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

In this episode Nick and Tyler interview Kyle Harnish, exploring his transformative journey from a struggling tradesman to a successful construction entrepreneur and workwear innovator, diving deep into topics of mental health, business risk, personal growth, and his mission to revolutionize professional attire for tradespeople. The conversation weaves through Kyle's personal struggles with anxiety and depression, his partnership with his therapist wife, and his passionate development of Harnish Workwear, which aims to elevate the image and functionality of trade professional clothing.

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Velux

VIdeo Version

https://youtu.be/tx5Q9s2FaQQ

Show Notes

• Kyle Harnish's Journey and Business Philosophy (0:00)
• The Importance of Optics in the Industry (2:29)
• Kyle's Marriage to a Therapist (4:48)
• The Launch of Harnish Workwear (9:29)
• Feedback and Adaptation in Product Development (9:43)
• The Impact of Professionalism on the Trades (10:01)
• The Future of Harnish Workwear and Industry Trends (10:15)
• Final Thoughts and Reflections (10:29)
• Challenges in Workwear for Tradespeople (10:44)
• Personal Investment and Branding (10:59)
• Expanding Market Opportunities (11:10)
• Challenges and Failure in Business (1:21:17)
• Mental Health and Personal Growth (1:21:29)
• Community Support and Future Plans (1:24:37)
• Balancing Work and Personal Life (1:27:16)
• Final Thoughts and Future Goals (1:35:10)

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 importance of perspective and resilience, using Kim Mulkey's post-game interview as a catalyst for discussing how we often focus on failures instead of appreciating the effort and growth. He shares personal stories about racing while sick, attending JLC, and emphasizes the value of putting oneself out there, learning from challenges, and not reducing complex journeys to simple win-or-lose metrics.

Show notes:

Tyler Grace's Introduction and Apology (0:00)
Tyler's Race Experience (3:03)
JLC Experience and Apology (7:22)
Kim Mulkey's Post-Game Interview (8:43)
Reflection on Criticism and Perspective (11:09)
The Importance of Preparation and Effort (12:36)
Building and Supporting Each Other (21:25)
Conclusion and Future Plans (27:28)

Video version:

https://youtu.be/FT3YxOEKKrA

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

In this episode, we sit down with Ellie Knips, a marketing professional with over a decade of experience in the building materials industry. From backing trailers into docks during internships to leading national campaigns at Andersen Windows, Ellie’s journey is one of grit, curiosity, and fearless growth.

She shares how she transitioned from Cambria’s interior-focused marketing to Andersen’s content-driven role—despite having no formal background in social media. We dive into how she built trust with builders, navigated big career leaps, and learned to embrace uncertainty and “figure it out” moments.

We also talk about the importance of authentic storytelling, building strong brand partnerships, and why betting on yourself is often the smartest move you can make.

Whether you’re in construction, marketing, or just trying to level up your career, this episode is packed with real talk, insight, and inspiration.

Episode Outline:

Ellie Kanips' Career Journey and Role at Anderson Windows (0:00)

Ellie's Transition from Cambria to Anderson (5:42)

Leadership and Learning from Challenges (11:51)

Storytelling and Audience Connection in Marketing (23:51)

Building Strong Partnerships with Vendors (33:13)

Challenges and Growth in New Roles (43:57)

Final Thoughts and Reflections (46:47)

Watch this episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/T706l2dJumw

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Velux

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Join Nick and Tyler as they interview Nate Spearing, a former Army Special Forces operator turned custom home builder, exploring the parallels between military discipline and entrepreneurial success. The conversation delves deep into Nate's personal philosophy of balancing business growth, family values, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences while maintaining resilience and purpose.

Episode Outline:

Nick Schiffer's Introduction and Guest Background (0:00)

Sponsor Mentions and Podcast Structure (2:28)

Relatable Experiences and Industry Challenges (5:16)

Balancing Business and Personal Life (7:08)

Risk Tolerance and Business Decision-Making (8:16)

Military Background and Business Adaptation (8:30)

Internal and External Motivation (9:27)

Building a Unique Business (1:28:19)

Personal and Professional Growth (1:28:35)

Final Thoughts and Future Plans (1:28:52)

Balancing Work and Personal Life (1:29:12)

Creating a Stress-Free Environment (1:29:29)

Teaching Children Valuable Skills (1:29:43)

Balancing Work and Personal Growth (1:30:02)

Leveraging Media and Technology (1:30:18)

Final Thoughts and Recommendations (1:30:51)

Watch this episode on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/Tvft1mAPnY0

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Buildertrend

Velux

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

This week, Tyler discusses the importance of understanding one's business, including mission, values, and vision, in order to effectively define a brand's identity and attract the right clients. He also talks through the need to align marketing, branding, and lead generation strategies with the business' unique strengths and ideal client profile.

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Tyler's Top Blogs:

How I Started My Business

Books that Build

Site Protection Principles

My Preconstruction Process: Part 1

Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades