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