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
Apr 29, 2019 • 2h 15min
#66 Not compromising quality for budget
Nick and Tyler went live on Instagram to answer your questions. This episode circles around one main theme... making the tough decision to not compromise quality for budget. The guys share their experiences from both sides of the fence. Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncrafts
Apr 21, 2019 • 2h 22min
#65 The guys answer their own questions
This week the guys return to their roots and talk to each other about their current struggles and try to help each other find solutions. The conversation includes making realistic schedules, client relationships, and risk tolerance. Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncrafts
Apr 15, 2019 • 2h 31min
#64 Peter Humphrey & Louisa Eggleston join the guys
Peter Humphrey & Louisa Eggleston of Humphrey Munson talk about kitchens and kitchen design. Peter shares the origin story of Humphrey Munson and what it takes to build a brand. This episode dives deep on quality, team building, and maintaining excellence. Humphrey Munson is based in the UK where they design and build handmade kitchens. Where to find our guests: @humphreymunson on Instagram Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncrafts
Apr 8, 2019 • 1h 45min
#63 John Marley and Steve Kane join the guys
Nick and Johnny grill Steve about what it's like working with Tyler every day and Marley shares an interesting story about working with a feng shui consultant on one of his new construction projects. The guys have a deep discussion about building and maintaining strong relationships with employees. Where to find our guests: John Marley @finewoodworking on Instagram Steve Kane @stevekane1022 on Instagram Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncrafts
Apr 1, 2019 • 2h 48min
#62 CJ Nielsen is the first electrician to join the guys
CJ Nielsen is a high-end residential electrical contractor in Sonoma County California. CJ talks about his start in the industry which eventually lead him to create CNC Electric. He discusses the economy he works in, wildfires, and where he sees himself in 10 years. Where to find our guest: CJ Nielsen @cnc_electric on Instagram. Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncraftsman
Mar 25, 2019 • 1h 8min
#61 Manny of Hardcore Renos joins the guys
In our final podcast from the International Builders Show 2019, the guys talk with Manny Neves. Manny started out in the film industry and then found himself renovating homes in Toronto CA. The guys talk about starting out and finding your inner confidence, understanding the client relationship on a deeper level and the good & bad of Instagram. This episode is sponsored by Thermory. Where to find our guests: Manny @hardcorerenos on Instagram and YouTube. Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncraftsman
Mar 17, 2019 • 1h 9min
#60 The guys talk pros and cons of using builder software. Paul Wurth of Buildertrend joins.
We dropped by the Buildertrend booth at IBS to talk with Paul Wurth VP of Sales. The guys dive deep on the benefits and the drawbacks of implementing software on the job site. Nick uses BuilderTrend for his jobs and Johnny has his own system. Get an in-depth look at both sides. This episode is sponsored by Buildertrend. Where to find our guests: @buildertrend on Instagram. Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @the.moderncraftsman
Mar 11, 2019 • 1h 39min
#59 Jure Krpan of Dakota Homes & Matt Minchew of Huber joins the guys
We stopped at the Huber Engineered Woods booth at the International Builders Show and talked with Jure Krpan of Dakota Homes and Matt Minchew GM ZIP System Roof Applications. Don't be alarmed if you visit @dakotahomes on Instagram and see no profile picture. Jure builds custom homes in Vancouver Canada. Matt Minchew is spearheading the growth of ZIP System Roof Applications. The guys talk about quality and how you can't fake it. This episode is sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods. Where to find our guests: Jure Krpan @dakotahomes on Instagram. Matt Minchew @huberwood on Instagram. Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @ the.moderncraftsman
Mar 4, 2019 • 1h 8min
#58 Richard Trethewey of This Old House joins the guys
Our second episode coming out of the International Builders Show 2019 features Richard Trethewey. He has been the plumbing and HVAC expert on This Old House for the past 40 years. Rich talks about the future of the trades, why he decided to share his expertise and techniques on TOH and shares some great stories! Where to find our guest: Richard Trethewey @thisoldplumber on Instagram & Twitter and This Old House Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @ the.moderncraftsman
Feb 25, 2019 • 1h 44min
#57 Adam L. Esparza of ALE Tile & Andrew Acker of Schluter-Systems talk tiling
Internation Builders Show 2019! The guys set up at the Schluter-Systems booth to talk with Adam L. Esparza of ALE Tile & Andrew Acker of Schluter-Systems. They discuss the evolution of tiling as a trade and the important details that are often overlooked or disregarded. A must listen for all things tile! Where to find our guest: Adam L. Esparza @aletile on Instagram Andrew Acker @schlutersystemsna on Instagram Where to find our Hosts: Nick Schiffer @nsbuilders on Instagram and YouTube Tyler Grace @TRGHomeconcepts on Instagram John Hourihan @heresjohnnyh & @vintagebuilders on Instagram Follow The Modern Craftsman on Instagram @ the.moderncraftsman This episode is sponsored by Schluter-Systems North America.
