

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

Feb 27, 2023 • 2h 32min
#250 - Ken DeCost of Materia Millwork
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend This Episode: Ken DeCost of Materia Millwork joins the Modern Craftsman this week for a one-on-one conversation with Tyler to break down the ins and outs of his millwork company. While woodworking wasn’t always the path he planned for himself, seeing the true appreciation people had for the craft was his motivation to enter the industry. Ken discusses his early years in his career, and how he got started working with Nick. Whether you are looking to start a company of your own or wanting to further develop your craft, you don’t want to miss this one. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Ken DeCost Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 23, 2023 • 35min
Midweek with Tyler: The Value of Disconnecting
Tyler just got back from a trip to Belize with his wife and kids to visit his dad and stepmom, and he’s here to tell us all about it. For the first time in a long time, Tyler spent quality time with his family uninterrupted — no internet, no cell phone, no distractions. And his message to everyone listening? You need to do the same. Tune in to hear Tyler talk about setting boundaries to spend quality time with the people you love, and how important it is for you, but also your loved ones. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 22min
#249 - Dave Cooper of Dave Cooper Live
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend This Episode: Dave Cooper joins Nick to rethink the efficiency of our current construction model and the potential changes that could help the future of our industry. How can we make consumers more aware of the options they have when building a home, and how do we make the process more affordable? Dave and Nick discuss how new technologies are proving to be extremely helpful to these changes, saving both builders and consumers time and money. They also give advice for building a reputation in the industry and forming networks. Check out the episode to hear more! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Guest: Dave Cooper Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 16, 2023 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Managing Work and Life Stress
Join Tyler as he opens up about stress and what he is trying to do differently to help alleviate his anxiety. As someone who usually fixates on stressors, Tyler’s goals are to stop dwelling on things out of his control and focus on the things he can. For anyone who deals with a great amount of stress in their lives as well, we hope this episode can bring you a shift in perspective! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 51min
#248 Jason Hibbs of Bourbon Moth
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Episode: Jason Hibbs of Bourbon Moth Woodworking Co. joins Nick and Tyler to talk about his journey into the industry, a discussion on whether school is the right path for everyone, and how to make a successful life out of your passion. Having a career in a different field than his studies, Jason shares the opportunities he has created for himself since starting his woodworking business. He stresses the importance of being real to your audience because your emotions can resonate with them. Don’t miss this one! Find Jason and all his woodworking projects on Youtube. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 9, 2023 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: My Preconstruction Process Pt. 2
Tyler is back this week to delve further into his preconstruction process and how he sets his business up for success. Hear more about Tyler’s vetting process for potential clients and how to decide if they fit your ideal customer profile. Adopting these practices into your own preconstruction process will save you time and increase your profit. Be sure to check out the episode to hear more! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 53min
#247 Michael Conneely of Greenside Design Build
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend ROCKWOOL The Episode: Michael Conneely of Greenside Design Build joins Nick and Tyler to discuss how running a business with a partner helps him manage his work-life balance and how they’ve scaled their company to take on 10 projects a year. Hear about the upward trend of passive home building, and the changes we can expect to see our labor pool taking in the years to come. If you’re looking to hear more about the ever-changing state of the industry, check out this episode! Michael Conneely Level Heads Podcast The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Feb 2, 2023 • 41min
Midweek with Tyler: My Preconstruction Process Pt. 1
Welcome back to another episode of Midweek with Tyler! This week, we’re diving into how Tyler structures his business, and what his pre-construction process looks like as a smaller-scale company. Hear ways to integrate these processes into your own business, regardless of how big or small scale, including the specific questions to ask when identifying if a client is right for you. Learn how to maximize your profit and get the most out of your time, all while challenging yourself, and enjoying the job at hand. If you like this episode, be sure to tune in next week, for a more in-depth and data-driven conversation! The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 40min
#246 Nick & Tyler Talk Career Limits
Our Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend ROCKWOOL The Episode: This week brings a one-on-one conversation with Nick and Tyler where they discuss a question posed by listener Rob DelBiondo, owner of DelBiondo Homes. What’s their professional “ceiling” look like? Are they each close to reaching that or is the goal to never stop? Nick and Tyler discuss if a limit exists, how to find balance and things that can hold you back. Be sure to tune in to hear Nick and Tyler’s answers to these questions and you might even leave with a few book recommendations too. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov

Jan 26, 2023 • 37min
Midweek with Tyler: What It Means to Be a Modern Craftsman
Tyler talks about what it means to be a modern craftsman. The Modern Craftsman linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Host: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov