Modern Craftsman

Nick and Tyler sit down live at CCS in Chicago to walk through how they go from 100 inquiries to one real client and why risk is the number one reason people never build. They break down self-qualifying leads, budget reality checks, and using precon and VE to protect both your business and the homeowner before anyone signs. Show Notes:  00:00 Why clients don't build 04:48 Live from CCS in Chicago 05:58 From lead gen to lead conversion 09:28 Getting clients to self-qualify 18:00 When the budget and scope don't match 22:09 Using precon to de-risk the job 30:33 Converting right way Video Version: https://youtu.be/o_huhOG3FMU Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler tears into the "stop buying lattes" take and runs the numbers that actually break buyers and clients. The squeeze lands on builders too - changing bids, quality, and what projects even pencil out. Show Notes:  00:00 The meme and why it's off 04:00 Life costs vs "coffee" costs 06:30 1981 starter home vs today's code & specs 07:25 Rates, prices, and the real math 10:35 How this hits builders and quality 12:05 Healthcare, childcare, and budgets 13:45 Remodel numbers that don't work 16:10 Myths Tyler hears vs reality on site 20:00 The human toll and what needs to change 27:50 Wrap-up Video Version:  https://youtu.be/qJxBE_2G6t4   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The guys dig into the real split between self-performing and running a GC outfit and what actually moves a build when design runs headfirst into the schedule. From Bugatti-level brand lessons to field fixes (bracing, factory edges, install expectations), this one's about picking a lane and building like you mean it. Show Notes: Anderson Windows and Big Doors Promotion (0:00) Builder Trend and Client Management (2:13) Harnish Workwear and Personal Experiences (3:47) Self-Performing vs. General Contractor (5:42) Building the Bugatti of Homes (8:50) Balancing Hands-On Work and Management (17:58) Efficiency and Learning from Mistakes (19:56) Project Management and Communication (39:46) Balancing Quality and Efficiency (47:50) Personal Reflections and Future Goals (52:01) Video Version: https://youtu.be/HNd4rd6yFVQ   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media  

A follow-up to the first excavator episode—now that it's seen real use. Tyler shares what's working, what surprised him, and what he'd rethink after owning and running it for a while. First excavator episode: Is An Excavator Actually Worth It? Show Notes:  Initial Investment and Purchase Details (0:00) Financing and Tax Benefits (3:56) Usage and Maintenance (5:59) Cost Considerations and Insurance (32:58) Operational Efficiency and Tax Strategy (33:44) Consulting and Future Plans (37:49) Video Version: https://youtu.be/6lnrWjeBQ20   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Pricing by square foot is how budgets blow up. Tyler breaks down the real process—scope first, design up front, WAGs, SWAGs, and contingency noted so the numbers hold once you hit the job. Show Notes:  00:00 Understanding client priorities and personal update 01:35 Consulting call and estimating process 02:54 Client communication and zoning variance 06:07 Budget creation and design iterations 07:24 Detailed budgeting and cost tracking 09:01 Handling unexpected costs and client communication 13:23 Scope of work and subcontractor coordination 17:08 Managing client expectations and budget adjustments 20:00 Pre-construction and design consulting 26:44 Contractor Coalition Summit and affordability Video Version:  https://youtu.be/KqBLZFtHACs Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The guys get into the messy reality of pricing—no templates, no magic—just expectations, scope, and the triangle of quality, budget, and time. We cover scope gaps, site protection, and how pre-con (plus a little AI) de-risks the job so your estimate actually matches how the work gets built. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Intro & our awesome sponsors 00:05:22 Sick kids and water bottles 00:08:51 Welcome & rapid-fire plan 00:09:51 Estimating process overview 00:13:45 Row house example & takeoffs workflow 00:17:21 Automation vs AI in estimating 00:21:17 Using AI as an assistant, not a black box 00:31:21 Who owns scope gaps 00:43:47 Site protection that actually protects 00:47:31 Client fit and non-negotiables 00:53:13 Attracting the right clients 00:56:53 Precon course & Summit invite 01:01:46 Modern Craftsman tee & sign-off Video Version: https://youtu.be/A1BPmpmv_vQ   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler lays out why he still self-performs—from demo and drainage to framing and trim—and where he draws the line with subs, risk, and bandwidth. We get into scaling by margin instead of volume, keeping quality tight when you're the one on the tools, and how to make a good living without taking the belt off. Show Notes:  00:00 Keep the belt on and make a living 02:01 Screened porch demo grading and concrete sub 05:16 Framing plan and roof timing 09:43 One job at a time and scale by margin 15:51 Frame to finish pride and profit 20:31 Back to craft and flying the self performer flag Video Version:  https://youtu.be/4n6Kb0WACPA   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

