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PODCAST

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

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

01:56:00

371 This Industry Leader Says You’re Thinking Too Small

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/07/28

George Bandy shares why most builders, tradespeople, and even large companies are underestimating their potential to shape the future. Drawing from his leadership at Andersen Windows and decades in sustainability and social impact, George challenges the construction industry to think bigger about community, legacy, and the true meaning of craftsmanship. Show Notes: 0:00:00 - Intro & Early Career Reflections 0:11:35 - Sustainability in Construction 0:23:10 - Mentorship and Influence 0:34:45 -

en

33:04

You're Not Just a Carpenter—Stop Charging Like One

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/07/24

Tyler Grace shares why small business owners need to stop billing themselves like employees—and how failing to do so can quietly kill your margins. He breaks down opportunity cost, loaded labor rates, and how pricing with intention leads to a more sustainable, profitable business why small business owners need to stop billing themselves like employees—and how failing to do so can quietly kill your margins. He breaks down opportunity cost, loaded labor rates, and how pricing with intention leads to a

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01:06:48

370 Where do we go from here?

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/07/21

After nearly a decade of podcasting, Nick and Tyler hit record on a candid, unscripted conversation about burnout, direction, and the deeper purpose behind The Modern Craftsman. This episode pulls back the curtain on their evolving goals, the emotional toll of running a business, and the pressures of staying relevant in a saturated market. From questioning what growth really means to re-centering the show on meaningful conversations—not metrics—this is a raw, honest reset that long-time listeners

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30:43

Stop Defending Your Price & Start Explaining the Value

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/07/17

In this episode, Tyler talks about the disconnect between what builders show in an estimate and what clients truly need to understand. He dives deep into why leading with transparency, breaking down the budget, and walking clients through each line item creates trust, protects your margins, and actually helps win more jobs. By shifting from defending your price to explaining your value, you transform how clients perceive your worth—and how your business operates. Show Notes: Transparency in Pricing

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01:14:23

Construction Business | The Dos and Don'ts of Using...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/07/14

Tyler and Nick talk about the importance of formal subcontractor agreements—why you need them, how they protect all parties, and the hard lessons that led them to overhaul their systems. From handshake deals gone wrong to building trust through transparent work orders, this episode gives you the tools to avoid costly mistakes and elevate your professionalism. Whether you're a GC, a sub, or somewhere in between, if you’re managing teams and trades, this one’s for you. Show Notes: Subcontractor

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26:31

Construction Business | Bigger Projects Don’t Always...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/07/03

In this episode, Tyler talks about the hidden costs of chasing large, complex jobs and why scaling back changed the game for his business. He shares how finding the right project size gave him better profit margins, more control, and a healthier work-life balance. Show Notes: Understanding Ideal Project Size and Scope (0:00) The Power of Networking and Social Aspects (1:58) The Importance of Ideal Project Fit (5:45) Strategies for Profitable Project Management (10:10) Balancing Client Needs and

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58:16

Construction Business | My $200,000 Lesson:...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/30

Nick shares the story of a $200,000 mistake that could have been avoided with one clause in his contract. This episode unpacks the real cost of labor — from hidden overhead and labor burden to inefficient pricing strategies — and shows how even experienced builders can leave money on the table. Nick and Tyler break down how they calculate true labor costs, the ripple effect of inaccurate billing, and why it's time to rethink how you estimate, price, and protect your work. Show Notes: Contractors

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25:18

Construction Business | The Secret to Making Money...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/26

In this episode, Tyler talks about why he stopped marking up subcontractor quotes and started charging a dedicated management fee instead. He shares how this shift helped him finally make money managing subs, offering a blueprint for small contractors to treat their time with the value it deserves. Show Notes: Managing Subcontractors: The Secret to Profitability (0:00) The Evolution of Subcontractor Management Fees (2:16) The Importance of a Separate Management Fee (5:36) Examples of Markup and

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01:44:04

Industry Perspectives | Clarity Creates Confidence |...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/23

In this episode, Nick and Tyler talk to Jamie Gasparovic about what it really means to lead a business — not just through craft, but through communication. Jamie opens up about the emotional stress that comes from reactive jobs, and how she transformed her process to build clarity and trust from day one. It’s a conversation about setting expectations, building systems that actually support your team, and learning to lead by design — not by default. Show Notes: Introduction and Background of Jamie

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37:04

Construction Business | How I Learned to Price My...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/19

In this episode, Tyler talks about the real cost of underpricing your time — not just in money, but in missed opportunities. He shares how his mindset has shifted over the years and why learning to protect your schedule is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in the trades. Show Notes: Understanding the Value of Time (0:00) The Hustle Rate and Overhead Calculations (4:37) Transitioning from Hustle Rate to Business Owner Mentality (12:47) Capturing Invisible Work and Adjusting Pricing

