

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 12, 2024 • 1h 20min
#324 Travis Brungardt & Brandon Jones
Nick, Tyler, Travis and Brandon talk about the importance of effective punch list management and pre-construction planning. They also cover personal business experiences and aspirations, including the pros and cons of cost-plus contracts. https://buildshownetwork.com/podcast/building-consensus-podcast 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 8, 2024 • 36min
Midweek with Tyler: Identifying Ideal Clients for Sustainable Growth
Tyler discusses the importance of understanding your business and ideal customer before developing a marketing plan. He emphasizes the need to focus on who you are as a business, what you do well, and who your ideal client is before investing in marketing efforts. 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 5, 2024 • 1h 57min
#323 Faith and Carpentry with Charles Kinard
Charles Kinard, discusses his faith and how it informs his work ethic and business practices. Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace explore their own perspectives on religion and the role it plays in their lives and businesses. https://www.323woodwork.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 2, 2024 • 29min
Endweek with Nick: Analyzing Roofing Material Performance Tradeoffs
Nick discusses roofing materials, drainage systems, and installation details with the roofer. They debate the best approach for the roof drains, considering factors like waterproofing, insulation, and connection methods, ultimately deciding on using cast iron drains for the commercial building. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Construction Company Handbook Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Modern Craftsman Merch: 2 Pencils Stone Paper Notebook

Aug 1, 2024 • 40min
Midweek with Tyler: Building a Valuable Business Network in Construction
Tyler emphasizes the importance of building a strong network and continuously learning in the construction industry. He provides key lessons for creating a successful, sustainable small business, including knowing your worth, finding your niche, and balancing work and life. 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

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 9min
#322 Navigating Business Growth, Pricing, and Subcontractor Management
Nick and Tyler jump into their personal and business goals as they get older, including investing in the stock market & real estate and the importance of understanding business costs and pricing, attracting ideal clients, and effectively managing subcontractors. 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

Jul 25, 2024 • 38min
Midweek with Tyler: Overcoming the "Starving Artist" Mindset in Business
Tyler discusses the "starving artist" mentality that plagues many small business owners in the construction industry, leading to unsustainable business models and poor work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of properly valuing one's time and charging fair rates to create a sustainable business and improve the overall industry. 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

Jul 21, 2024 • 2h 1min
#321 Alec Meredith of Armstrong Construction
Alec Meredith, a one-man construction business owner, discusses his journey into the industry and how he has adapted his business model to focus on pre-construction services and building relationships with clients and architects. Find our guest: https://armstrongcsllc.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

Jul 19, 2024 • 19min
Endweek with Nick: Passive Level Construction
Nick Schiffer discusses the building science and construction methods of the project, including the design of the flat roof, insulation details, and the importance of exterior insulation. He also promotes an upcoming contractor summit and offers exclusive deals to attendees. The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Construction Company Handbook Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Modern Craftsman Merch: 2 Pencils Stone Paper Notebook

Jul 18, 2024 • 39min
Midweek with Tyler: Navigating Residential Construction as an Owner-Operator
Tyler discusses his recent family vacation and home renovation projects, as well as his insights on the challenges faced by small business owners in the residential construction industry, particularly around understanding and pricing employee costs. Tyler offers consulting services and an upcoming industry event to help address these issues. 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