Modern Craftsman

Tyler breaks down why so many builders hit a point where the business is growing but life is not getting any easier. This episode is all about the systems behind a real company, from finances and lead generation to pre-con, production, and team structure. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 Why the Business Still Feels Hard 02:31 Growth Without Systems 08:49 The Dangerous Middle 11:14 Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom 17:39 Builder vs Business Owner 18:45 The 5 Systems That Matter 25:06 Revenue vs Margin 29:31 Build the Systems First Video Version:https://youtu.be/7ceKqGTmDEU Partners: Andersen Windows 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

Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Nick and Tyler get into why so much residential construction still relies on old habits instead of better systems. From Superior Walls and panelized assemblies to CLT, trusses, and prefab mechanicals, this episode is all about building smarter, reducing labor strain, and solving problems with process instead of brute force. Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 Rethinking How We Build 09:11 Smarter Framing Choices 21:50 Why Foundations Feel Backwards 32:37 Stop Building It the Hard Way 41:47 Beyond Stick Framing 48:50 Learning From the Misses 55:20 Efficiency Changes Everything Video Version:https://youtu.be/gMomXL4_8JQ Partners: Andersen Windows 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 talks about why boundaries are one of the best things you can put in place for your business and your clients. From communication and change orders to timelines and lead intake, this episode is all about setting clear expectations early so the whole job runs smoother. Show Notes: 00:00 Boundaries Without Sounding Like a Jerk 02:26 Set the Tone Early 04:47 Why Builders Avoid Boundaries 07:06 Let Clients Self-Qualify 10:52 Boundaries Are Just Your Process 14:03 Communication Expectations 15:58 Change Order Rules 19:28 Why You Need Stronger Pricing Boundaries 24:17 Boundaries From Lead to Closeout Video Version:https://youtu.be/c8ixJeVpu-U Partners: Andersen Windows 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 why clients ghost builders and why the real issue usually isn't the lead, it's the process. He gets into clearer next steps, tighter follow-up, and how to stop leaving the door wide open for bad-fit clients to waste your time. Get our Discovery Call Script: https://modern-craftsman.kit.com/discovery Sign up for the newsletter: https://modern-craftsman.kit.com/1cc009f591 Show Notes: 00:00 Lead, Don't Chase 04:15 Ghosting Is a Process Problem 08:12 Stop Persuading Bad Fits 12:45 You're Giving Away Too Much 16:11 Define the Next Step 19:56 Close the Loops 22:31 Build a Follow-Up SOP 27:46 Ghosting Is Feedback 32:20 Close the Door Video Version:https://youtu.be/ixFKtpGdGJ8 Partners: Andersen Windows 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

Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community 👉🏻 https://modern-craftsman.kit.com/b41e44fc86 There's been a lot of talk and a lot of questions about 45 White Oak, so Nick finally lays out what the project really is. They get into the strategy behind it, the pressure that comes with it, and why this build means more than just another house. Sign up for the newsletter: https://modern-craftsman.kit.com/1cc009f591 Show Notes: 07:24 What Is 45 White Oak, and Why Build It This Way? 11:53 Are You Trying to Prove This Market Exists? 15:09 Is Selling It Harder Than You Expected? 19:50 Where Did the $12.25M Price Come From? 25:47 What Would You Change If You Built White Oak Again? 27:27 Could You Build It Faster a Second Time? 34:37 What Would You Do Differently in Design and Pre-Con? 39:25 Does a Project Like This Change What Trades Think Is Possible? 43:13 What Details Matter Most in This House? 47:07 What Are People Noticing When They Walk It? 50:45 How Has White Oak Changed the Way You Think About Building? 52:16 In 10 Years, What Role Will White Oak Play in Your Career? Video Version:https://youtu.be/K_N3HMuX2Ic Partners: Andersen Windows 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

Download the Lead Intake Template 👉🏻 https://modern-craftsman.kit.com/8583940465 Tyler breaks down how your P&L, salaries, and company structure should determine the kind of work you go after, not just what happens to come in. If your margins feel off, the problem may not be your effort, it may be that you're selling the wrong jobs for the business you've built. Sign up for the newsletter: https://modern-craftsman.kit.com/1cc009f591 Show Notes Notes: 00:00 Why Your Numbers Matter First 04:56 Match the Business to the Goal 11:59 Build the Real Financial Baseline 17:16 The Jobs Are Too Small 22:33Fewer Jobs, Better Margins 27:58 Use the Numbers to Restructure Video Version:https://youtu.be/-D3kTUEcQ_g Partners: Andersen Windows 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 two consulting calls, one where the money works but the lifestyle doesn't, and one where the numbers will never pencil. The fix isn't always more leads or more hustle, it's getting ruthless about overhead, efficiency, and the work you take on. Show Notes: 2:12 Orlando Recap 3:20 Two Hard Truths 12:10 Fix the Inputs 18:51 Know Your Numbers 25:50 Work Less, Keep More Video Version:https://youtu.be/pn92NWZba_0 Partners: Andersen Windows 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

