements and Work-Life Balance (1:48) Challenges of Pricing and Market Conditions (12:59) Balancing Business and Personal Life (17:30) The Role of AI in Business Efficiency (54:50) Actionable Steps for Business Growth (57:30) Future Plans and AI in Construction (1:03:13) VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/UPRf5g4Z8v8 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about how fear of failure — not lack of skill or ambition — often shapes the decisions we make in business and life. Inspired by an off-road racing article, he reflects on how even top performers can be driven more by avoiding loss than by chasing success, and what that means for contractors navigating their own path. Show Notes: Reflecting on Fear of Failure (0:00) Caleb Russell's Retirement and Return (1:37) Personal Reflections on Fear of Failure (3:50) The Pressure of Being the Best (7:00) Tyler Grace's Consulting Services (10:16) The Importance of Preparation and Self-Acceptance (12:48) Monthly Online Workshops (21:05) Final Thoughts and Encouragement (24:16) Video Version: https://youtu.be/zbMHx9a9qqw The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk to Doug Duvall, co-founder of Motif Media, about how content creation is transforming the construction industry from the inside out. They discuss what it takes to tell meaningful stories on-site, why builders need to treat media as a core business function, and how the partnership between NS Builders and Motif has redefined what it means to "show your work." Douglas Duvall Show Notes: Introduction of Doug Duvall and Episode Sponsors (0:00) Coffee Conversation and Personal Anecdotes (6:24) Challenges of Running a Business (15:43) Pricing and Profitability in the Building Industry (28:47) Impact of Experience and Market Positioning (54:30) Balancing Quality and Efficiency in Media Production (1:01:43) Final Thoughts on Business Growth and Efficiency (1:11:15) Balancing Content Production and Efficiency (1:15:06) Podcasting and Business Insights (1:18:48) Adapting and Evolving Content Strategies (1:32:47) Final Thoughts and Future Plans (1:36:51) VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/CoHAqwVhOp4 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about one of the most overlooked threats to profitability in small construction businesses: failing to track your time. He shares strategies for setting your rate, managing client optics, and building a leaner, more sustainable business model that protects both your income and your energy. Show Notes: Capturing and Accounting for Time in Small Construction Businesses (0:00) The Importance of Tracking Back-End Time (4:08) Strategies for Setting and Managing Rates (16:17) The Role of Consulting and Coaching (23:10) Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYPQqc7z1ig The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick and Tyler talk about what it really costs to grow a business—and why scaling back might be the smartest move you can make. They unpack the illusion that more work equals more success, the hidden costs of chasing bigger numbers, and how to build a company that actually works for you, not just your spreadsheet. From forecasting cash flow to facing the uncomfortable truths behind low-margin projects, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pressure to grow without a plan. Whether you're doing $1M or $10M a year, the real question is: are you making it work, or is it working you? Show Notes: Modern Craftsman Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements (0:00) Personal Experiences with Real Estate and Housing Market (8:21) Comparing Home Building to Custom Car Building (18:07) Scaling Business and Managing Growth (30:05) Employee Management and Career Development (36:12) Balancing Business Goals and Personal Life (59:24) Dad's Active Lifestyle and Its Impact (1:01:58) Business Vision and Scaling Plan (1:15:57) Promoting the Newsletter and Behind-the-Scenes Content (1:17:46) Nick's Vulnerability and Reader Engagement (1:19:47) VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/2QyINuxS-9U Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about the misconceptions around scaling a small construction business and why chasing bigger projects isn't always the right move. He shares how owner-operators can achieve better margins, flexibility, and true growth by optimizing smaller projects and building efficient systems. Video Notes: Scaling Businesses Efficiently (0:00) Upcoming Workshop and Consulting Call (2:14) Alternative Scaling Options (5:37) Consulting Client's Dilemma (6:14) The Importance of Systems and Efficiencies (9:55) Challenging Industry Expectations (23:18) Conclusion and Call to Action (23:34) Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_4iweWuBQ0 The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tim McNamara joins Tyler to share the mindset shifts that have shaped his construction business journey. They dig into lessons from scaling, the price of early mistakes, and what it takes to build a company that lasts — without burning out. Show Notes: Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (0:00) Project Overview: Mullen Building Condo Project (1:11) Sponsor Messages and Industry Insights (2:17) Tim's Background and Early Career (3:46) Challenges of Building Tighter Homes (5:33) Tim's Transition to Business Ownership (7:46) Post-COVID Business Strategy (15:53) Balancing Subcontracting and In-House Work (36:18) Leadership and Management in Business (36:47) The Young Craftsman Foundation (48:28) Long-Term Goals and Industry Impact (1:00:46) Work-Life Balance and Business Philosophy (1:10:27) Integrity and Financial Literacy in Business (1:17:44) The Role of AI in Business and Personal Life (1:29:07) The Young Craftsman Foundation and Community Support (1:31:05) Final Thoughts and Future Plans (1:33:39) Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/uuZyq7Wbnqw The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about why he made the biggest business investment of his life: buying a Kubota KX040-4 excavator. He reflects on the learning curve, the freedom it provides for building his own home, and how it's already paying off both financially and personally. Show Notes: Investment in an Excavator (0:00) Personal and Professional Motivations (2:26) Dealer Relationship and Purchase Experience (4:07) Equipment Features and Usage (7:32) Financial and Tax Benefits of Owning (13:22) Experience and Future Plans (23:41) Consulting Services and Podcast Feedback (24:17) Video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3CsAASARwM The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media