

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

Dec 5, 2024 • 41min
Midweek with Tyler: Understanding Markup and Margin
Dive into the critical differences between markup and margin as Tyler breaks down their impact on pricing and profitability in contracting. Real-world examples illustrate how to navigate these concepts effectively. Learn the trade-offs in various business models and discover strategies for successful pricing. Plus, uncover the importance of community networking with tips for building a robust referral and marketing system, designed to supercharge lead generation.

11 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 39min
Sustainable Marketing and Lead Generation with Tyler Grace
Discover the power of intentional marketing to attract ideal clients and build a self-sufficient business model. Learn practical lead generation strategies tailored for contractors facing today’s economic challenges. Tyler Grace reveals his transformative journey in sustainable marketing and teases an upcoming course packed with actionable insights. Get ready to enhance your branding and align with quality-driven clients for long-term success.

Nov 25, 2024 • 2h 1min
The Carpenter's Mindset with Gary Katz
Gary Katz, a legendary figure in the carpentry industry, shares his personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and finding joy in his craft. He discusses the importance of understanding the historical and cultural significance of carpentry, and how this knowledge can enhance one's appreciation for the trade. https://www.garymkatz.com Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux NAHB International Builders' Show Expo Pass The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 21, 2024 • 43min
Midweek with Tyler: Managing Year-End Stress and Anxiety
This week Tyler shares various strategies he has adopted to cope with stress and anxiety, including finding a challenging hobby, maintaining a consistent exercise routine, establishing predictable routines, and carving out guilt-free time for self-care. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 18, 2024 • 45min
Q&A with Tyler and Nick
Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace answer listener questions and discuss the key insights and lessons they have learned from building and growing their construction businesses, covering topics such as profitability, branding, attracting talent, and effective lead generation strategies. Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux NAHB International Builders' Show Expo Pass The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 14, 2024 • 32min
Midweek with Tyler: Maintaining Business Confidence
Tyler Grace explores the importance of maintaining business confidence and embracing one's worth as a contractor, even when facing challenges such as relocating to a new market or dealing with perceptions of being too expensive. The discussion covers various experiences, including presentations, networking opportunities, and a success story of a relocated contractor who stood firm in his business model. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 48min
Balancing Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Growth with Morgan Molitor
Morgan Molitor, co-founder and creative director at construction2style, shares her insights on navigating the challenges and joys of balancing work, family, and personal development. Through her non-negotiable daily routines, boundary-setting strategies, and a focus on legacy-building, Morgan inspires others to embrace their unique paths and find fulfillment in both their professional and personal lives. https://construction2style.com Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 7, 2024 • 39min
Midweek with Tyler: Strategies for Generating High-Quality Leads
This week, Tyler shares his insights on overcoming the challenges of lead generation for small contractors and owner-operators. He discusses the limitations of relying solely on referrals, the importance of developing a strategic marketing and branding approach, and the value of engaging with the local community to build relationships and credibility. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 18min
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Building with Jeff Sweenor
Jeff Sweenor, President and CEO of Sweenor Builders, joins Nick to discuss the rollercoaster of experiences in the construction industry, sharing insights on managing challenging client relationships, the importance of strategic marketing, and the invaluable support found in peer-to-peer groups like Builder 20. https://sweenorbuilders.com Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades

Nov 1, 2024 • 42min
Midweek with Tyler: Transparency in My Renovation Budgets - Episode 37 Repost
In this repost of Episode 37, Tyler shares his current thoughts on the subject then dives into the importance of transparency in all aspects of his construction business - from budgeting and invoicing to project management and client communication. By adopting a fair compensation mindset and implementing detailed tracking systems, he has achieved greater profitability, reduced stress, and fostered stronger relationships with his partners and clients. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades