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Nick and Tyler look back on the early years of running their businesses and talk through the mistakes, blind spots, and lessons that shaped how they work today. From underpricing and freebies to confidence, process, and figuring things out without a playbook, this episode is a straight conversation about what starting out really looks like. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  00:00 Looking Back at the Early Years 02:51 Freebies, Ghosting & Early Mistakes 06:17 First Jobs, Permits & Winging It 09:46 The Educational Tax 14:41 Getting Better Gets More Expensive 17:28 Honesty, Pricing & Client Optics 24:50 Ego, Confidence & Early Pushback 29:52 When Your Old Clients Stop Fitting 35:17 What Clients Actually Value 38:25 Why Most Builders Still Lack Process 46:03 The Playbook We Wish We Had 52:34 Why This Work Matters 57:08 Why the Newsletter Exists Video Version: https://youtu.be/7q6ffiowVOQ   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 messy lead flow, weak intake systems, and skipping steps in your process are quietly draining small construction businesses. This one is all about building a better funnel, protecting your time, and qualifying clients before they cost you money. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  2:19 Protect Your Time 4:49 Your System Is the Problem 9:36 Every Step Needs a Gate 18:37 Stop Skipping Steps 27:54 Refine Your Funnel Video Version: https://youtu.be/8ljXzyHLdek   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 recaps JLC Live and breaks down how builders can get a lot more out of trade shows by showing up with a plan. From vendor relationships and networking to partnerships, credibility, and content opportunities, this episode is all about turning a trade show into something that actually helps your business. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up ODL Website: https://www.odl.com Show Notes:  00:00 Don't Waste the Show 02:24 Why JLC Works 05:39 A Compressed Opportunity 10:21 Go In With a Plan 14:00 The People Behind the Product 17:18 Why This Helps the Business 23:59 Meeting ODL in Person 40:34 Other Booths Worth Seeing 47:39 Follow Up Matters 52:17 Get in the Community Video Version: https://youtu.be/b62-51VQfWI   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 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