Modern Craftsman

Everybody wants to build the project they believe in, right up until the risk gets real. This episode gets into what it looks like to take a swing on a house that does more than one job, why Mark D. Williams built Mysa Hus the way he did, and how the project became part business play, part creative reset, and part bet on the future. Mark's Website: https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com Mark's Podcast: https://www.curiousbuilder.com From Contractor to Company Workshop: https://www.moderncraftsman.co/workshop-registration Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 The big bet 00:09 Intro 04:19 What Mark fears most 15:18 Risk, danger & decision-making 19:03 From spec house to story home 27:25 The build that made Mark love building again 29:49 What wellness actually means 38:28 Boundaries create freedom 46:37 Buying back time 53:25 When a risky project is still worth it 1:15:18 Building a home that fits your real life Video Version:https://youtu.be/A6S_eqGEstA Partners:  Andersen Windows Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear Bolster   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The business starts leaking money when the plan in your head never makes it to the people doing the work. Nick and Tyler talk about teaching clearly, building repeatable systems, and why shadowing someone only works when they eventually have to do it themselves. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 The Lesson That Changed the Business 02:47 You Don't Know It Until You Teach It 05:32 Every Step You Forgot to Explain 07:22 Why Apprenticeship Still Matters 13:16 Builders Keep Reinventing the Wheel Video Version:https://youtu.be/tOjp2zn7GWc Partners:  Andersen Windows Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear Bolster The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Most builders learn the trade first and figure out the business by taking hits for ten years. Nick and Tyler talk about college, online education, fake gurus, systems, financial clarity, and what builders should actually invest in before the business gets away from them. From Contractor to Company Workshop: https://www.moderncraftsman.co/workshop-registration Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:04:15 The Problem With Builder Education 00:14:55 Are Online Courses Any Better? 00:22:49 Builders Never Learned the Business Side 00:30:29 You Don't Know It Until You Can Teach It 00:40:32 Builders Keep Reinventing the Wheel 00:46:45 Where Should a Young Builder Invest? 00:53:43 Teaching From Scars, Not a Script 01:03:06 There Is No Silver Bullet Video Version:https://youtu.be/Th0DA9TFKoU Partners:  Andersen Windows Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear Bolster   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

This compilation pulls from recent guest conversations with Mark O'Brien, Shane Durkin, Mike Romanowicz, Morgan Molitor, and Michael Holmes Jr. Five different perspectives, but a shared thread runs through all of them: risk, money, systems, tools, identity, and what it really takes to build a better business. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 01:00:00 Five Takes on Building a Better Business 01:00:35 EP 406 Mark O'Brien 01:06:47 EP 407 Shane Durkin 01:18:00 EP 403 Mike Romanowicz 01:24:49 EP 402 Morgan Molitor 01:33:27 EP 401 Michael Holmes Jr. 01:43:37 You Need the Backbone Before You Scale Video Version:https://youtu.be/aU1xKwkUOsE 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 gives another update on the house build while juggling client work, family, site prep, foundation details, and the next round of framing decisions. He gets into the reality of self-performing a build while life, work, and money keep moving. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Video Version: Show Notes: 0:14 Midweek From the Build 1:15 Working Around the House 4:43 Foundation & Crawl Space 10:15 Framing the Floor 13:02 Exterior Plan & Windows 17:37 Partners & Products 22:19 Building a Real House 24:02 Course & Community Updates 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

Putting yourself out there comes with opinions, cheap shots, and plenty of people who think they know the whole story from one post. Nick and Tyler talk about online criticism, support systems, comparison, family, friends, and finding the people who actually want to see you win. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  00:00 Who Said I Invented This? 00:13 Pretending Everyone Else Has It Figured Out 03:38 Getting Lit Up on Facebook 06:35 When Online Comments Don't Hurt Anymore 10:44 When People Close to You Question It 14:56 Cutting Out the Wrong Support 18:05 Giving People Ammunition 20:55 Fighting Better Two Days Later 24:03 Don't Send the Text 28:56 Comparing Generations 35:48 Just Working Should Be Enough 40:31 Paying for Convenience 43:37 Everything Costs More Now 51:55 Calling Out the Trolls 54:34 Finding the People Who Have Your Back Video Version:https://youtu.be/5gxZ8n2ksos 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 lot of builders run millions of dollars through the business without a clear view of what they actually make. Shane Durkin talks through construction finance, project money, cash flow, profitability, and why builders need better systems than acting like the bank for every job. Shane's Websites:  https://www.buildpatriot.com http://www.ledgerwise.com Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  00:00 The Builder's 16% Slice 00:23 Meet Shane Durkin 05:14 Tyler's Superior Walls Foundation 10:37 From Maryland to Coronado 16:03 Engineering, Lacrosse & the Naval Academy 20:41 9/11 and the Pull to Serve 25:35 What the Naval Academy Was Really Like 32:37 Leaving the Military 38:00 Getting Back Into Building 42:00 The Value of Higher Education 50:00 Business School Meets Construction 54:50 Construction Fund Control 60:00 The Missing Piece in Construction Finance 65:20 Why Builders Shouldn't Be the Escrow 74:30 Revenue, Profit & the Financial Tornado 80:10 Selling Financial Stability to Clients 84:10 Building a Better Pay Chain 98:20 How LedgerWise Came Together 102:30 Let Builders Be Builders 108:20 Why More Work Doesn't Always Mean More Money Video Version: https://youtu.be/JcYe0DN0Om8 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

Some projects stop making sense on paper long before the story is over. Mark O'Brien talks through bankruptcy, real estate risk, New York red tape, private equity, treehouses, 45 White Oak, and why the experience can still be worth chasing. Mark's website: https://buildmeabrownstone.com Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  00:00 The Treehouse That Sold the House 00:15 Meet Mark O'Brien 03:52 Losing It All and Starting Over 22:54 New York Red Tape and Carrying Costs 33:15 Why Keep Taking the Risk? 47:02 Private Equity Changes the Game 54:50 Sometimes It Doesn't Have to Pencil 61:34 Bootstrapping and Hard Lessons 68:29 What Do You Worry About? 79:23 45 White Oak and the Dream Build Video Version:https://youtu.be/G9Rw3-TsqiY 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's house build is moving from layout and excavation into foundation prep, and every step is teaching him something new. This one gets into site work, drainage, equipment costs, and the real stress of building your own place while learning the land as you go. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Video Version:https://youtu.be/rW_7THRb8Bw Show Notes: 0:13 Project Update 2:05 The House Build So Far 7:31 Superior Walls Prep 14:36 Crawl Space & House Plan 18:03 What the Build Is Teaching Me 21:54 Getting to Foundation 24:42 Family, Stress & Support 27:41 What's Next 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

Some of the best builder questions are the ones that do not always get asked out loud. This episode has questions that come straight from the MC Community and gets into pricing tiers, labor rates, first admin hires, dead leads, subcontractor agreements, and the systems that help make a construction business easier to run. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  00:00 Square Foot Pricing Has Limits 00:28 Questions From the Builder Community 02:13 Tiered Pricing in Precon 09:35 Can Square Foot Pricing Work? 11:37 Cost Plus, Labor Rates & Markup 17:01 Billing the Same Rate for Different Carpenters 21:39 The Real Cost of an Employee 26:14 When to Make Your First Office Hire 33:58 Fixing Dead Lead Flow 43:04 Tracking Leads That Actually Convert 51:57 Master Sub Agreements & Work Orders 58:00 Why the Community Matters Video Version:https://youtu.be/vwGv8aE8Jio 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

Some seasons get heavy fast, even when you built the business to avoid that. This episode gets into Tyler's house build, money pressure, family guilt, decision fatigue, and trying not to fall back into the old grind-at-all-costs version of yourself. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes:  00:00 When It Feels Impossible to Move Forward 00:12 Guest Fell Through 04:05 Calling the Vendor 06:00 Life Hits 110 MPH 08:14 Avoiding Old Grind Habits 10:03 Carrying the Weight After the Job 13:17 Cutting the List Down 15:38 Decision Fatigue on the House Build 22:26 Just Make Progress 29:35 When Hard Things Motivate You 33:16 Sleep, Work & Second Winds 39:11 Family, Guilt & Being Present 42:06 Opening the Conversation Video Version:https://youtu.be/GD208zeQtew 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 gives an update on his personal home build, from permit headaches and erosion control to layout, equipment, and finally moving dirt. This one gets into the pressure of building your own house, self-performing as much as possible, and turning years of trade experience into a family home. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Video Version:https://youtu.be/YFG1z032FkQ Show Notes: 0:19 AI Beyond Productivity 2:37 The Mental Load 5:04 Organizing the Chaos 12:15 Clearer Thinking 21:16 AI as a Mirror 25:21 Getting Your Day Back 29:44 Wrap & Community 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

