Inspiring the Next Generation of Craftsmen

We are excited to announce that Kevin O’Connor, host of the award winning PBS series This Old House, Ask This Old House and an advocate for the Generation Next program will moderate the panel of the founders of “The Modern Craftsmen”, a group of three individuals who have built a tremendous voice and nationwide following purely through their organic use of social media over the past 2-3 years. The groups is comprised of John Hourihan (Vintage Builders), Tyler Grace (TRG Home Concepts) and Nick Schiffer (NS Builders). The group first joined forces at our 2016 LIVE Product Expo. In total, they have created over 30 podcasts and have amassed over 190,000 Instagram followers across each of their accounts. They are speaking directly to the next generation of builders, remodelers and architects all around the country and they are listening….

Instagram: @trghomeconcepts
Website: http://trghomeconcepts.com/

Being immersed in a family construction business at an early age molded an interest in my major and a passion for my craft. After graduating from Drexel University in 2010 with a degree in Construction Management I immediately struck out on my own to pursue a career as a craftsman carpenter and formed TRG Home Concepts, a residential remodeling company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms & finish carpentry. I pride myself on my attention to detail and continue to invest in my business by using high quality tools and materials. A clean and well-organized workspace keeps me efficient and is a standard on all of my projects.

As a business entrepreneur today, I’ve put a strong emphasis on social media marketing and branding. Platforms such as Instagram have been a major factor for the development and progression of my business. My future goals are not necessarily for large scale growth, but to be able to maintain a small highly qualified team of professionals with the same passionate mindset as myself. My intention is to continue to provide my customers with a high quality product, but also a pleasurable experience unique to the construction industry.

Instagram: @nsbuilders
Website: https://designbuildrepeat.com/

When I was younger, I used to make my parents drive through new housing developments to see the construction worker’s progress. I also woke up early on weekends and watched the home improvement and woodworking shows. I even stalked every contractor that showed up at our house. It got to the point that I would do my best to wear the same clothes as them.

I insisted on going to a technical high school. I enrolled at Southeastern Regional Vocation Technical High School and focused in House Carpentry. I quickly excelled in the trade. I was often head of the group, but I respected my peers and we would work as team. Later, I went off to college at Fitchburg State University. There, I received a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. Throughout school, I always kept my tool belt behind the seat of my truck and my hands ready to work.

With 11 years working for my father, 3 years working in multi-family high-rise construction and 9 years picking up my own projects, I decided it was only right to focus on what made me happy. I left the big city behind and started my business, with a focus in residential remodeling, building and custom millwork.

Instagram: @heresjohnnyh
Website: http://www.vintagebuilders.org

I grew up watching WGBH’s This Old House. I landed my first job as a laborer as soon as I could drive. After earning my BS in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology, w/ class room eduction & field experience I worked my way though the industry from PM to Director of Operations to Owner. My thought process never changed, I’m a boots-on-the-ground style GC, today my tool belt is my network of sub’s I call family. I don’t build w/ my hands anymore, but I manage projects w/ the same mentality; quality, efficiency and always push the envelope w/ new ideas and techniques.

Instagram: @kevinoconnortoh
Website: http://kevinoconnor.net/
Video: https://vimeo.com/106175558

Kevin O’Connor is the host of the award winning PBS series This Old House and Ask This Old House and has been on the show since 2003.  Kevin serves on the editorial board of This Old House Magazine and he has also hosted shows for the DIY network and The History Channel’s H2. In September 2011 Kevin published his first book, The Best Homes of This Old House.

Prior to his television career Kevin practiced finance and most recently was a Senior Vice President at Bank of America in the Commercial Real Estate Group. Kevin received a B.A. degree in history from the College of the Holy Cross and a MBA degree from Boston University. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and three children.