

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

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 30min
Navigating the Intersection of Design, Construction, and Client Experience with Andrew Kline
Andrew Kline, an Associate Principal at Workshop/APD, discusses the multifaceted nature of his design practice, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, communication, and creating a seamless client experience. The conversation explores the balance between art and construction, the challenges of accessibility in high-design projects, and the evolving relationship between designers and contractors. https://www.workshopapd.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

Sep 19, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Evolving Your Design Process
Tyler shares his two-pronged approach to kitchen design, highlighting the pros and cons of sending clients to a cabinet showroom versus handling the entire process himself. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and expectations to create a successful kitchen design. 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

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 49min
#329 Leveraging AI, Technology, and Marketing for Business Growth with Brad Robinson
Brad Robinson, owner of Bradford Custom Homes and Remodeling, discusses his approach to marketing, social media, paid advertising, and measuring ROI. He also shares insights on the importance of high-performance building, team management, and leveraging technology like AI to streamline business operations. https://www.bradfordremodels.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

Sep 12, 2024 • 34min
Midweek with Tyler: Navigating Construction Business Chaos
Tyler candidly discusses the chaos and demands of running his company, from family commitments to industry events. He also shares inspiration he gained at the Contractors Coalition Summit and valuable resources to support other small construction business owners navigating similar challenges. 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

6 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 2h 2min
#328 Mike Rowe Has Entered the Chat
Mike Rowe, renowned for hosting Dirty Jobs, dives into the pressing need to balance certainty and uncertainty in both life and work. He passionately advocates for the skilled trades, addressing societal misconceptions and the importance of modernizing perceptions of these careers. Rowe emphasizes the role of authenticity in public figures and shares humorous personal anecdotes of embracing discomfort for growth. Their dialogue highlights a cultural renaissance that can reshape views on craftsmanship, encouraging a community that values both blue-collar and white-collar work.

Sep 5, 2024 • 48min
Midweek with Tyler: Balancing Work, Life, and Vacation
Tyler discusses the challenges of balancing work, family life, and vacation, sharing insights on maintaining a healthy mindset, focusing on process over results, and leveraging his business and consulting experiences to help others achieve greater work-life harmony. 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

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 55min
#327 Design, Build, Landscape & Furniture with Dagan Koffler
Dagan Koffler discusses the evolution and structure of his multi-faceted design-build company, which includes interior design, construction, landscaping and an import furniture business. He shares the challenges of managing overhead, leveraging his team, and navigating the complexities of permitting and construction in the coastal California market. https://dagandesignconstruction.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

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 25min
#326 18-Year-Old Wyatt Brown's Journey from High School to the Trades
Wyatt, an 18-year-old high school graduate, shares his journey of exploring different career paths in the trades, including welding and linework. He discusses the challenges of making career decisions at a young age, the influence of his family and guidance counselor, and his plans to pursue a debt-free lifestyle. 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

Aug 22, 2024 • 30min
Midweek with Tyler: Transitioning Away from Competitive Bidding
Tyler discusses his decision to stop competitively bidding jobs and instead position his business around the unique value he provides clients. He emphasizes understanding his differentiators, identifying the right customer fit, and providing tailored solutions rather than free estimates to help others transition away from competitive bidding. 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

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 35min
#325 Real Estate & Entrepreneurship with Patrick L. Henderson
Patrick L. Henderson, a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur, discusses his multifaceted business model that encompasses custom home building, luxury property development, and a thriving mentorship program for aspiring builders and developers. He shares insights into his strategic approach to navigating the high-end real estate market, leveraging technology and industry partnerships, and his commitment to giving back by supporting the next generation of construction professionals. https://plhhomes.com/ https://patricklhenderson.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