Custom building gets messy fast when every project starts from a blank page. Mike Romanowicz talks through Den, prefab housing, better lead qualification, and what builders can learn from a product-based approach to pricing, systems, and client expectations. Den Outdoors: https://denoutdoors.com Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 Productized Housing 00:20 Meet Mike Romanowicz 03:59 Product First, Founder Second 05:45 Building in Public 09:22 The A-Frame Kit Lesson 14:11 The First Product Bet 20:30 Making Better Housing More Accessible 23:40 What Fasten Does 25:50 From Software to Homebuilding 30:17 The Power of Pre-Designed Plans 31:43 Starting From 100% 35:36 Why Customization Gets Hard 40:47 Where the Process Breaks 47:31 The Business Finally Clicked 55:25 How the Prefab Model Works 57:07 Designing Around Real Materials 61:06 What Tech Teaches Builders 66:33 Turning a Website Into a Booking Engine 71:04 Leading With Price 75:16 Cutting Out Bad Leads Video Version:https://youtu.be/WOyN-PR9mHs 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 people talk about AI like it's just there to save time, write faster, or build better systems. This episode gets into the quieter side of it: using AI to organize your thoughts, cut down the mental noise, and get clearer before the day runs you over. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Video Version:https://youtu.be/NUkdSkNq8QU Show Notes: 0:19 AI Beyond Productivity 2:37 The Mental Load 5:04 Organizing the Chaos 12:15 Clearer Thinking 21:16 AI as a Mirror 25:21 Getting Your Day Back 29:44 Wrap & Community 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

AI is not just for writing nicer emails or cranking out generic captions. This episode gets into how builders can use AI, construction software, agents, and connected tools to clean up admin, qualify leads, track money, improve communication, and make the business side less of a mess. Morgan: https://construction2style.com Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 AI Is Already Doing the Work 03:47 Where Builders Should Start 06:54 Chat, Claude & Better Prompts 11:32 AI Inside Construction Software 12:35 Agents Are Employees 16:36 Setting Up AI to Work for You 27:49 Connecting Tools & Automating Follow-Up 31:11 Better Communication With Less Admin 37:09 Start With a Brain Dump 49:07 Using AI to Qualify Clients 54:21 Catching Misses Before the Next Job 57:43 Estimating From Real Job Data 61:23 Comparing Bids & Educating Clients 67:41 Why Builders Need to Start Now Video Version:https://youtu.be/w5XwumOO1cE 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

Working in a family business comes with a lot of pressure, especially when your last name already means something in the industry. Michael Holmes talks through the Holmes legacy, finding his own lane, taking risks, and what it looks like to build something that actually feels like his own. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 Who Michael Holmes Is Now 04:53 Growing Up Without Dad Around 10:29 Being the Dad He Needed 18:08 Getting His Dad Back 20:15 Stepping Out of the Family Shadow 29:00 Building Something for Himself 36:07 Hummingbird Hill Blue Mountain 40:15 How the New Division Works 45:16 Media, Builders & Skilled Trades 54:18 Living His Own Dream 60:38 Why Taking Risks Matters Video Version:https://youtu.be/bAZJ2FTJTLU 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

This Midweek is about what happens when life forces you to step back and ask what all the work is actually for. Tyler talks about loss, family, and building a business that creates enough freedom to be present for the parts of life you don't get back. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Video Version:https://youtu.be/fALKjhyTuLo Show Notes:00:43 Time Moves Fast 02:57 A Wake-Up Call 07:31 Making Better Decisions 12:06 Learning From Loss 14:20 Work Isn't Everything 16:43 Building Around the Life You Want 21:10 Don't Wait Until Later 23:37 Let the Business Serve You 29:01 More Than Paying Bills 31:16 Do It Now 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

After 400 episodes, the conversation shifts toward what Modern Craftsman should become next. This episode gets into why the show is moving away from surface-level interviews, what kind of guests and stories they want to bring in, and how deeper conversations can create more value than another round of standard industry talk. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 A Curveball at 400 02:33 Why the Podcast Is Changing 09:23 Why the Old Guest Model Fell Flat 14:11 The Kind of Conversations We Want 23:41 What We Can Learn Outside Construction 26:48 Who Makes the Best Guests 34:40 The Stories Worth Telling 43:08 The Why Behind the Work 52:28 Why This Matters Now 57:32 Send Us Guest Ideas Video Version:https://youtu.be/q9yxzp9HVqY   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

Too many builders are working harder every year without really knowing which jobs are making money and which ones are just eating time. This episode is about using your tax return and a few basic numbers to get clear on what's working, what's not, and where to tighten things up. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 0:24 Know Your Numbers 5:30 What Work Costs 10:14 Start With Taxes 16:37 Which Jobs Pay 25:56 Spend Less First 33:00 Build From There Video Version:https://youtu.be/MqUP2ZtGOAU   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 the line between being helpful and giving away work you should be paid for. This one is about protecting your time, charging for the planning, and stopping the habit of solving the hardest part of the job for free. Sign up for the Modern Craftsman Community: 👉🏻 MC Community Sign-up Sign up for the newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Show Notes: 0:33 Stop Giving It Away 8:02 Helpful vs Free 16:36 Your Brain Has Value 25:25 Draw the Line 32:26 Sell the Process Video Version:https://youtu.be/n4BcvhRcZkw   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