From airtight envelopes to oversized HVAC, the guys unpack the sexy internet details versus what actually survives install and warranty. They get into service cavities, exterior insulation, window boxes, and why simplifying details, coordinating early, and charging to manage risk keeps you out of trouble. Show Notes:  00:00 Perfection Doesn't Scale 04:44 Hiring: Attitude vs Skill 12:59 When a Great Fit Stops Fitting 39:54 HVAC Reality: Gear That Doesn't Fit 42:43 Energy Code vs Exterior Insulation Hype 46:34 Window Boxes, Cladding & Real Failure Points 59:24 Charge to Manage, Not to Gamble Video Version:  https://youtu.be/Usr6DKMrLnI   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Dependability is the quiet backbone of every project—show up, follow through, communicate. Tyler breaks down how to be the person no one has to chase: say "no" to protect your best "yes," model reliability for your crew, build simple systems, and rebuild trust when you drop the ball. Show Notes:  Dependability in Leadership and Business (0:00) Contractor Coalition Summit Announcement (1:25) Personal Commitment to Dependability (3:25) Dependability in Business and Employment (8:43) Leadership and Dependability (11:14) Maintaining Dependability to Oneself (13:46) Rebuilding Trust and Dependability (22:00) Promoting the Modern Craftsman Podcast (26:24) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/HUM7j1h5UPs   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Three elementary-schoolers sound off on work, the trades, and whether construction is "just for boys." Tyler turns their unfiltered takes into a reminder to open doors early and make the jobsite welcoming to everyone. Show Notes: 00:00 Cold open: "You're capable" 03:02 What do adults actually do at work? 06:23 What is "construction," in their words 09:31 Is construction just for boys? 11:02 Tyler on inclusion & respect on site 17:25 Starting a company: passion vs business 18:22 Advice for grown-ups about work 20:28 Behind the scenes: why Tyler recorded this Video Version:  https://youtu.be/A3A8qquiiVc   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this follow-up to the previous episode the guys expand on their discussion of 'buying your peace'. They get blunt about arrival fallacy, hustle-as-band-aid, and where to buy back time instead of chasing the next dollar. Show Notes: 00:00 Money vs. Life: Who's in Charge? 04:36 Arrival Fallacy: 'I'll Be Happy When…' 05:17 Fixer-Upper Reality Check 07:49 Time Tradeoffs with Young Kids 09:36 Working More = Seeing Them Less 11:20 What's 'Necessary' vs. Nice-to-Have 14:02 Non-Negotiables: Housing & Healthcare 17:22 House Math: 4% Then, 8–9% Now 18:01 When Interest Eats $40K/Year 32:40 Hustle Culture—What It's Hiding 33:49 I Hustled Because Things Were Broken 38:31 Beware Hustle "Advice" That's Selling You 51:00 Buying Back Time: Help at Home? 53:13 Everyday Chores, Real Costs (Well Water Life) 57:01 Wrap-Up: What Are You Optimizing For? Video Version:  https://youtu.be/lwcq_qhXhD0   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Your jobsite sits inside someone else's daily life—treat the neighbors like stakeholders or they'll turn into adversaries. Tyler breaks down parking, noise, intros, and real-world fixes (including a septic test-pit fiasco) so the job finishes strong and the street still waves when you drive off. Show Notes:00:04 Why this matters beyond the client 00:36 Fence down, new neighbor, new stakes 00:39 First impressions: pregnant neighbor & empathy 01:14 If neighbors had a bad time, you didn't win 01:31 Control noise, disruption, and expectations 01:35 Neighbors: allies vs. adversaries 02:07 Return client context & scope 04:40 Parking, habits, and daily routines 07:23 Bringing the dog over (reading the room) 15:28 "You don't own the road"—but you own the impact 17:28 Owning it: apology, phone number, solutions 22:37 Septic test-pit fiasco & fallout   Video Version:  https://youtu.be/uvtgv-WybYw   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Money solves problems, but it doesn't buy peace—and the squeeze is real. We get into the cost-of-living crunch, time freedom, and how builders decide between making more or needing less. Show Notes: 00:00 Money's weird: easy to make, hard to keep 02:45 Cost of living vs "money buys happiness" 05:07 Is the problem money—or imbalance? 07:13 Personal equity, real-world numbers 11:15 Make more or need less? 11:54 Would zero money stress equal happiness? 13:23 Trips, houses, and what money can't fix 14:38 If I had cash, here's what I'd change 16:02 Anxiety about the kids' future 16:32 Maslow on the jobsite (security vs purpose) 22:02 Life's more expensive—so where's your time go? 24:36 System pressure: mortgages then vs now 27:44 Starter homes, rates, and fewer choices 28:37 Debt out of college = treadmill life 31:20 Generational shift and the cost of well-being Video Version:  https://youtu.be/a3QQw8RXT7Y   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler gets honest about the seasons that beat you up -  money stress, mistakes, and imposter syndrome, and why those are the moments that actually forge better builders. This one's about leaning on your people, pushing through, and coming out with more grit and clarity. Show Notes: 00:00 Cold open — don't fear the struggle 00:13 Intro: midweek + skipping the "state of the world" 01:59 Housekeeping: YT comments & newsletter 02:44 Why hard seasons become our favorite memories 08:16 Self-taught, scared to ask, imposter syndrome 09:38 Mistakes that cost time & money → growth 10:05 Becoming an adult, cresting the