Modern Craftsman

Tyler digs into hedonic adaptation—our tendency to bounce back to a baseline happiness no matter how big the win—and shows how that “never enough” mindset is baked into trades culture. Through real-world examples and simple frameworks, he challenges listeners to redefine success and find lasting contentment beyond the next milestone. Show Notes:  00:00 – Intro & Why We Keep Chasing   02:45 – Defining the Hedonic Treadmill   06:20 – Trades Culture: Always Wanting More   10:35 – When We Move the Goalposts   14:10 – Identity vs. Productivity   18:05 – What “Enough” Really Looks Like   21:30 – Practical Steps Toward Contentment   Video Version:  https://youtu.be/mkz84afwZWY Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend 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  

Nick and Tyler go deep in this episode — no guest, no scripts, just a raw conversation about the regrets that shaped them. From personal struggles with self-worth to professional burnout from trying to please every client, they unpack what perfectionism costs ... and what progress really looks like in life and in the trades. Show Notes: 00:00 – Personal & Professional Regrets: Why This Episode Matters 06:42 – Reclaiming Your Voice as a Leader 15:36 – When Success Becomes a Trap 27:08 – Letting Go of the Hustle Culture 34:17 – Are You Building for the Right Person? 41:52 – Tyler’s Wake-Up Call on Client Burnout 52:40 – Money, Meaning & the Misunderstood Trade Business 1:12:48 – Tyler’s Regret: Walking Away from Wrestling 1:13:04 – Nick’s Regret: Seeking Validation 1:13:33 – What We’d Tell Our Younger Selves 1:16:57 – Confidence, Commitment & Public Accountability 1:24:19 – The Path Forward: Less Noise, More Clarity Video Version:  https://youtu.be/emL6atfbBjw   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend 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

The host dives into the evolving nature of the podcast, contemplating a more curated approach to engage listeners. They reflect on the pressures of hustle culture, sharing personal stories of overwork and its effects on health and family. A candid dialogue explores ambition, authenticity, and the journey toward self-discovery. Additionally, the importance of setting boundaries to find true happiness and fulfillment is emphasized, promising a richer experience for listeners in the future.

George Bandy shares why most builders, tradespeople, and even large companies are underestimating their potential to shape the future. Drawing from his leadership at Andersen Windows and decades in sustainability and social impact, George challenges the construction industry to think bigger about community, legacy, and the true meaning of craftsmanship. Show Notes:  0:00:00 - Intro & Early Career Reflections 0:11:35 - Sustainability in Construction 0:23:10 - Mentorship and Influence 0:34:45 - Community Impact through Building 0:46:20 - Diversity and Equity in the Trades 0:57:55 - Corporate Responsibility at Andersen 1:09:30 - Changing the Industry from Within 1:21:05 - Practical Advice for Builders 1:32:40 - The Role of Craftsmanship Today 1:44:15 - Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Video Version:  https://youtu.be/YIqP3dkeP5w   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend 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

Tyler Grace shares why small business owners need to stop billing themselves like employees—and how failing to do so can quietly kill your margins. He breaks down opportunity cost, loaded labor rates, and how pricing with intention leads to a more sustainable, profitable business why small business owners need to stop billing themselves like employees—and how failing to do so can quietly kill your margins. He breaks down opportunity cost, loaded labor rates, and how pricing with intention leads to a more sustainable, profitable business Show Notes:  Undervaluing Your Time as a Small Builder (0:00) The Importance of Pricing Strategy (5:38) Opportunity Cost and Business Efficiency (22:10) Managing Subcontractors and Business Systems (28:55) Pricing and Profitability for Small Business Owners (30:22) Conclusion and Call to Action (30:36) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/PytSEl81Hcc   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend 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

After nearly a decade of podcasting, Nick and Tyler hit record on a candid, unscripted conversation about burnout, direction, and the deeper purpose behind The Modern Craftsman. This episode pulls back the curtain on their evolving goals, the emotional toll of running a business, and the pressures of staying relevant in a saturated market. From questioning what growth really means to re-centering the show on meaningful conversations—not metrics—this is a raw, honest reset that long-time listeners won’t want to miss. Show Notes:  Pause and Reflection on the Podcast (0:00) Sponsor Acknowledgements and Podcast Content (1:59) Evaluating Podcast Content and Guest Selection (4:38) Exploring Broader Topics and Guest Insights (18:30) Balancing Personal and Professional Growth (20:47) Navigating Emotional and Business Challenges (24:34) Engaging with Listeners and Future Directions (1:04:36) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/tISDDZMj6fU   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend 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 disconnect between what builders show in an estimate and what clients truly need to understand. He dives deep into why leading with transparency, breaking down the budget, and walking clients through each line item creates trust, protects your margins, and actually helps win more jobs. By shifting from defending your price to explaining your value, you transform how clients perceive your worth—and how your business operates. Show Notes:  Transparency in Pricing and Client Trust (0:00) Differences in Contractor Approaches (3:47) Value Proposition and Client Education (6:12) Justifying Costs and Building Trust (9:05) Protecting Margins and Meeting Client Needs (14:20) Client Education and Value Engineering (24:11) Community Support and Personal Reflections (29:17) Video Version: https://youtu.be/p6b262PIv6Q   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  

Tyler and Nick talk about the importance of formal subcontractor agreements—why you need them, how they protect all parties, and the hard lessons that led them to overhaul their systems. From handshake deals gone wrong to building trust through transparent work orders, this episode gives you the tools to avoid costly mistakes and elevate your professionalism. Whether you're a GC, a sub, or somewhere in between, if you’re managing teams and trades, this one’s for you. Show Notes:  Subcontractor Engagement and Agreements (0:00) Sponsor Announcements and Product Promotions (1:52) Personal Stories and Boat Ownership (5:45) Subcontractor Vetting and Agreement Implementation (30:02) Pre-Construction and Subcontractor Strategies (48:44) Course Updates and Additional Resources (1:09:52) Video Version: https://youtu.be/ZTcQvwaPKuQ   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 hidden costs of chasing large, complex jobs and why scaling back changed the game for his business. He shares how finding the right project size gave him better profit margins, more control, and a healthier work-life balance.  Show Notes:  Understanding Ideal Project Size and Scope (0:00) The Power of Networking and Social Aspects (1:58) The Importance of Ideal Project Fit (5:45) Strategies for Profitable Project Management (10:10) Balancing Client Needs and Business Goals (20:44) Final Thoughts and Recommendations (25:31) Video Version: https://youtu.be/CLk9P4N_WiU   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  

Nick shares the story of a $200,000 mistake that could have been avoided with one clause in his contract. This episode unpacks the real cost of labor — from hidden overhead and labor burden to inefficient pricing strategies — and shows how even experienced builders can leave money on the table. Nick and Tyler break down how they calculate true labor costs, the ripple effect of inaccurate billing, and why it's time to rethink how you estimate, price, and protect your work. Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.moderncraftsman.co/ Show Notes:  Contractors Coalition Summit Recap and Labor Burden Introduction (0:00) Sponsorship Announcements and CCS Event Highlights (1:12) Labor Burden Calculator and Financial Lessons (12:46) Practical Advice for Calculating Labor Burden (24:33) Overtime and Labor Burden Considerations (53:27) Conclusion and Call to Action (56:22) Video Version: https://youtu.be/KpyjTvAlXgw 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