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

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 Version:

https://youtu.be/2KvQW-MUr_E

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 & 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 elevating the craft.

Show Notes:

Velux's Market Share and Installation Importance (0:00) Paul Johnson's Career Journey and Entrepreneurial Influence (14:24) Velux's Training Academy and Installer Engagement (16:06) The Importance of Skylights in Home Building (38:36) Unique Skylight Installations (40:15) Current and Favorite Projects (1:06:48) Career Path and Company Culture (1:08:48) Partnership and Training Opportunities (1:20:43)

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/5LLSwFnrVYg

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 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 Sustainable Business Model (18:42) Preparing for Future Slowdowns (24:54) Final Thoughts and Encouragement (26:04)

Video Version:

https://youtu.be/a1ArdeZ089s

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts: 

Tyler Grace 

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

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 that evolves with you.

Guest Matt Arnold

https://arnoldand.com/

Show Notes:

Designing and Constructing with Care (0:00) Blending Architecture, Interiors, and Brand (5:02) Boston's Design Aesthetic  (11:17) Being Open to Collaboration, by Design (19:50) Why Not Having a Business Plan is Good (25:29) The Extrovert vs Introvert Business Owner (29:25) The Benefit of Working on Your Own Projects (30:57) The Journey to Entrepreneurship (52:28) The Importance of Early Mornings (56:30) Setting Up a Work Schedule for Deep Work (1:12:37) Balancing Work and Personal Life (1:17:32) Understanding Business Metrics and Lead Tracking (1:25:21) Building a Brand and Future Plans (1:32:36) Final Thoughts and Future Projects (1:34:58)

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/c6nA99ovS3Y

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 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 (12:08) Upcoming Workshops and Consulting Services (21:18)

Video Version:

https://youtu.be/8FW3uunLQnQ

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts: 

Tyler Grace 

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

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 Selection (0:00) Sponsors and Product Promotions (1:18) Client Communication and Project Challenges (4:46) Unrealistic Expectations and Project Management (11:53) Client Behavior and Professionalism (27:52) Owner-Supplied Materials and Project Management (38:21) Reputation and Future Business (47:37)

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/jXEt7T3BDn4

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 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 Career Satisfaction (11:52) Workshops and Resources for Scaling (18:08) Consulting Services and Future Plans (20:20)

Video Version:

https://youtu.be/0tGbAjk-Yg0

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts: 

Tyler Grace 

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

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 Balance (1:48) Challenges of Pricing and Market Conditions (12:59) Balancing Business and Personal Life (17:30) The Role of AI in Business Efficiency (54:50) Actionable Steps for Business Growth (57:30) Future Plans and AI in Construction (1:03:13)

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/UPRf5g4Z8v8

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