Modern Craftsman

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

Nick and Tyler get into Jeff Bezos’s original playbook from ’97 and pull out what actually works for the trades. It’s about taking the best ideas, tossing the fluff, and making them fit our world. Show Notes:  00:00 From Broke to $178M 07:18 It’s Always Day One 13:06 Obsess Over Customers, Not Competitors 20:25 Stubborn on Vision, Flexible on Details 25:40 Build for the Long Term 37:02 Focus on What Won’t Change 46:36 Use Data, Trust Your Gut 49:38 Innovate, Even When It’s Risky 54:59 Be Frugal — Constraints Breed Resourcefulness 61:01 Move Fast — Speed Matters 67:08 Adopt High Standards 74:38 Outro — Thanks & What’s Next Video Version:  https://youtu.be/YxEmNxrbqJE   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 digs into hedonic adaptation—our tendency to bounce back to a baseline happiness no matter how big the win—and shows how that “never enough” mindset is baked into trades culture. Through real-world examples and simple frameworks, he challenges listeners to redefine success and find lasting contentment beyond the next milestone. Show Notes:  00:00 – Intro & Why We Keep Chasing   02:45 – Defining the Hedonic Treadmill   06:20 – Trades Culture: Always Wanting More   10:35 – When We Move the Goalposts   14:10 – Identity vs. Productivity   18:05 – What “Enough” Really Looks Like   21:30 – Practical Steps Toward Contentment   Video Version:  https://youtu.be/mkz84afwZWY 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 and Tyler go deep in this episode — no guest, no scripts, just a raw conversation about the regrets that shaped them. From personal struggles with self-worth to professional burnout from trying to please every client, they unpack what perfectionism costs ... and what progress really looks like in life and in the trades. Show Notes: 00:00 – Personal & Professional Regrets: Why This Episode Matters 06:42 – Reclaiming Your Voice as a Leader 15:36 – When Success Becomes a Trap 27:08 – Letting Go of the Hustle Culture 34:17 – Are You Building for the Right Person? 41:52 – Tyler’s Wake-Up Call on Client Burnout 52:40 – Money, Meaning & the Misunderstood Trade Business 1:12:48 – Tyler’s Regret: Walking Away from Wrestling 1:13:04 – Nick’s Regret: Seeking Validation 1:13:33 – What We’d Tell Our Younger Selves 1:16:57 – Confidence, Commitment & Public Accountability 1:24:19 – The Path Forward: Less Noise, More Clarity Video Version:  https://youtu.be/emL6atfbBjw   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 discusses the future direction of these Midweek episodes, considering a shift from weekly episodes a more curated, thematic approach. We’re exploring new formats, including live workshops, Q&A sessions, and longer, more dynamic midweek episodes — aiming to balance quality with sustainability, considering the significant time and resources invested over eight years. Tyler also reflects on the pressures of hustle culture, sharing personal experiences of overworking and its impact on his family and health. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in driving business decisions. Show Notes:  Podcast Direction and Future Plans (0:00) Behind the Scenes of Podcast Production (2:13) Proposed Podcast Format Changes (5:35) Listener Engagement and Feedback (17:29) Personal Reflections on Work Ethic and Motivation (18:23) Balancing Work and Personal Life (37:30) Future Goals and Aspirations (37:48) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/lJSduN_s1Tg   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  

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 - Community Impact through Building 0:46:20 - Diversity and Equity in the Trades 0:57:55 - Corporate Responsibility at Andersen 1:09:30 - Changing the Industry from Within 1:21:05 - Practical Advice for Builders 1:32:40 - The Role of Craftsmanship Today 1:44:15 - Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Video Version:  https://youtu.be/YIqP3dkeP5w   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 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 more sustainable, profitable business Show Notes:  Undervaluing Your Time as a Small Builder (0:00) The Importance of Pricing Strategy (5:38) Opportunity Cost and Business Efficiency (22:10) Managing Subcontractors and Business Systems (28:55) Pricing and Profitability for Small Business Owners (30:22) Conclusion and Call to Action (30:36) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/PytSEl81Hcc   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

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 won’t want to miss. Show Notes:  Pause and Reflection on the Podcast (0:00) Sponsor Acknowledgements and Podcast Content (1:59) Evaluating Podcast Content and Guest Selection (4:38) Exploring Broader Topics and Guest Insights (18:30) Balancing Personal and Professional Growth (20:47) Navigating Emotional and Business Challenges (24:34) Engaging with Listeners and Future Directions (1:04:36) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/tISDDZMj6fU   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 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 and Client Trust (0:00) Differences in Contractor Approaches (3:47) Value Proposition and Client Education (6:12) Justifying Costs and Building Trust (9:05) Protecting Margins and Meeting Client Needs (14:20) Client Education and Value Engineering (24:11) Community Support and Personal Reflections (29:17) Video Version: https://youtu.be/p6b262PIv6Q   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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 Engagement and Agreements (0:00) Sponsor Announcements and Product Promotions (1:52) Personal Stories and Boat Ownership (5:45) Subcontractor Vetting and Agreement Implementation (30:02) Pre-Construction and Subcontractor Strategies (48:44) Course Updates and Additional Resources (1:09:52) Video Version: https://youtu.be/ZTcQvwaPKuQ   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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 Business Goals (20:44) Final Thoughts and Recommendations (25:31) Video Version: https://youtu.be/CLk9P4N_WiU   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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. Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.moderncraftsman.co/ Show Notes:  Contractors Coalition Summit Recap and Labor Burden Introduction (0:00) Sponsorship Announcements and CCS Event Highlights (1:12) Labor Burden Calculator and Financial Lessons (12:46) Practical Advice for Calculating Labor Burden (24:33) Overtime and Labor Burden Considerations (53:27) Conclusion and Call to Action (56:22) Video Version: https://youtu.be/KpyjTvAlXgw Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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 Management Fee Calculations (8:27) Justifying Higher Prices to Clients (15:53) The Role of Marketing and Sales in Small Contracting (16:11) The Future of Small Contracting (23:55)   Video Version: https://youtu.be/xCrmi-5-hn8   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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 Gasparovic (0:00) Sponsorships and Personal Anecdotes (2:41) Pronunciation and Initial Conversation with Jamie (7:01) Business Operations and Client Management (14:56) Identity-Driven Design and Client Discovery (34:37) Challenges and Opportunities in the Design Industry (59:44) Business Evolution and Initial Challenges (1:07:21) Transitioning to Independent Work (1:11:17) Hiring the First Employee (1:14:39) Impact of Hiring on Business Operations (1:17:33) Pricing Strategies and Client Expectations (1:22:08) Managing Project Profitability (1:28:21) Future Plans and Business Growth (1:34:47) Personal Insights and Final Thoughts (1:36:50)   Video Version: https://youtu.be/Y0Anev8O7ws   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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 (16:38) Implementing Subcontracting and Management Fees (30:16) Opportunity Cost and Business Growth (32:19) Conclusion and Next Steps (35:23) Video Version: https://youtu.be/n5AOoWtXvsw   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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 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) Promoting Modern Craftsman Workshops and Sponsors (1:35) Hairline Concerns and Professional Appearance (4:49) Balancing Work and Personal Life (9:46) Understanding Business Profitability (30:57) Investing in Efficiency and Equipment (41:15) Delegating Tasks and Overcoming Guilt (56:22) Preparing for Upcoming Events and Workshops (1:07:40) Video Version:  https://youtu.be/bSpOWQniJW0   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux 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