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01:09:05

Choose Smart Growth, Not Fast Growth

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/16

In this episode, Nick and Tyler talk about the value of growing a construction business at a pace that aligns with your long-term vision — not just your short-term ambition. They reflect on the mistakes and lessons from pursuing aggressive scaling and why they’ve chosen to focus on sustainability, control, and craftsmanship. If you’ve ever felt pressure to grow faster than feels right, this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Show Notes: Prioritizing Business Growth and Personal Success (0:00)

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32:25

Midweek with Tyler: Why Cash Offers Can Hurt Your...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/12

In this episode, Tyler responds to a listener question about clients offering to pay in cash — and why that might not be the win it seems like. He breaks down the risks, the optics, and the long-term damage that “under the table” work can do to both your business and your reputation. Show Notes: Cash Offers and Business Legitimacy (0:00) The Risks of Cash Transactions (6:46) Protecting the Business and Clients (18:14) The Role of Proper Documentation (26:32) Workshop & Coaching (29:12) Video

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01:26:06

#365 Skylights, Training, and Culture: A Conversation...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/09

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk to Paul Johnson about why builder education is key to improving craftsmanship and raising the bar across the industry. Paul shares how his work with VELUX goes far beyond selling products — focusing instead on training, leadership, and building long-term relationships with tradespeople. From the role of manufacturer education to creating new opportunities for builders to grow their businesses, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, innovation, and

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29:31

Midweek with Tyler: How To Handle a Slow Season

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/05

In this episode, Tyler talks about how to handle the fear and uncertainty that comes with a slow season. He shares why it’s crucial not to panic, how to stay confident in your value, and ways to use the downtime to come out stronger on the other side. Show Notes: Handling a Slow Season in the Construction Industry (0:00) Impact of Economic Factors on the Construction Industry (4:20) Strategies for Surviving a Slowdown (10:00) Long-Term Planning and Business Sustainability (16:23) Building a

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01:37:06

#364 Designing a Business That Leaves Room to Grow...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/06/02

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk to architect and entrepreneur Matt Arnold about building a business with intentional flexibility. They explore why Matt chose to create a brand that leaves space for future collaboration and growth, how building his own projects reshaped his client empathy, and the realities of launching a new firm while balancing life as a new father. From architecture to business ownership, this conversation dives into decision-making, leadership, and crafting a professional path

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24:37

Midweek with Tyler: Not Every Job Builds Your Brand —...

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/05/29

In this episode, Tyler talks about the overlooked power of simple, unglamorous jobs — the ones that never end up on Instagram but quietly build your business and bring deep satisfaction. Reflecting on past projects and client impact, he challenges the idea that only high-end, showpiece work defines success. Show Notes: Meaningful Work and Personal Fulfillment (0:00) The Value of Return Clients and B-Grade Jobs (2:08) Building a Robust Client Base (9:22) Personal Fulfillment and Business Strategy

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55:57

#363 Knowing When to Walk Away

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/05/26

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk about what it really takes to walk away from a project — and why it’s sometimes the most responsible move a builder can make. They break down a real scenario where NS Builders stepped back during pre-construction, share the signs they couldn’t ignore, and open up about the fear, second-guessing, and professionalism required to make the call. This one’s about clarity, boundaries, and protecting both your team and your reputation. Show Notes: Reputation and Client

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23:07

Midweek with Tyler: What If You Weren’t a Builder?

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/05/22

In this episode, Tyler talks about the roads not taken — reflecting on how he almost didn’t end up in construction and why it’s worth asking what other paths might have looked like. He explores how understanding your “what if” moments can bring clarity, motivation, and renewed purpose in the work you do today. Show Notes: Exploring Alternative Career Paths (0:00) The Challenge of Career Choices (2:29) Early Career Aspirations (6:50) Passion for Nature and Landscape Design (9:38) Reflections on

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01:12:49

#362 What It Really Takes to Keep Going as a Founder

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/05/19

In this episode, Nick & Tyler talk through the emotional side of building a business — the doubt, the grind, and the quiet moments where it feels like nothing is working. Inspired by a post that hits close to home, they open up about the mental weight of leadership, how to tell when “hard” is part of the process or a sign to pivot, and why success comes not from certainty, but from showing up anyway. Show Notes: Work-Life Balance and Defining Success (0:00) Sponsor Announcements and Work-Life

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24:45

Midweek with Tyler: What's Really Holding You Back

Modern Craftsman ·

2025/05/15

In this episode, Tyler talks about how fear of failure — not lack of skill or ambition — often shapes the decisions we make in business and life. Inspired by an off-road racing article, he reflects on how even top performers can be driven more by avoiding loss than by chasing success, and what that means for contractors navigating their own path. Show Notes: Reflecting on Fear of Failure (0:00) Caleb Russell's Retirement and Return (1:37) Personal Reflections on Fear of Failure (3:50) The Pressure

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232 results

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