MY Story
“With a healthy dose of intentional design and never shying away from taking a calculated risk, I’ve fused my passion for innovative construction and smart financial decision-making to transform NS Builders from a small carpentry company into the multifaceted, hugely successful business it is today. And I can do the same for you.”
Nick Schiffer started NS Builders in 2014, but his story begins much earlier. Even as a kid, he loved working with his hands—tinkering with a bike, building a mini-empire with Lincoln Logs, figuring out how to put things back together after ripping them apart. At age 11, Nick was already working in his Dad’s fencing business. Attending a vocational school marked a turning point—two classes, in particular, would profoundly impact Nick’s career path. Cabinet making and house carpentry shop fueled his passion for all things construction, and from then on, Nick knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life—build houses. Really amazing houses.
After graduating from Fitchburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Technology/Management, it was time to leave the family business (not an easy decision). Accepting a job in Boston for a
big company, Nick soon worked his way up to assistant project manager, completely immersing himself in the various aspects of construction management. Nick wasn’t letting go of his dream—to own his own business—and he worked at night on his own side projects, gaining experience through trial and error, discovering how to juggle multiple jobs effectively, and the financial side of running the show. He held himself and his work to the highest level and refused to settle for less.
“Mediocrity is what happens when you don’t intentionally plan for success.
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Eventually, the 100-hour-a-week schedule was not sustainable (even with copious amounts of coffee), and Nick made the leap from employee to employer—NS Builders was born. And what began as a small carpentry company eventually earned a stellar reputation for premier home building and large-scale renovation projects, custom cabinet millwork, and even a digital media company. Nick realized early on that surrounding himself with people—dedicated craftsmen—who shared his vision for NS Builders would be one of the wisest investments he could make. And that decision has undeniably paid off.
“My mission is simple: To expand the potential of not only myself and my company, but to share my expertise with others. The construction business is always evolving; knowing how to adapt is the key to longevity and success.”
Nick generously shares his expert advice and first-hand knowledge of building a construction business from the ground up across popular media platforms, like Instagram (100K+ followers) and YouTube (40k Subscribers). Tag along with Nick on Site Visits, a captivating behind-the-scenes look at current projects, dissect technical aspects of the work, meet the talented crew, and deep-dive into tools and materials. Looking back, who could have predicted the impact that an informal panel discussion between three guys—Nick, Tyler Grace, and John Hourihan—would have? The Modern Craftsman has opened doors to bringing thought leadership, honest conversations, and brand awareness to what’s happening now in construction. Spurred on by his success, Nick continues to harness the power of social media to reach even more viewers, connecting with them on a personal level, and providing opportunities for people to ask questions and get the answers they deserve.
“The most important advice I can give you is this: Never shy away from asking questions.”
Got a question for Nick? He’s eager to share trustworthy advice, practical tips, recommendations, and solutions to help you take your business to the next level.