Most guys say they are referral-based, but they are still letting random leads waste their week. This one is all about what an ideal referral actually looks like and how to shape expectations, messaging, and follow-up so you get more of the right clients. Show Notes: 0:00 Expectations First 8:43 Orlando Recap 10:37 Tyler's Build Stuff 12:47 "Slip the Truck" 15:22 What Makes a Good Referral 19:41 Reviews & Testimonials 24:41 Pre-Con Protects You 32:49 Qualify Faster 36:53 Control the Narrative 1:00:17 Trade Partner Referrals 1:04:01 Stay Top of Mind 1:05:26 Wrap & Newsletter Video Version:https://youtu.be/cBxWsw7g7qA Partners: Andersen Windows 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 to protect your time from the very first inquiry without sounding defensive or arrogant. The goal is simple: give value up front, but stop donating real consulting work to people who are still shopping. Show Notes: 00:00 Free work becomes the expectation 00:20 Why this starts at the first inquiry 05:50 Stop consulting for free 08:50 How to set boundaries without sounding rude 11:21 Lead example: the "roof leak" rabbit hole 15:48 Pushback, reputation & holding the line 21:05 Lead example: the "simple" hood swap 30:59 Wrap: plant the seed & point to resources Video Version:https://youtu.be/B2xaYeIL6Qw Partners: Andersen Windows 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

Most leads sound "good" until you start pulling on the threads. Nick and Tyler roleplay four common inquiry types and show how to spot risk early, protect your time, and decide whether it's pre-con, a small feasibility study, or a hard pass. Show Notes: 00:00 Cold open 00:31 Why decision makers matter 01:54 Sponsor: Anderson 05:30 Sponsor: Harness Workwear 09:13 Feasibility vs pre-con 09:35 Lead intake template & newsletter 22:36 Call 1: Referral lead 28:27 Call 2: Tight budget lead 39:47 Call 3: Facebook rush job 48:41 Call 4: Dream home lead 53:37 When the timeline is a deal-breaker 01:01:10 Wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/aBTqwssCt80 Partners: Andersen Windows 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 walks through his real lead intake process, using simple hurdles and a tight email script to qualify (or disqualify) clients without burning hours on tire kickers. He covers the red flags, the questions that actually tell the truth, and how he tees up pre-con, plus a quick heads-up on the IBS meetup details. Show Notes: 00:00 Qualifying Win 00:14 Intro & IBS Plans 05:00 Funnel Thinking 05:31 Website Gate & Email System 09:06 Intake Questions That Matter 18:12 T&M Model & Pre-Con Role 21:23 Red Flags & Realtor Leads 25:22 Ballpark & Pre-Con Pitch 32:25 Meetup Reminder & Wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/jECvxRvIX44 Partners: Andersen Windows 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 packed inbox can still mean you're doing it wrong if you don't have filters that protect your time and your margins. Nick and Tyler break down how to define your ideal client, build real hurdles into your intake, and stop making fear-based decisions that drag your business backwards. Show Notes: 00:00 Intro & surprise dog 01:00 Busy inbox, bad pipeline 07:00 Quality leads vs volume 18:00 Stop chasing random inquiries 27:00 Undercharging for the portfolio 37:00 You're not built for that job yet 49:00 Content strategy = lead strategy 01:02:01 Hurdles that self-qualify 01:12:03 Wrap & IBS event plug Video Version:https://youtu.be/BcgvPu5PzoA Partners: Andersen Windows 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 walks through a real porch lead and shows how he plants price reality early, without backing himself into a corner or playing the lowball game. It's a straight look at using pre-con, setting a baseline (not a cap), and staying confident when a client's budget and the real world don't match up. Show Notes:00:00 Systems, confidence 00:16 Money talk up front 03:46 Ballparks + porch lead 10:39 Pre-con, what's included 13:21 Baseline, not a cap 22:11 Avoid the change-order trap 27:43 When they won't do pre-con 33:57 Reset expectations with old clients 35:36 BuildBar consults Video Version:https://youtu.be/7K2RC7DIM-8 Partners: 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 talks go sideways when you dodge the hard numbers, over-explain, or anchor too low just to "get the job." Nick and Tyler break down how to lead with value and process, set a baseline early, and keep financial touchpoints steady so surprises don't blow up trust. Show Notes:00:00:00 General contractors money talk 00:04:31 The $25K toilet problem 00:06:21 Confidence comes from numbers 00:09:26 Change orders set early 00:17:39 Stop over-explaining price 00:23:51 Qualify the client fast 00:29:31 "White glove" expectations 00:35:18 Baseline pricing strategy 00:59:13 Regular budget check-ins 01:03:01 Deliver bad news live 01:05:20 Wrap and takeaway Video Version: https://youtu.be/-SpPAL9xIes Partners: 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

If a client pushes back on your price or process, that's not a negotiation, it's information. Tyler breaks down how to use that pushback to screen leads faster, protect your time, and land clients who actually want how you run jobs. Show Notes:00:00 Pushback is the filter 09:18 Rebuilding the intake 11:15 Overdelivering broke the model 14:10 Chase the 5% leads 17:27 Systems fit beats budget 21:56 "How'd you hear about me?" 24:56 The tattoo test 34:34 Consulting, newsletter, wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/ikVuoY5P7-E Partners: 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

Most jobs don't go sideways because the build is hard, they go sideways because you said yes before you had real alignment. Nick and Tyler lay out the questions, red flags, and money reality checks that help you protect your time and only take projects that fit your program. Show Notes: 00:00 Stop filling the void 04:20 Highlighters, systems, and getting focused 06:47 Why "bad clients" are usually on you 12:24 Revenue forecast or you're guessing 20:28 Reset your baseline and set a minimum 25:00 Numbers vs vibes, both matter 31:07 Selling vs vetting, stop pitching so early 41:02 Red flags: trust, micromanage, urgency 48:40 Budget talk and "just an estimate" traps 57:40 If you ask one thing, ask this 1:04:20 Staying in your process when it gets tight 1:08:48 Wrap and newsletter plug Video Version: https://youtu.be/AjqjsXBXRj0 Partners: 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

Ballpark numbers can save you time or burn you when the client treats them like a contract. We get into how to give ranges, spell out what's included, and use pre construction to lock expectations before the job gets weird. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Ballpark gone wrong 00:01:09 Sponsors and newsletter 00:04:14 2026 reset and jumping back in 00:08:49 The ballpark trap 00:12:04 Handling the first call 00:26:52 What's included and what isn't 00:36:10 Explain the cost drivers 00:44:03 Test the budget early 00:46:30 Sell honesty, not a deal 00:51:51 Break scope into buckets 00:53:01 Confidence and pre con 01:07:49 TLDR and wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/WNzfI8RgPEE Partners: 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

Ballpark pricing doesn't start on the first call, it starts way before the client ever dials your number. Tyler talks through how to set expectations early, filter out price shoppers, and stop letting a rough number haunt the whole project. Show Notes: 00:00 The profit flip 01:06 Ballpark numbers haunt you 02:47 Getting shopped 07:52 Set expectations early 10:51 Build the funnel 13:19 Range plus assumptions 20:03 Handling sticker shock 25:02 Make more, do less 30:02 After the ballpark Video Version:https://youtu.be/SlHAXpUbbxU Partners: 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

Ballpark pricing can save you hours or trap you in a number you never should've agreed to. Tyler lays out how to give ranges with real context, explain the cost drivers, and use early budget talk to qualify the right clients and move cleanly into precon. Show Notes:00:00 Don't Apologize 00:44 The Ballpark Question 04:14 SWAG & Scope 07:27 Give a Range 12:07 Cost Drivers 15:47 Lead Red Flags 26:01 From Ballpark to Precon 33:49 2026 Updates Video Version:https://youtu.be/TPk5pRKa7iY 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

Most builders "finish" a job and disappear, but Nick and Tyler break down how to hand off a project like an owner's manual, with the right info in the right format so clients are supported without getting overwhelmed. They get into O&M manuals, 30/90 day check-ins, and how post-build care turns into fewer headaches and more referrals. Show Notes: 00:00 Owner's manual mindset 01:36 Sponsor reads 04:22 Platform switch & shop talk 05:21 Listener question: after the keys 12:45 Closeout standards and expectations 17:08 O&M manual, what goes in it 22:06 AI and cliff notes maintenance 31:01 Maintenance cadence and check-ins 47:03 Walkthroughs and video library 55:15 Protect the work, earn referrals 1:00:15 Listener CTA & wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/8B499q0yUE4 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 breaks down why his calendar can look "full" while the real priority list stays untouched, and how hiring an assistant forced him to protect time instead of feeding distractions. Tyler pushes on the bigger question: are we building systems to grow, or just cramming more into the same day for no payoff. Show Notes: 00:00 Too many balls 03:29 Inbox takeover 08:58 One thing focus 16:47 Busy vs productive 27:35 Precon time sinks 35:23 Buying your way in 44:05 Risk stories 50:33 Simple systems win 1:00:18 AI, but for what 1:06:15 Wrap and tease Video Version:https://youtu.be/6q8j-4Z0fpA Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media