The Curious Builder

Fifth-generation builder and former haberdasher (yes, really) Trapper Roderick joins Mark to talk about why building homes isn't just about blueprints—it's about people. From handwritten notes to handwritten boundaries, Trapper shares how he leads with joy, sets family-first priorities, and helps clients turn spec homes into dream investments. Also in this episode: a viral jobsite sign idea, a lau...

Kristin Reinitz is back to finish our deep dive into the world of wellness lighting at Mysa Hus, and things get real about EMFs, kill switches, and whether Faraday cages belong in family homes (spoiler alert: they don't). We talk about how your lighting impacts circadian rhythm, how good LEDs mimic the sun, and why most of your EMF problems come from the phone in your pocket. It's everything you n...

Interior designer Julia Miller is back in the hot seat—and this time, we're diving into Brunel, her brand-new custom furniture line built on intention, style, and quarter-inch precision. We unpack what it's really like to get featured in Architectural Digest, why peer compliments hit different, and how designing homes is more like writing love letters than anything else. Also: a friendly PSA to ne...

Let there be (better) light! In this episode, Mark sits down with Kristin Reinitz from Admit One and Aurora One Lighting—one of our powerhouse partners at Mysa Hus—to talk all things lighting design, warm dimming, and how not all LEDs are created equal. They dig into what makes lighting feel good, how it supports wellness, and why your electrician might just send Kristen a thank-you card. Bonus: w...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams sits down with sustainability pro Devry Boughner Vorwerk to talk all things waste, stewardship, and how even small businesses can turn their "trash into treasure." Devry Boughner Vorwerk shares awesome stories from her global adventures—think negotiating at the World Bank and helping companies go green—and gives tons of down-to-earth advice for...

In this episode, Mark Williams sits down with David Werschay from Werschay Homes to swap stories about the ups and downs of running a building business. They talk about tricky clients, learning the hard way through mistakes, and how "loser" moments can actually end up being big wins in disguise. It's full of laughs, real-life lessons, and a reminder that failing forward is just part of the journey...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark sits down with Sara and Jeremy Imhoff from Imprint Architecture, and together they dive into what it's really like running a business as a married couple—complete with all the ups, downs, and teamwork moments. They swap stories about starting their firm during tough times, the creative ways they keep pushing their designs, and why storytelling matters s...

In this episode, Mark Williams and Trapper Roderick chat about what made 2025 special for them and what they're excited about in 2026—from cool new branding ideas for their job sites to sharing some real talk about mental health and the ups and downs of being a contractor. There's plenty of humor, honest moments about family and faith, and even some creative marketing tips (plus some dumpster talk...

On this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams chats with his good friend Vincent Longo about all things building, balancing work and family, and learning from the ones that got away (including a wild story where Vince literally got knocked to the ground by fate!). They swap stories about growing their businesses, keeping family first, and even throw in some fun ideas like gap years...

On this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams dives into why coaching, leadership, and having the right people around you matter so much, sprinkling in some classic wisdom from Warren Buffett. He talks about real-life lessons learned through business ups and downs, the importance of friendships, and shares a few favorite books and upcoming events for builders and entrepreneurs. If you're i...

This week on The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark welcomes Amanda Birnie of Curio Rugs—a one-time wedding photographer turned full-time rug curator and entrepreneur. Amanda walks us through the early chaos of launching her business during the pandemic, why she believes rugs are personal works of art, and how sourcing trips, storytelling, and small-business hustle helped her carve out a niche in a sat...

In this Losers Are Winners episode, Mark sits down with Trapper Roderick—a fifth-generation builder with a past life in custom suits (yes, really). They dig into lessons from Trapper's first business (spoiler: he sold suits to NFL coaches), the power of partnerships, and why giving up control might just be the best business move you make. From equity missteps to $10M deals falling apart, this epis...

On this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams and Kelly Grace talk all about building healthier, more intentional homes—think real materials, great natural light, and actually creating spaces that help you unplug and feel good. They swap stories about everything from s'mores by the fire to keeping tech out of bedrooms and why less stuff is almost always better. The conversation is filled w...

Our annual Christmas tradition is back! In this special episode, Mark hands the mic to his 9-year-old daughter, May, who returns for a hilarious and heartwarming Q&A. From building timelines to bilingual clients to what happens if Mysa Hus doesn't sell (spoiler: auction?), nothing is off-limits. It's cozy, curious, and full of dad jokes—just how we like it. Support the show - https://www.curiousbu...

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Ted Sihpol for an incredible, rollercoaster story of resilience, mental health, and overcoming adversity. Teddy opens up about being indicted for a $2.3 billion lawsuit, facing possible prison time, losing everything—including his job and dream house—only to find a new path forward in construction. Through all the chaos,...

In this  Loser are Winners episode, Mark takes us through his funny and surprisingly eventful quest to get a fancy Toto bidet toilet installed at home—trust us, it's way more complicated (and entertaining) than you'd think! He chats about family debates, high-tech bathroom features, and some wellness-focused home upgrades coming to his Mysa Hus project. If you've ever battled over a home improveme...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark chats with friend Drew Beson about the journey of creating Mysa Hus, a cozy, wellness-focused home that's all about thoughtful design and those comfortable, cabin-like vibes. They swap stories about everything from finding the perfect floor and fireplace to assembling a dream team and leaning into Scandinavian inspiration. It's an easygoing, behind-the-...

In this Losers are Winners episode of The Curious Builder, Mark keeps it real about how builders can actually keep more of the money they earn—mainly by understanding the difference between markup and margin (spoiler: he wishes he'd known sooner!). He shares honest stories about lessons learned, why it's so important to know your numbers, and how sticking to your value can lead to happier clients...

"You don't just want more years—you want good years." That's the mindset Chris Freytag brings to wellness, content creation, and building a life you love. In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with the powerhouse behind Get Healthy U TV to talk about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why failure is often the start of your best chapter. From selling workout DVDs in the 90s...

This episode of The Curious Builder Podcast is a masterclass in building (and keeping) awesome relationships in the design and construction world. Mark Williams gets real with Amy Hendel, Melissa Oholendt, and Kristine Anderson live at Roth Living as they swap stories about winning dream clients, surviving tricky situations, and why being honest and caring always pays off. If you want to hear what...

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast - Losers Are Winners, Alyssa Abbott of Olive and Vine Socials joins Mark to talk through the real challenges of building a business you love while raising kids. We talk about everything from from hiring mistakes to breakthrough systems and finally building a team that works. Alyssa shares how loosing her "unicorn" VA was the best (and most stressful)...

What happens when your neighbor becomes your running buddy, your architectural designer, and your partner in building one of the most exciting homes of your career? In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Karl Adalbert of KA Design to talk about architecture, wellness, and the magic of designing Mysa Hus—a one-of-a-kind home rooted in na...

In this heartfelt episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams and Morgan Molitor dive into the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and building, highlighting the importance of community, mental health, and real connection in the industry. They share personal stories about the challenges and joys of running a business, emphasize the value of vulnerability, and discuss how vital it is to s...

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Nick Schiffer of NS Builders to dive deep into the journey of building the iconic 45 White Oak home. They chat about the challenges of pushing boundaries in luxury spec building, the importance of team effort and relentless vision, and how storytelling and true craftsmanship can shape both a project and an industry. Along...

In this Q&A episode, Mark gives us a fun and honest recap of his time at the Contractor Coalition Summit in Chicago, from emotional breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes laughs and epic house tours. He talks about the power of opening up, the need for boundaries to create freedom, and how hanging out with other builders can totally change your business game. Plus, there are some great stories (includ...