Nick and Tyler talk about what it really costs to grow a business—and why scaling back might be the smartest move you can make. They unpack the illusion that more work equals more success, the hidden costs of chasing bigger numbers, and how to build a company that actually works for you, not just your spreadsheet.

From forecasting cash flow to facing the uncomfortable truths behind low-margin projects, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pressure to grow without a plan.

Whether you’re doing $1M or $10M a year, the real question is: are you making it work, or is it working you?

Show Notes:

Modern Craftsman Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements (0:00)
Personal Experiences with Real Estate and Housing Market (8:21)
Comparing Home Building to Custom Car Building (18:07)
Scaling Business and Managing Growth (30:05)
Employee Management and Career Development (36:12)
Balancing Business Goals and Personal Life (59:24)
Dad's Active Lifestyle and Its Impact (1:01:58)
Business Vision and Scaling Plan (1:15:57)
Promoting the Newsletter and Behind-the-Scenes Content (1:17:46)
Nick's Vulnerability and Reader Engagement (1:19:47)

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/2QyINuxS-9U

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 critical importance of finding a hobby that provides mental reset and active presence for business owners struggling with burnout. He shares his personal journey of reconnecting with dirt biking, explaining how this hobby has transformed his mental health, business performance, and overall quality of life.

Show Notes:

Finding Time for Yourself as a Business Owner (0:00)
Nick's Lack of a Hobby and Tyler's Personal Experience (1:21)
Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Personal Life (5:49)
Reconnecting with Dirt Biking (7:04)
Challenges and Successes in Dirt Biking (11:12)
Flow State and Mental Health Benefits (13:27)
Balancing Hobbies and Business Responsibilities (24:56)
The Importance of Consistent Hobbies (26:42)
Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Self-Care (26:58)
Final Thoughts and Encouragement (27:14)

Video version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_4iweWuBQ0

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Tim McNamara joins Tyler to share the mindset shifts that have shaped his construction business journey. They dig into lessons from scaling, the price of early mistakes, and what it takes to build a company that lasts — without burning out.

Show Notes:

Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (0:00)
Project Overview: Mullen Building Condo Project (1:11)
Sponsor Messages and Industry Insights (2:17)
Tim's Background and Early Career (3:46)
Challenges of Building Tighter Homes (5:33)
Tim's Transition to Business Ownership (7:46)
Post-COVID Business Strategy (15:53)
Balancing Subcontracting and In-House Work (36:18)
Leadership and Management in Business (36:47)
The Young Craftsman Foundation (48:28)
Long-Term Goals and Industry Impact (1:00:46)
Work-Life Balance and Business Philosophy (1:10:27)
Integrity and Financial Literacy in Business (1:17:44)
The Role of AI in Business and Personal Life (1:29:07)
The Young Craftsman Foundation and Community Support (1:31:05)
Final Thoughts and Future Plans (1:33:39)

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Velux

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/uuZyq7Wbnqw

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about why he made the biggest business investment of his life: buying a Kubota KX040-4 excavator. He reflects on the learning curve, the freedom it provides for building his own home, and how it’s already paying off both financially and personally.

Show Notes:

Video version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3CsAASARwM

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Wayne Feltman shares his incredible journey from building tree forts as a kid to leading skylight innovation at a global company. This episode dives into his winding career path, lessons from personal loss, and how skylights can dramatically transform a space. It’s about craftsmanship, perspective, and finding purpose on the roof and in life.

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Velux

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/d8kQ0B62g0g

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 critical importance of finding a hobby that provides mental reset and active presence for business owners struggling with burnout. He shares his personal journey of reconnecting with dirt biking, explaining how this hobby has transformed his mental health, business performance, and overall quality of life.

Show Notes:

Finding Time for Yourself as a Business Owner (0:00)
Nick's Lack of a Hobby and Tyler's Personal Experience (1:21)
Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Personal Life (5:49)
Reconnecting with Dirt Biking (7:04)
Challenges and Successes in Dirt Biking (11:12)
Flow State and Mental Health Benefits (13:27)
Balancing Hobbies and Business Responsibilities (24:56)
The Importance of Consistent Hobbies (26:42)
Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Self-Care (26:58)
Final Thoughts and Encouragement (27:14)

Video version:

https://youtu.be/FwJYH79dReM

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Nick and Tyler dive deep into the challenges of scaling a construction business, balancing cash flow with long-term equity, and staying resilient through risk and uncertainty. They share personal experiences from spec builds, client interactions, and what it really means to grow a sustainable business. Whether you’re a builder, business owner, or just navigating growth, this conversation offers valuable insight into the mindset and systems needed to succeed.

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Velux

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/A1lombOEMUU

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

In this episode, Tyler talks about breaking free from the cycle of overworking and losing sight of why he started his business. He shares personal insights on creating systems, delegating tasks, and prioritizing life balance to build a more sustainable and profitable business.

Show Notes:

Video version:

https://youtu.be/Kr7PaRjq6fY

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media