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
Aug 29, 2019 • 2h 2min
#82 Apprentice Alex Melendez joins the guys
Alex Melendez is a 25-year-old breaking into the construction business in LA. He's 4 years in, hungry to learn and working towards becoming a licensed carpenter. Alex talks about what lead him to the construction industry. Where to find our Guest: Alex Melendez @am_builder 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Aug 22, 2019 • 2h 40min
#81 General Contractor Luke Mann joins the guys
Luke Mann is the owner of Rangeline Homes. They provide new construction and renovations to the foothills of Denver. Luke talks about employee policies, subcontractor policies, transitioning into a management position, new construction vs. renovations, taxes, smoking policies and much more. Where to find our Guest: Luke Mann @rangelinehomes 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Aug 16, 2019 • 2h 19min
#80 Effort
This week the guys talk about effort and how it impacts every aspect of their life. They also touch on being inspired by old houses, details, schedule, quality, and much more. Article Tyler references: https://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2013/12/13/eave-returns-interpreting-gyhr-details/ 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Aug 11, 2019 • 2h 31min
#79 Norm Abram
You know him from This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop the legend Norm Abram joins the guys. They talk about This Old House, The New Yankee Workshop, being on TV, building Norm's house, moving the industry forward, and much more. This episode was sponsored by: Kuiken Brothers @kuikenbrothers on Instagram www.kuikenbrothers.com 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Aug 4, 2019 • 2h 37min
#78 Will Dennis a guy who does wood floors
Will Dennis is the owner of Premier Woodcrafting which specializes in wood floor installations. Will talks about how he got into carpentry, NWFA (national wood flooring association), working with builders, no excuses, adding value, and some tips and tricks of the trade. Where to find our Guest: Will Dennis @premierwoodcrafting98 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Jul 21, 2019 • 2h 34min
#77 Cabinet maker Ken DeCost joins the guys
Ken Decost is the lead cabinet maker at NS Builders in Boston. Ken takes us behind the curtain of what it's like to work at NS Builders. He talks about efficiency, raising the bar, process and what it's like being a craftsman. Where to find our Guest: Ken DeCost @kendecost 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Jul 14, 2019 • 2h 15min
#76 Carpenter Brendan O'Sullivan joins the guys
Brendan O'Sullivan is the owner and carpenter for Keystone Home Remodeling in Norristown, PA. He talks about the difference in markets, why he left the flip market, making mistakes, and getting paid what you're worth. Where to find our Guest: Brendan O'Sullivan @thekeystonecarpenter 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Jun 28, 2019 • 2h 6min
#75 Lou Mellinghausen keeps trade secrets close to the vest.
Lou Mellinghausen owns Penn Painting based in Chalfont, Pennsylvania and is Fine Paints of Europe certified. Lou talks about his background, transparency with clients and dives deep on what's safe to share or keep secret on social media when it comes to trade secrets. Where to find our Guest: Lou Mellinghausen @pennpainting 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 Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com
Jun 21, 2019 • 2h 31min
#74 Geeking out on home efficiency with Nate Gusakov
Nate Gusakov works for Zone 6 Energy based in Vermont. They are AEROBarrier installers and home efficiency experts. Nate talks about the process and science behind getting your home to maximum efficiency. This is a deep dive into the future of insulating homes and there's a banjo. This episode is sponsored by AEROBarrier www.aerobarrier.net Music: "Dessert" by Nate Gusakov nategusakov.com Where to find our Guest: Nate Gusakov @wallacegusakov on Instagram www.zone6energy.com 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
Jun 16, 2019 • 2h 2min
#73 The boys reunite
The three amigos are back! The guys fall into several rabbit holes but touch on credit, stealing, inspiration, advertising, being published, and much more. 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
