

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 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

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 36min
#286 - Brooke Brockman of Buildertrend
Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Brooke Brockman, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Buildertrend, joins Nick and Tyler to discuss the company's evolution from a project management software to a comprehensive construction management system. Brooke speaks on the importance of cultivating relationships and customer experience. These both tie in to building a strong brand identity, as well as company culture. The team at Buildertrend focus on understanding customer feedback in order to continuously improve their software and services. This episode is a can't miss! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Brooke Brockman Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nov 9, 2023 • 44min
Midweek with Tyler: Vetting potential clients
Tyler Grace discusses his process for vetting potential clients for home remodeling projects. He lays out the questions he asks clients and the criteria he uses to determine if they are a good fit for his design-build process. Tyler explains that he aims to qualify leads and determine budget, timeline, and design expectations upfront to avoid taking on projects that do not align with how he operates his business. He also notes the importance of turning clients away respectfully. It's a can't miss! 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 6, 2023 • 1h 39min
#285 - Steve Larosiliere of BuilderGrowth.io
Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Steve Larosiliere joins the show to talk career changes and different aspects of growing a business, including outsourcing materials and tasks, as well as time managment and making sure to priotize personal life goals outside of your work. Check it out! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Steve Larosiliere Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media