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

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

Stay out of the cold with these hot budget tips as Tyler breaks down exactly how he budgets a real porch job, from the precon fee and deposit strategy to tracking every cost day by day. The big takeaway is how to communicate "extras" without panic, keep cashflow protected, and still finish strong without rushing. Show Notes:00:00 Cold office, hot topic 02:05 Precon fee and setting the budget 05:15 Deposits and staying out of the red 08:40 Daily tracking and invoice cycles 13:55 Calling out extras without change-order chaos 20:45 Reconciling budget vs real costs 27:35 Don't rush the finish 30:10 Wrap and why he won't show the spreadsheet Video Version:https://youtu.be/4woZAp_WBqU   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       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

Builders already have thousands of jobsite photos on their phones, but most of those shots are not protecting them, selling future work, or showing what they really do. In this episode we break down a simple way to use your phone, a few habits, and better organization so your photos become insurance, a sales tool, and a real portfolio instead of digital clutter. Show Notes:  00:00:00 The Shot That Saves You 00:04:20 Meet Dave 00:08:00 How This All Started 00:10:28 Photos That Win Work 00:12:47 CYA Before You Demo 00:17:03 Your Phone Can Do This 00:23:32 Make It Look Expensive 00:39:16 Stop Losing Your Best Shots 00:57:04 Tell The Story Not Just The Build 01:02:52 The Simple Photo Playbook Video Version: https://youtu.be/iPJ7u70YeWs   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

Nick and Tyler break down how line item budgets, tiered estimates, and value engineering actually protect you when clients start pushing on price and scope. From losing out on a five million dollar job after an eleven hour estimate to using that same work to land better projects, they talk through transparency, expectations, and how not to let your own standards wreck your profitability. Show Notes:  00:00 Cold Open, Winter 05:04 Sponsors and Setup 13:09 Cordless Tools Talk 15:19 Precon Tier 1 21:55 Dropbox Wipeout 29:54 Line Items and Trust 42:09 Cheaper Builder Choice 47:11 Cool Work vs Profit 56:35 Grass and Perspective Video Version:https://youtu.be/LfpK6nRHTUo   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

Tyler answers a listener's question about two belt-on GCs teaming up in a 50-50 partnership and trying to keep things simple while still making real money. He breaks down how to price owner labor, define roles, track time, and protect both your margins and your friendship when you run a tiny company with two owners. Show Notes:00:00 Two owners, tiny company 05:26 Ryan's email setup 08:00 One and a half myth 10:19 Where you make money 13:00 Self perform vs subs 15:00 Pros and cons of partners 17:20 Roles, risk, resentment 19:59 Tool belt vs business 25:01 Staying niche, lean overhead 29:29 Tracking time and overhead 34:25 Protecting the friendship 38:50 IBS tickets and outro   Video Version:https://youtu.be/6b0RrhcuXT0   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

Nick and Tyler break down how they use preconstruction to protect the architect's vision, keep clients on budget, and avoid the usual bid and bleed disaster. They get into real numbers, value engineering that is not just stripping scope, and how to track the everyday inefficiencies that quietly kill your profit. Show Notes:  00:00 Hidden inefficiencies 00:18 Precon and race recap 01:18 Sponsor break 08:47 Tyler's race story 16:12 What precon really is 18:42 Design build vs precon 22:10 Tier one pricing 29:22 Why plans don't get built 33:41 Architect types and bids 41:18 When budget kills design 47:48 Lead the client 55:49 Every business is unique 1:03:32 Pricing the unknown 1:12:08 Job costing that works 1:22:11 Wrap up Video Version: https://youtu.be/t18gP7iAiAI 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

Tyler answers a listener email about what he'd do differently if he were starting his business today, beyond just setting up insurance, lawyers, and an LLC. He digs into why chasing "sexy" high-end projects can crush your margins, how T&M and paid pre-con changed his business, and why the less you work, the more you can actually make when your systems and numbers are dialed. The Preconstruction Course: Click Here Show Notes: 00:00 What I'd Do Differently Starting Today 03:59 Chasing Sexy Projects Instead Of Profit 08:42 Scaling Back And Resetting The Business 12:30 Dialing In Pre Con Overhead And Job Type 21:56 Forty Hours Vs Eighty Hours For The Same Pay 27:00 The Three Levers Of Profit In A Small Shop 30:28 Learn To Walk Before You Run Your Company Video Version: https://youtu.be/kpu9RmFKCwQ 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