

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

Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 58min
#265 - David Renggli of Renggli AG
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: David Renggli joins Nick this week to discuss the importance of proper planning and preconstruction for setting a project up for success. To hear more about these processes as well as how they may differ in Swizterland, check out the episode! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: David Renggli Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Jun 8, 2023 • 41min
Midweek with Tyler: A Race to the Bottom
Join Tyler this week for an extensive look into the state of our residential building industry. Tyler breaks down why we have come to accept certain faulty aspects, and how we can push for a change in the system to benefit both builder and client alike. Tune in to hear more! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Jun 4, 2023 • 1h 53min
#264 - Woodshop Teacher Char Miller-King
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Woodworker and woodshop teacher Char Miller-King joins Nick and Tyler this week. As a strong advocate of trades in the education system, Char discusses the changes to be made for a more diverse industry future, the value of makerspaces, and much more. It's a can't miss! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Char Miller-King Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Jun 1, 2023 • 35min
Midweek with Tyler: Building a New Old Home
Catch up with Tyler as he shares more about his and Rachel’s journey becoming landowners and what they plan on doing with their newly acquired property. Tune in to hear more about the process and their future plans of building a new old home. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

May 29, 2023 • 2h 16min
#263 - Jonathan Ward of ICON 4X4 returns
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Nick and Tyler are joined by Jonathan Ward of ICON4x4 to talk about changes in his business and life since he last appeared on the show in 2020. Jonathan shares how he plans for the future while also doing what’s best for his present self, and the decisions he makes to feel fulfilled. Check it out! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Jonathan Ward Support the GO Campaign: https://gocampaign.org/ Email: seth@gocampaign.org Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

May 25, 2023 • 33min
Midweek with Tyler: What's in My Toolbelt?
After years of trial and error, Tyler gives an in-depth explanation of how he has come to own the tools and equipment he currently uses. Tune in this episode to hear all about it with a tour of Tyler’s toolbelt! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

May 21, 2023 • 2h 8min
#262 - Kevin O’Connor of This Old House
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Kevin O’Connor joins the show again after 5 years, to share how his life has changed since then and his current projects. To hear about his upcoming work with Team Rubicon and much more, tune in to the episode! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Kevin O’Connor Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

May 18, 2023 • 28min
Midweek with Tyler: Back to the Basics
Catch up with Tyler this week as he shares how things are going in his life right now, and all about the not so typical project he’s completed with a return customer. Check us out on Youtube for a surprise guest appearance from Tyler’s pup Polly! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

May 15, 2023 • 1h 55min
#261 Aaron Witt of BuildWitt
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Aaron Witt joins the podcast again after 3 years, and in that time his company has grown from 15 to 75 employees. Aaron is the CEO and Chief Dirt Nerd of BuildWitt. Tune in to hear more! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: BuildWitt Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

May 12, 2023 • 34min
Midweek with Tyler: Choosing Your Work Vehicle
This week Tyler discusses his work setup, and the pros and cons of a work van or trailer. Whether you’re looking to make the best decision for yourself or curious to see what works best for Tyler, check out the episode! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov