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.

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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.

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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.

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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