Nick Schiffer started NS Builders in 2014 to fulfill his life-long dream of building amazing houses. What began as a small carpentry company evolved into a premier home building and large-scale renovation company. In addition, he also owns a custom cabinet millwork business and a digital media company. Nick realized early on that surrounding himself with the right people—dedicated, talented craftsmen who shared his vision for NS Builders—would be one of the wisest investments he could make.
Nick is slated to present three programs at the 2022 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS):
- “Beyond Building: Mastering the Demands of a Modern-Day Builder,” a Building Knowledge session
- “Communicating High Performance Details,” a Building Zone program
- “How to Win with Video: Building Trust & Social Presence,” a Tech Bytes session
We caught up with Nick to get a sneak peek into his programs and to get to know him better.
NAHB: Without giving too much away, what will people learn at your sessions?
NICK: People can expect to learn about how to use video in promoting and marketing their home building business, social strategy and finding a fun and easy cadence to follow.
NAHB: While attending IBS, what are you looking forward to the most?
NICK: I look forward to networking with old friends and making new ones.
NAHB: What advice would you give someone who’s attending the Builders’ Show for the first time?
NICK: Wear comfortable clothes, keep your bag light and be open to having lots of great conversations. Carrying a notebook wouldn’t hurt, either.
NAHB: What’s the best hangout at IBS and why?
NICK: The show floor is always awesome. Surprisingly enough, you tend to bump into the same people at different booths, and you find out about all the “after parties” and events that your group tends to go to.
NAHB: What’s the most interesting industry trend for 2022?
NICK: The evolution of automation—both in final living and construction sequences.
NAHB: The industry has changed so much in the last five years. Where do you think changes will happen in the next five years?
NICK: I think we’ll see an even stronger focus on health and wellness, and from a business structure, younger people in the industry taking a more innovative approach to building.
NAHB: What do you see as being the biggest challenge the industry faces now?
NICK: Labor and material shortages.
GET TO KNOW OUR SPEAKERS
In this series of lightning-round questions, Nick shares a bit more about himself.
What do you work towards in your personal time? Being a better husband, father and human being.
The best concerts you ever attended: My wife and I used to go to two shows a month, and now that we have kids, we still attend 1-2 every few months. But oddly, and I wasn’t a fan before, Macklemore put on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. They presented extreme energy throughout the entire show.
Your favorite place in the world: I’ve not traveled enough yet, but currently, it’s Hawai’i.
The last book you read: “Own the Day. Own Your Life: Optimizing Practices for Waking, Learning, Eating, Training, Playing, Sleeping and Sex” by Aubrey Marcus.
What’s the coolest thing you are working on right now? Building my businesses.
If you could do another job for one day, what would it be? Probably in the service industry. I value people in that industry so much and never had the opportunity to participate.
What’s in your refrigerator right now? Barely enough food for three kids.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, you’ve never been to, where would you go? Australia
A secret talent that few people know about: I’ve been told I’m a good dancer.
A historical event you’d want to see: The Statue of Liberty being erected.
Your favorite activity: I love more than anything traveling and experiencing different places with my wife and kids. I love how they’re always up for an adventure, and I hope to make it a more regular occurrence.
If you had to work but didn’t need the money, what would you do? I’d still build homes, just extravagant ones!
If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you’d live in for the rest of your life, what are the top three features it would have? It would be a design epic and nothing short of an attraction that people would go out of their way to see! It would have privacy, an ocean-front view and plenty of parking for my vehicle collection.
NAHB: In three words or less, what’s your prediction for the building industry in 2022? Faster, healthier, creative.
Nick’s Success Quote: Too many people base their decisions on worst-case scenarios. Imagine the power it would give you if you only based your decision-making on best-case scenarios.
Nick’s three programs occur on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 8 and 9. Plan to join us in person at IBS 2022 February 8–10 in Orlando, Florida, where you can take advantage of top-notch IBS education. Learn more at BuildersShow.com.