

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

Sep 28, 2023 • 48min
Midweek with Tyler: How I Started My Business
Tyler is back this week with advice for starting your own business and sharing what the first initial years of his business journey looked like. He includes what pushed him to make the first move to start up, and what helped him find his stride. Starting a company takes time, hard work and sacrifice, but Tyler let's us in on how he made his start more physically and emotionally manageable. Whatever point you may be at in your business journey, this episode is for you! Thank you to our sponsor: Kuiken Brothers Andersen Windows & Doors The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 50min
#280 - Jeff Sweenor of Sweenor Builders
Jeff Sweenor, Builder of Sweenor Builders, discusses his company growth, marketing through a video series, the power of social media, benefits of using CNC machines, tracking progress, engaging with clients, valuing different roles in the construction industry, and launching a YouTube channel for construction projects.

Sep 21, 2023 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Trip Down Memory Lane
Tyler updates us on his recent project and how the renovation is going. He takes a trip down memory lane after not having done a plaster/drywall repair for a while, and how he is currently going about it. If you've followed along, you know this renovation project hasn't gone exactly to plan, so tune in to hear how Tyler is moving forward and staying positive! Thank you to our sponsor: https://www.kuikenbrothers.com/ The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 48min
#279 Mike Guertin
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Mike Guertin joins the show after five years to share how his life has changed and to talk building science with Tyler and Nick. With years of experience, Mike shares how he maintains his credibility in the field and if he will ever stop building. Check out the episode to find out! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Mike Guertin Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Sep 14, 2023 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Dealing with Anxiety
Tyler opens up about his recent bout with anxiety and how he is learning to get through the hardest points of it. Tune in to hear how anxiety has contributed to the person he is today, and how he manages it. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Sep 11, 2023 • 2h 4min
#278 - Al Hamed of Hamed Homes
Al Hamed, President of Hamed Homes, discusses the importance of having a plan in the construction industry. He also talks about the mental aspects of running a business and staying balanced. Other topics include the expenses and personal considerations of attending events, the myth of multitasking, and the consequences of ignoring health. Al emphasizes the need to prioritize meaningful connections, self-care, and setting boundaries with clients. He also shares insights on building a synergistic team and determining the ideal construction business.

Sep 7, 2023 • 33min
Midweek with Tyler: Back to the Grind Again
Join Tyler this week for a personal catch up as he gets back to work after his family vacation to the Cape. Tune in as he shares his adventures and how he gets over the anxiety that comes with being away from the grind for a week. Check out the episode to see how he gets back to business! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 33min
#277 - Jordan Smith Builds
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Jordan joins the show again after five years for a one-on-one discussion with Tyler. Jordan details his experience leaving MT Copeland and going back to his own building business. He shares with Tyler and our audience advice on content partnerships based on his experiences. They also address the challenges of making educational content profitable for builders and the ways they can improve their content strategies. Tune in for more building knowledge and friendly banter! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Jordan Smith Builds Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

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