The Curious Builder

In this eye-opening episode of The Curious Builder, we dive into Randy Jonell's transformative journey from battling addiction to helming Minnesota Custom Drywall with a focus on craftsmanship, relationships, and growth. We tackle everything from the nitty-gritty of drywall perfection to the importance of balance in business and family life, all while sharing a laugh over Randy's marathon-running...

In this dynamic episode of The Curious Builder, we dive into the details of the Contractor Coalition Summit, with industry powerhouses Brad Leavitt and Nick Schiffer sharing invaluable insights on mentorship, industry growth, and the magic of collaboration. We also get a peek into the power of seminars for personal and professional development, the shift toward a more open and supportive building...

This episode of the curious builder podcast features a conversation between host Mark D. Williams and his very first returning guest: Morgan Molitor. Morgan shares lessons learned from challenges over the years and discusses the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care for entrepreneurs. Sponsors for the Episode: CBUSA Lake Society Magazine Pella Northland Adaptive Where to find...

On this episode of the Curious Builder Podcast, guest Meg Billings talks about her unconventional path to becoming a builder. After hiring someone to build her own home who suddenly stopped work, Meg took over the project herself with no experience. She discusses how this led her to start her own construction company and shares strategies for improving business practices and profitability that she...

On this episode of the Curious Builder Podcast, a father-son duo swap stories from decades in the business. Mark talks with his dad David about the dramatic shifts that have occurred in home construction since the early days of his career. From navigating high interest rates to adapting to new technologies, they discuss the challenges and changes builders have faced over 50 years.  Sponsors for th...

This episode covers the history and expansion of Puustelli, a Finnish cabinetry company operating in the US. Founded in Finland in the 1920s, Puustelli began installing cabinets in Minnesota in 2016 and has since grown their US presence through showroom openings, partnerships with builders. CEO Ville Kämäräinen discussed Puustelli's focus on sustainability through forest certification, low-VOC mat...

Brian and Maud Duggan discuss running their interior design and home systems business Union Place in Excelsior, Minnesota for over 47 years. They talk about how they work together as a married couple to run the business and maintain client relationships. They also describe how they have expanded their services and grown their team over the decades to continue serving their community. Sponsors for...

Arik Tendler, chief sales officer of Cambria shares his journey from Israel to California, and how he came to work in the quartz industry. Arik discusses Cambria's focus on quality, innovative designs, and commitment to customers. He also shares how he utilizes his experience in sales to give insight on specific sales strategies and how Cambria continues to lead the industry in quartz countertops....

Mike Gray and Greg Vose from Unfold Architecture join Mark to discuss their design process, how they work with builders and clients, and their approach to sustainability in custom home design. They discuss bringing the right team members in at different stages of a project and making sure all parties are communicating effectively throughout the design and construction process. Sponsors for the Epi...

Dagan Koffler discusses his journey starting multiple construction and design companies in California, detailing the challenges of permitting and building in the state. He explains how he has grown his businesses over the years through self-performing work and leveraging existing relationships. Koffler also shares insights on managing a large team, improving client service, and strategies for self...

Mike and Andrew LeJeune discuss growing their family glass business, Glass Art Design, through culture, relationships, improving systems, and treating employees and customers with respect. Sponsors for the Episode: Pella Northland Adaptive Alpine Hardwood Connect with Mike & Andrew LeJeune: Where to find the Guest: Website: Glass Art Design Glass and Mirror Minnesota Instagram Glass Art Design Gla...

Alex Lelchuk joins us for the second Live Curious Builder Podcast from his event venue The Lowlands in Saint Paul, MN. He shares his inspiring story of immigrating from Belarus to the US as a young child and growing up to start his own Audio and Video company, Lelch. Alex discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges of running and growing multiple businesses. Sponsors for the Episod...

Christine Marvin discusses Marvin Windows' history starting with her great-grandfather moving to Warroad, Minnesota in 1904. She explains Marvin's product innovations over the decades and how they focus on sustainability. Christine also talks about Marvin's marketing strategies including partnerships, social media presence, and supporting local home tours.   Sponsors for the Episode: Adaptive Alpi...

Ryan Jones joins Mark to discuss his passion for construction and breaks down the multi-faceted aspects that are involved in it's process. Ryan shares how his background has benefited his work, and what he continues to learn from the community around him. As many others in the industry can attest, self-educating is almost standard for construction. Ryan discusses the pros and cons to this, and why...

Danielle Yegge and Joe Braun of Style and Structure discuss their marketing strategies on social media that have helped grow their brand, including creating fun videos. They also talk about their building process, working with clients, writing a book, and producing a podcast to help educate homeowners. Danielle and Joe describe how they continue learning in the industry through seminars, code book...

James Vagle, CEO of Housing First Minnesota, discusses the state's shortage of 60,000-90,000 housing units with builder Mark Williams. Vagle explains how modernizing zoning regulations and increasing land supply could help address high construction costs and the shortage. He also outlines Housing First Minnesota's efforts to promote careers in the trades and increase awareness of opportunities in...

On this episode of The Cursious Builder Mark Ostrom joins to discuss The Joy Collaborative . A nonprofit that designs therapeutic spaces for children with disabilities or life-limiting conditions. It describes past projects and the impact of the spaces on families. It also talks about ideas for future projects like a mobile sensory unit, collaborating with schools on building projects, and partner...

Jordyn DiOrio discusses her journey starting a side hustle jewelry business that eventually led to venture capital funding and a partnership with Nordstrom. She shares the reality of scaling a retail business and lessons learned along the way. Jordyn also discusses her Consulting business and her changing definition of what it means to be successful.  Sponsors for the Episode: The Scout Guide Minn...

Rich tells us his story of wanting to go to he marines, framing homes, learning the ropes of remodeling, working in a cabinet shop, a rustic reclaimed wood shop and starting a business during a recession to make ends meet. One thing is clear, the american can do spirit is alive and thriving in the Hipp household and tempered with the heart of an honest craftmsan who loves his craft and his clients...

Barak Steenlage a custom home builder in Minnesota joins Mark to discuss the evolution of Anchor Builders. They discuss the challenges of custom home design and keeping projects on budget. Barak describes his involvement with NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and how it has helped him grow as a builder. They also cover topics like company culture, land development, and the fut...

Desi Creswell, an interior designer turned life and business coach, shares how experiencing a career burnout from trying to balance her new life as a mom with her business helped reclaim her spark. She discusses how the switch flipped once she made the transition to coaching, and why this path was a more fulfilling option to her. With the mindset of giving the advice she needed herself when she wa...

Chad & Ryan Hanson have loved architecture since they can remember. After establishing their start in real estate by flipping houses, they left their corporate IT days behind and have never looked back. With the knowledge gained from their flipping experience as well as the following they developed because of it, they soon made the transition to building clients their own custom homes. Realizing t...

Ian Planchon, half of the two person team of 515 Productions, discusses how he and his wife, Lynn got their start in the world of media, and how this led them to found their own production company. He shares the growth devolopment their business has seen over the past 20 years by continuing to follow their passion and constantly learning along the way. There is power in telling your story, and Ian...

Lance Anderson, CEO and founder of Admit One Home Systems joins Mark to share his journey from IT to founding his own company. He discusses how he found his niche in custom home technologies, and how essential it is to empower himself and his team to work confidently and independently. With a focus on the luxury residential market, Lance and his team are hands-on with essentially all aspects of te...