The Curious Builder

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams shares the Build Buzz pannel conversation at The Contractor Coalition Summit in Omaha. The panel of top-notch builders (Morgan Molitor, Brad Leavitt, Nick Shiffer, and Tyler Grace all dove into highlights, including lessons on scaling your business, smart risk-taking, and the future of contracting. They share real-world stories about everything...

Welcome to Fail Club, where losers really are winners—eventually. Mark kicks off this new multi-part series with designer and builder Katie Kath to swap war stories about team culture fails, the cost of ignoring your gut, and the power of doing the scary stuff anyway. It's unfiltered, funny, and surprisingly motivating for any builder, remodeler, or business owner who's learned the hard way that p...

In this heartwarming episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Laura and Joshua Tays of Tays and Co about their journey from humble beginnings and career pivots to becoming award-winning designers. They share the story of building their business, the challenges and joys of working as a couple, and their passion for creating timeless, welcoming spaces that feel like a big hug. The ep...

What happens to your business if you die tomorrow? In true Curious Builder fashion, Mark D. Williams turns a grim question into an insightful, funny, and oddly empowering Q&A episode. From picking a successor to gifting handyman budgets to clients, Mark outlines his personal 10-step plan to protect his team, his clients—and yes, even posthumously prank his followers. It's morbid. It's useful. It's...

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams sits down with longtime family friend and uber-talented designer Mary Wozniak from Shadow Falls Design. Mary shares her journey from running a bustling paint and design store on Grand Avenue in St. Paul to building a personal, client-centered design business and reflects on key lessons learned, from valuing relationships and privac...

What's the point of a beautiful website or an aesthetic Instagram if no one takes the next step? In this episode, Mark and Alyssa explore the full sales funnel—from awareness to action—and how blogging, Pinterest, and email marketing each play a role. Plus: the hourglass sales strategy you didn't know you needed.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming li...

In this episode of The Curious Builder, host Mark Williams sits down with legendary Minneapolis interior designer Billy Beson for a heartfelt and lighthearted conversation. They explore Billy's journey in design, the importance of setting boundaries for work-life balance, the value of mentorship and genuine relationships, and the impact of building with heart rather than just for scale. With touch...

Mark's back with a quote-fueled episode series that covers everything from why your best clients are often the most profitable, to how slow seasons can set the stage for big growth. Plus, he explores how overachievers thrive, why goals matter, and what business builders can learn from training for a race.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live event...

Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events   The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and...

What happens when your nine-year-old becomes the podcast host? In this special Father's Day Q&A, Mark's daughter May takes the mic to ask the big questions about business, building, and freedom. It's sweet, insightful, and unexpectedly hilarious—from chucking lumber out windows as a kid to explaining why relationships matter in custom home building. A fun, heart-forward listen for curious entrepre...

Zion Boot Camp was part retreat, part reset, and all about real growth. Tune in for a candid group recap of what went down—morning kettlebell circuits, canyon hikes, Jeffersonian firepit talks, and what it really means to lead a life that supports both wellness and business success.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events - https://www.curious...

Mark's back with a quote-fueled episode series that covers everything from why your best clients are often the most profitable, to how slow seasons can set the stage for big growth. Plus, he explores how overachievers thrive, why goals matter, and what business builders can learn from training for a race.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live event...

What do Macy's department stores, Harvard Business School, Sedona home builds, and mentoring women in construction have in common? Architect and designer Nancy Weinman. In this inspiring episode, Nancy chats with Mark about her multi-decade career, her thoughts on value engineering, building client trust, and why confidence—and kindness—are two of the most powerful tools in business.   Support the...

In this heartfelt episode, Mark sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors. From wedding photography to running a full-service interior design firm, Melissa shares how personal experiences, creative resilience, and an obsession with "moments of delight" shaped the mission behind Oho. Expect laughter, vulnerability, and real talk about what it takes to build a...

This week, Mark gets reflective—sharing the quotes that have stuck with him through 21 years in construction. He talks client psychology, setting realistic expectations, working as a team, and why square footage isn't nearly as important as how a home feels. A great listen for builders, designers, and anyone who's ever tried to get a vision off the ground.   Support the show - https://www.curiousb...

After more than four decades in the building world, Don Forsman has seen—and built—it all. In this episode, Don shares how he started with a roofing hatchet and ended up leading one of Minnesota's most respected custom home firms, Welch Forsman. From hiring philosophies to client psychology, selling his business to learning from mistakes, Don gets honest about the highs, lows, and hard-won lessons...

In this special Q&A episode, Mark recaps the inaugural Curious Builder Bootcamp held in Zion National Park. From early morning journaling and kettlebell workouts to canyon rappelling and Jeffersonian-style campfire chats, hear how 12 builders unplugged from daily life to reconnect with themselves and each other. It wasn't just a retreat—it was a reset.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuild...

Rick and Amy Hendel didn't just win National Builder of the Year—they earned it through years of refining their business, investing in their team, and leading with values. In this episode, they share what's changed (and what hasn't) since their last appearance, the systems that drive their growth, and the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference. If you want to run a tighter business, lead...

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...