Q & A Episode 38 - Pricing Pitfalls: How to Guide Clients Through the Toughest Part of a Build
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.
Q & A Episode 37 - Surviving the Supply Chain Squeeze: Real Talk for Builders
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.
Q & A Episode 36 - Designing with Nature: The Unique Story of Honey Hill
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 future of home building.
Q & A Episode 35 - Lessons I Wish I Knew: 20+ Years of Building and Business
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.
Q & A Episode 34 - Inside the International Builders’ Show 2025: Key Takeaways & Tips
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!
Q & A Episode 33 - Maximize Your Brand Opportunities at IBS with Mark Williams' Expert Advice
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 episode to discuss what happened at the show and invites listeners to check out the Curious Builder Boot Camp, emphasizing wellness and networking without the distraction of phones.
Q & A Episode 32 - Sales: Tips + Takeaways #2
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 boost their sales game.
Q & A Episode 31 - Sales: Tips + Takeaways #1
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 storytelling and learning from both wins and mess-ups to boost future sales.
Q & A Episode 30 - Beyond Aesthetics: How Luxury Homes Are Prioritizing Health
In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats about the latest buzz in luxury homes—wellness suites! These are all about blending saunas, cold plunges, and good vibes with smart home designs to boost health and happiness. Mark also dishes on the importance of choosing materials that are kind to both us and the planet and how storytelling can really help clients get on board with these wellness trends.
Q & A Episode 29 - Culture vs. Strategy: Brad and Mark Talk Shop
In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats with Brad Robinson Bradford from Bradford Custom Homes and Remodeling about the importance of setting goals, maintaining robust team communication, and the challenges of scaling a business. They dive into personal anecdotes about balancing work and life, the significance of regular employee check-ins, and the influence of leadership styles on team performance. Plus, they share some fun and quirky moments about Minnesota's chilly adventures and the power of collective inspiration.
Q & A Episode 28 - From Failures to Success: Insider Tips from a Veteran Builder
In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams talks about the ups and downs of running a business and why it's crucial to stay steady during tough times. He shares some personal stories about navigating a challenging year, the importance of persistence, and how small builders make a big impact on society. Plus, Mark highlights the benefits of joining the Curious Collectives for those looking to connect and grow with other like-minded pros.
Q & A Episode 27 - How Sauna Camp Can Kickstart Your 2025 Goal Setting!
In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams kicks off the new year with a sneak peek into his ambitious goal-setting strategies and exciting plans for 2025. From launching the Mysa Hus project to training for a 100-mile trail run, Mark shares how he intends to stay focused and energized both personally and professionally. Plus, don’t miss the scoop on the upcoming Sauna Camp wellness retreat at Lake Minnewashta and other inspiring events.
Q & A Episode 26 - Little Builders with Big Dreams: You Won't Believe Their Answers!
In this fun and heartwarming kids edition of The Curious Builder Podcast, May, Simon, and Tate share their adorable and creative business ideas, who they’d love to work with, and the books that inspire them. The episode kicks off with Mark announcing an exciting wellness retreat. Join us for a dose of youthful imagination and community spirit!
Q & A Episode 25 - The Power of One: How One Scary Goal Can Change Everything in 2025!
In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams dives deep into the idea of Misogi, a Japanese tradition of taking on one challenging task each year to shape the remaining days positively. Reflecting on his own past year and pondering goals for 2025, Mark emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, facing fears, and striving for personal growth, while also keeping us excited about the upcoming Sauna Camp in Minnesota.
Q & A Episode 24 - Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Clients Buy Direct with Guest Brad Robinson
On this episode of the Curious Builder Q+A, host Mark Williams is joined by Brad Robinson of Bradford Custom Homes. They discuss a hot topic in the builder industry: direct buying. They’ll go into the details of their own experiences with clients direct buying, the pitfalls that come with it, and why they have a different approach. It’s an insightful episode into why you shouldn’t let your clients buy direct, even if on the surface it seems like a better deal for them—because it can compromise your entire project.
Q & A Episode 23 - How Signing a 2x4 Can Change Your Legacy Forever!
In this episode of The Curious Builder, host Mark Williams dives into the concepts of legacy and brand experience, offering insights into what drives builders to create meaningful projects. He reflects on his own motivations, shares heartwarming anecdotes about the homes he's built, and discusses the importance of curiosity and authenticity in the building industry. It's a thought-provoking and heartfelt exploration of what it means to leave a lasting impact through one's work.
Q & A Episode 22 - Can Saying "Thank You" Transform Your Business?
In this special Thanksgiving edition of "Q & A with Mark D. Williams," Mark reflects on gratitude, sharing heartwarming stories of clients, friends, and colleagues who have profoundly impacted his life and career. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, community support, and the timeless value of saying thank you. Join us for a heartfelt episode filled with appreciation and inspiration!
Q & A Episode 21 - Learning from Bid Losses and Crafting Year-End Strategies
In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams dishes out his favorite time management hacks that keep him sane as an entrepreneur and podcast host. He chats about everything from time blocking and tackling top tasks, to keeping a good balance between work and family. Plus, he shares how setting boundaries and squeezing in some “me” time can make all the difference.
Q & A Episode 20 - Managing Time Like a Pro: Builder's Tips on Efficient Scheduling
In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams dishes out his favorite time management hacks that keep him sane as an entrepreneur and podcast host. He chats about everything from time blocking and tackling top tasks, to keeping a good balance between work and family. Plus, he shares how setting boundaries and squeezing in some “me” time can make all the difference.
Q & A Episode 19 - Empowering Female Builders: How The Curious Builder Podcast Plans to Shape 2025
In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams dives into what's next for the show and the broader Curious Builder brand in 2025. He shares goals like featuring more diverse voices, especially women in construction, and increasing nationwide reach. Plus, exciting plans for live events, wellness retreats, and small-group builder collectives are on the horizon to inspire and connect industry professionals. Tune in to catch all the details!