

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

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 52min
Lessons From An Elite Army Ranger with Nathan Spearing
Nathan Spearing, a former Army Ranger, shares his journey of transitioning from the military to the construction industry, highlighting the mental toughness and adaptability required to succeed as a business owner. He emphasizes the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and learning from failures to build a thriving business. https://www.transformnc.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

6 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 52min
Midweek with Tyler: How I Got My Life Back
Tyler shares his empowering journey of revitalizing his contracting business from chaos to profit. He discusses overcoming stress during the pandemic and adopting a healthier work-life balance. Insights into targeted client relationships and community engagement reveal a path to sustainability. The upcoming Contractor Coalition Summit is highlighted as a key event for networking and improvement. Plus, innovative contracting strategies and a new course promise financial freedom and organization for small contractors.

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 55min
Building a Positive Work Culture in Construction with Austin Katje
Austin Katje, Director of Operations at Veldco, joins Tyler and Nick to talk about the challenges construction professionals face with inspections, the importance of promoting the construction industry to the younger generation, and the benefits of creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains talented employees. https://veldco.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

Oct 17, 2024 • 35min
Midweek with Tyler: Building A Marriage, A Home, and A Community
Tyler reflects on his 13-year marriage, the challenges and joys of building a new home, and the valuable support he has received from his community. He discusses his plans for an affordable, practical, and private home that meets his family's needs. 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

Oct 14, 2024 • 43min
Insights from Contractor Coalition Summit Boston with Nick and Tyler
Nick and Tyler discuss valuable insights they gained at the recent Contractor Coalition Summit, highlighting the importance of networking, vulnerability, and finding the right balance between business opportunities and personal commitments. 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

Oct 10, 2024 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Understanding the Value of Pre-Construction
Tyler discusses the importance of pre-construction in the construction industry and introduces his new comprehensive course that provides a step-by-step guide to integrating pre-construction into your own business, leading to increased profitability and efficiency. 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

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 36min
The Challenges and Opportunities of a Multi-Partner Design-Build Firm with Tidal Build
Three friends with diverse backgrounds in construction and architecture have joined forces to create a unique design-build firm, Tidal Build, that leverages their combined expertise to provide high-quality, integrated services to their clients. The conversation covers the partners' strategic approach to managing workload, finances, and growth, as well as the benefits and challenges of their collaborative business model. https://tidal-build.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

Oct 3, 2024 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Elevating the Construction Industry
Tyler shares his experience attending the Contractor Coalition Summit, an event that brings together construction professionals to share knowledge, build relationships, and find ways to elevate the industry. He covers the event's structure, the value of investing in yourself, the importance of networking, and ways to make a greater impact. 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

7 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 42min
From Solo Cabinet Installer to Design-Focused Entrepreneur with Jon Hilgenberg
Jon Hilgenberg, owner of JCH Cabinets and Installations, shares his evolution from a solo cabinet installer to a design-focused entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from hands-on work to design and management, the importance of client relationships, and finding self-worth in a competitive industry. Jon emphasizes the need for effective communication and building trustworthy partnerships while tackling common myths in cabinetry construction. He also touches on the pressures of maintaining craftsmanship quality amidst business demands.

Sep 26, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
Tyler explores his personal struggle with negative self-talk and his journey to finding a healthier approach to evaluating his performance and achievements. He shares insights on the importance of focusing on preparation and the process rather than solely on results, and the need to extend the same compassion to yourself as you would to others. 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