The Curious Builder

In this international episode, Mark welcomes Julia Starzyk of Star Projects London—his first overseas guest! They explore the differences between UK and US construction, how Julia saves overbudget projects, and why "soon" is never a real deadline. From licensing to luxury builds, this episode offers a fascinating global view of building.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/s...

Change orders can make or break a build—but they don't have to break your business. In this episode, Mark welcomes back Brad Robinson and Allyson Case Anderson to unpack the art and science of change order management, from the preconstruction stage to the final walk-through.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderp...

Morgan Molitor joins for her third appearance to unpack the success of her Build Her Retreat in Costa Rica, the growth of the Contractor Coalition, and why community events matter more than ever in construction. From mental health conversations to the challenges of leading as a woman in the trades, this episode digs deep into mindset, business growth, and creating spaces where builders thrive.   S...

Blogging is so much more than just writing — it's a tool for education, SEO, branding, and real connection. In this Q&A episode, Mark sits down with Alyssa Abbott of Olive & Vine to explore the power of blogging for builders, designers, and trades. They unpack how a single blog can answer client questions, attract organic traffic, and showcase the values behind your brand. From writing strategies...

Ever wonder how food photography and French restaurants lead to luxury custom homes? Angela and David Pencsak spill the story of how their creative, entrepreneurial paths converged into Pencsak Design. From their Parade of Homes sweep to launching a concierge service and giving back through a veteran home project, they cover it all—with a lot of laughs, real talk, and heart.   Support the show - h...

In this special Q&A episode, Mark D. Williams sits down with Mark Ostrom, founder of Joy Collaborative, to discuss their upcoming "Pairings" fundraising event on May 29. They explore how design and construction professionals can make a tangible, local impact for families with life-limiting disabilities—one room, one child, one story at a time. Hear about the Joymobile, Jaden's inspiring transforma...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Heather Tankersley—builder, business owner, mom, and all-around powerhouse. They talk about how high-performing entrepreneurs in the trades can manage burnout, set boundaries, and protect their energy while leading growing teams and busy households. They also discuss the importance of building a company with heart, the impact of the Contractor Coalition, and wh...

Mark recaps his trip to Buildertrend University, where he and his team got a serious reality check on how they've been using (and under-using) the platform. Hear what stood out—from smarter use of templates to powerful new AI features—and why team buy-in is the secret ingredient to any business upgrade.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events...

From window installs to wellness trends, we're covering it all. Mark is joined by Jenn Tuetken, the Director of Innovation & Design, who brought you Pella's innovative Steady Set™ system. They talk R&D, jobsite safety, reducing install times, and how a small insight led to a big industry shift. Plus: IBS trade show stories, cold plunge culture, and the power of storytelling in product design. If y...

Great builds start with great communication. In this candid solo episode, Mark shares his approach to managing expectations during the design and pricing phase—including how to spot red flags, ask smarter questions, and protect both your client and your business. A must-listen for builders who want to lead with clarity and confidence.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop...

Culture isn't just a buzzword—it's the foundation of growth. In this episode, Sunny Bowman shares how her team lives their values, why EOS transformed communication, and how being a woman in a male-dominated space became her superpower. This one's for any business owner looking to scale with soul.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events - http...

In this lively episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams and a group of six builders from around the country chat about their experiences participating in the 75 Hard challenge. They dive into how this intense mental and physical program taught them about discipline, the power of community, and the lasting changes they've implemented in their lives, both professionally and persona...

In this quick and candid conversation, Mark and Sunny break down the real-world impact of tariffs on Canadian lumber, aluminum, and steel—and how those costs trickle into every part of a build. If you haven't updated your contract language lately, this one's for you.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.c...

In this episode, Mark hangs out with Sam and Andrew Teitt from Bellepoint Company, and they have a great chat about the heart and soul that goes into home building. They dive into how important it is to make homes that really fit the way people live, and how building awesome relationships with clients is at the core of everything they do. Plus, they share some cool insights on running a family bus...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, we dive into the story behind Honey Hill, a unique luxury development in Orono, MN. Mark Williams is joined by Tom and Shaun from Aspect Design Build to discuss how this project came to life, the importance of collaboration over competition, and why thoughtful design makes all the difference. Tune in for insights into land development, branding, and the futu...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, hosted by Mark Williams, Scott Beebe from Business on Purpose shares valuable insights on the importance of systems and coaching in business. Scott discusses how predictable systems and a solid coaching framework can help business owners manage effectively and avoid chaos, allowing room for creativity and personal connection. Whether you're looking to stream...

What are the biggest lessons I've learned in 20+ years of building? In this Q+A episode, I dive into the importance of brand storytelling, pre-construction agreements, client qualification, and why understanding your cash flow is crucial. If you're looking to grow your business, avoid costly mistakes, and streamline your process, this episode is for you.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbui...

Get ready for a high-energy conversation on branding, business, and creative thinking with Mark Williams and special guest Drew Reilley of Slash Creative. They cover everything from the importance of brand strategy to why some logos become iconic while others fade into the background. If you've ever wondered what goes into making a brand unforgettable, this episode is a must-listen.   Support the...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams breaks down his biggest takeaways from the International Builders' Show 2025. From the importance of pre-show planning to the power of strong vendor relationships, he shares key lessons to help builders make the most of industry events. Plus, insights into his upcoming projects and The Curious Builder Boot Camp. Don't miss it!   Support the sho...

In this episode of the Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams chats with RB Gallup from South Carolina about scaling a business, especially focusing on building and construction. RB shares his journey of buying his family business, navigating partnerships, and implementing systems like EOS to empower his team, shedding light on how he transitioned from being a hands-on manager to a strategic leade...

In this episode of The Curious Builder podcast, host Mark Williams shares his game plan for attending the upcoming International Builder Show (IBS). With a focus on brand partnerships for his upcoming spec home project, Mysa Hus, Mark offers insights on product exploration, wellness in building, and the importance of planning and networking at such a massive event. He also teases a follow-up episo...

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats with Ken Rusk, a successful blue-collar entrepreneur and author of "Blue Collar Cash." Ken shares his journey from being a ditch digger to running a thriving business, while emphasizing the value of blue-collar jobs and the importance of finding one's personal path to success. The conversation touches on disrupting the tradit...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams continues his chat about sales tips from the recent Minneapolis collective meetup. He shares the importance of using CRM systems to keep track of leads and dives into building solid relationships with clients and partners like designers and architects. Packed with great advice, Mark makes it super relatable and helpful for builders trying to bo...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams hangs out with Danny Spears from Captex Construction, based in Austin. They dive into Danny's love for building not just houses, but also a strong family-centric company culture. Danny dishes out some gems about leading a team, the joys and challenges of construction, and why balancing work and family is super important to him.   Support the sh...

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams gets into some seriously game-changing sales tips for builders. He shares insights from recent Curious Builder Collective meet-ups, where they chatted about everything from asking for referrals (seriously, just ask!) to using educational blog content and staying consistent on social media. Mark also highlights the magic of authentic sto...