Modern Craftsman

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

Wayne Feltman shares his incredible journey from building tree forts as a kid to leading skylight innovation at a global company. This episode dives into his winding career path, lessons from personal loss, and how skylights can dramatically transform a space. It’s about craftsmanship, perspective, and finding purpose on the roof and in life. Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/d8kQ0B62g0g   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 critical importance of finding a hobby that provides mental reset and active presence for business owners struggling with burnout. He shares his personal journey of reconnecting with dirt biking, explaining how this hobby has transformed his mental health, business performance, and overall quality of life. Show Notes:  Finding Time for Yourself as a Business Owner (0:00) Nick's Lack of a Hobby and Tyler's Personal Experience (1:21) Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Personal Life (5:49) Reconnecting with Dirt Biking (7:04) Challenges and Successes in Dirt Biking (11:12) Flow State and Mental Health Benefits (13:27) Balancing Hobbies and Business Responsibilities (24:56) The Importance of Consistent Hobbies (26:42) Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Self-Care (26:58) Final Thoughts and Encouragement (27:14) Video version: https://youtu.be/FwJYH79dReM The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick and Tyler dive deep into the challenges of scaling a construction business, balancing cash flow with long-term equity, and staying resilient through risk and uncertainty. They share personal experiences from spec builds, client interactions, and what it really means to grow a sustainable business. Whether you’re a builder, business owner, or just navigating growth, this conversation offers valuable insight into the mindset and systems needed to succeed. Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   VIdeo Version https://youtu.be/A1lombOEMUU The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about breaking free from the cycle of overworking and losing sight of why he started his business. He shares personal insights on creating systems, delegating tasks, and prioritizing life balance to build a more sustainable and profitable business. Show Notes:  Escaping the Hustle Trap: Introduction and Personal Reflection (0:00) The Real Problem: Revenue vs. Freedom (2:09) The Impact of Long Hours on Personal and Business Life (4:40) Delegating Tasks and Finding Efficiency (9:52) The Importance of Saying No and Maintaining Confidence (14:18) Balancing Work and Personal Life (16:39) Consulting and Support for Business Owners (25:44) Video version: https://youtu.be/Kr7PaRjq6fY The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this conversation with Kyle Harnish, a construction entrepreneur and workwear innovator, he shares his inspiring journey from a struggling tradesman to the founder of Harnish Workwear. Kyle delves into the importance of mental health in the construction industry, discussing his personal battles with anxiety and the support from his therapist wife. He emphasizes the transformative power of risk in entrepreneurship, the significance of professional appearance, and the mission of creating stylish, functional workwear that elevates the trades profession.

In this episode, Tyler talks about the importance of perspective and resilience, using Kim Mulkey's post-game interview as a catalyst for discussing how we often focus on failures instead of appreciating the effort and growth. He shares personal stories about racing while sick, attending JLC, and emphasizes the value of putting oneself out there, learning from challenges, and not reducing complex journeys to simple win-or-lose metrics. Show notes: Tyler Grace's Introduction and Apology (0:00) Tyler's Race Experience (3:03) JLC Experience and Apology (7:22) Kim Mulkey's Post-Game Interview (8:43) Reflection on Criticism and Perspective (11:09) The Importance of Preparation and Effort (12:36) Building and Supporting Each Other (21:25) Conclusion and Future Plans (27:28) Video version: https://youtu.be/FT3YxOEKKrA The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media