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
Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 41min
#320 Nick,Tyler and Jeff Talk Balancing Profit and Perfection
Nick Schiffer, Tyler Grace, and Jeff Sweenor discuss the challenges of building a high-end custom home, including roofing options, lighting design, and work-life balance. They also explore the importance of persistence, adaptability, and leveraging technology in the construction industry. Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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
Jul 12, 2024 • 21min
Endweek with Nick: Fixing My Mistake
Nick confronts several issues on the 45 White Oak project, including a missed foundation inspection, coordinating with subcontractors and getting the project back on schedule. 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
Jul 11, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Family, Work, and Growth: A Contractor's Summer Update
Tyler discusses recent personal and professional activities, including family events, a Habitat for Humanity project, and joining the Contractor Coalition Summit. He also shares insights on business growth for small contractors, common industry struggles, and his land development plans, while emphasizing the value of networking and knowledge-sharing in exclusive events. 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
Jul 4, 2024 • 56min
Midweek with Tyler: A Rocket Engineer's Journey to Astronaut Application and Homebuilding
Tyler Grace and Brio Bourgeois discuss the challenges and rewards of building a new home, including financial considerations, design choices, and creating an ideal family environment. They also touch on career aspirations, including Brio’s application to become an astronaut, while sharing insights on property management and home technology. 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
Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 28min
#319 Big Door Expert Trevor Grine
Nick Schiffer and Jeff Sweenor discuss challenges and best practices for installing big doors with Trevor Grine a Big Door expert from Andersen Windows. They also highlight resources for installation training and support on complex door projects. Partners: 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
Jun 27, 2024 • 41min
Midweek with Tyler: Set Scope, Budget, and Profit to Succeed
Tyler Grace discusses the greatest pain points within the residential construction industry, specifically the inability to guarantee profitability on jobs due to lack of clear budgets, scopes, and expectations set with customers. He advocates for establishing business practices and communication styles that ensure contractors are paid for their time and reimbursed for expenses on every project. 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
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 16min
#318 Leveraging Customer Feedback with Jon Walker
Jon Walker, the CTO of Buildertrend, discusses how he leverages customer feedback to improve their construction management software, while Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace debate best practices for running profitable construction businesses and adopting new technologies. Partners: 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
Jun 21, 2024 • 24min
Endweek with Nick: Challenges in Construction Project Management
Nick discusses challenges faced on a construction project and solutions implemented. He talks about issues with site work, underground plumbing, framing, engineering details, and coordinating trades to complete windows and door installations. 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
Jun 20, 2024 • 40min
Midweek with Tyler: Valuing Personal Wellbeing
Tyler discusses balancing work responsibilities with family time over the summer. He reflects on running his business for 14 years and how considering opportunity costs helps determine fair rates and the best use of his limited time. 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
Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 44min
#317 Ryan Smith The Roof Slayer
Ryan Smith aka RoofSlayer2681 joins Tyler to talk about the challenges facing the framing industry, such as price pressure from builders and low-cost competition undercutting prices. https://www.instagram.com/roofslayer2681 https://roofcutters.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