hill 12:53 Overwhelm and "this too shall pass" 15:36 Story #1: gaming school vs learning the lesson 21:09 Story #2: second kid, house sale, septic fail 22:30 Perspective: gratitude after the pain 23:09 Struggle builds closeness: marriage & friends 24:41 Why Modern Craftsman exists: find your people 30:40 Podcast as therapy/journaling 35:39 Two questions for you + wrap-up Video Version:  https://youtu.be/ldiHi0aC2-Y   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The guys cut through the noise and talk about staying positive when the world, and the jobsite, feels stacked against you. They hit spirals, sleep-as-a-reset, self-care without guilt, and building a team that actually buys in so you can keep momentum. Show Notes: 00:00 Cold Open: No BS 00:50 Chaos vs Control: What You Can Control 09:09 When the Spiral Starts (and How to Stop It) 11:29 Arrival Fallacy & Hedonic Adaptation 15:54 Hard Stop + Sleep as a Reset 26:49 Drop the Guilt: Make Space for Hobbies 32:56 Toxic Positivity vs Real Resilience 46:16 Punch-List Wins: Momentum from Small Finishes 59:44 Cut the Cancers: Protect Team Energy 65:42 Vision & Agency: Let People Own the Win 72:56 Weekly Inventory: Check Your Mind & Business Video Version:  https://youtu.be/MLgkNEzR-_s   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler breaks down how fixed bids had him bleeding on projects and why switching to Time & Materials, vetting hard, and charging for everyday hiccups kept the business alive. He gets into a real day-in-the-life, how he stays motivated when the work is repetitive, what younger trades are valuing now, and how being a dad changed his decisions. Show Notes:00:00 Back in the studio & why this one matters 01:23 A builder's daily reality (no fluff) 05:29 The early mistake that cost me—switching to T&M 09:15 Picking jobs and saying no (on purpose) 12:29 The client vet list that saves profit 16:13 Charge for hiccups (yes, even tool jams) 20:04 Staying motivated when the work's repetitive 22:44 What the next generation values (and the wage squeeze) 27:51 How being a dad changed how I run the business 32:50 1:1 help, next steps, wrap-up   Video Version:  https://youtu.be/8m_ur5LCHYI   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Some shops run clean because the people do—no late-night texts, threaded comms, and a lean, full-sub model that actually protects margin. We also get into the personal discipline behind it (sobriety, routines, boundaries) and how that steadied cash flow and home life. https://www.clarkandaldine.com Video Notes:  00:00 Intro & sponsors 05:07 Year in review + first new build 06:16 Cash-flow punch forces a reset 16:05 Sober season: anxiety, sleep, showing up 28:00 Reading & meditation with the kids 38:47 Client comms: no texting—use threads 40:27 Only call for emergencies (house flooding) 60:00 Picking the right scopes for margins 60:50 Running lean: 99.5% subbed out 68:20 Onboarding that sets expectations 78:35 Website, portfolio & finding your client 90:00 Life/business tradeoffs you don't see on IG 104:50 Wrap-up & where to find Clark + Aldine Video Version:  https://youtu.be/ZckcifjgzLo   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Some days the hardest work is in your own head—Tyler gets into anxiety, pressure, and the habits that keep him steady on and off the job. He talks rock bottoms, drawing lines, and choosing family over every extra dollar so he can build for the long haul. Show Notes:  00:00 Not broken—just built different 03:15 Dirt bikes, wrestling, and finding an outlet 07:55 Marriage, space, and being a better partner 11:00 Serving clients without losing yourself 17:30 Anxiety, fear, and doing it anyway 19:45 Cutting out the party to get clear 24:30 Fatherhood raised the stakes 30:26 Catching myself in a manic spiral 34:59 Deadlines, profit, and pressure 38:30 Time management and saying no 40:45 Choosing family over extra dollars 44:30 Leaning into the flaws (and why that works) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/7JjBgOU8E1g   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick strips it down—who he is off camera, how the brand formed, and the hits that shaped him. We get into rock-bottom cash flow, building a leadership team, and why being the same guy online and on site actually matters. Show Notes:  00:00 Getting into it 03:27 How my kids vs. clients see me 04:22 Same guy on social and on site 15:06 High school to the trades 17:33 College or straight to work 20:24 Chasing the "best version" 26:41 Pressure: internal vs. external 29:07 Owning screwups and moving forward 32:10 Building a leadership team 35:13 First home reno (and meeting my wife) 37:34 Rock-bottom cash-flow crunch 49:39 Social media's upside for builders 53:55 Do hard things; be your best Video Version:  https://youtu.be/YipKlJk6t6I   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler lays out why you choose risk over the gray area, stack small reps, and show up even when you're nervous. From the Cleveland build with Fine Homebuilding, Loctite, and Habitat to what's next on YouTube, it's straight talk on owning the outcome. Show Notes:  00:00 Victory vs. Defeat Mindset 09:37 Small Reps → Real Confidence 15:56 The House We Couldn't Afford 22:06 Risk vs. Failure: Decide and Move 27:13 Managing Pre-Game Anxiety 32:20 YouTube & What's Next Video Version:  https://youtu.be/xu0aUSEbGTo   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media