#85 | Nancy Nelsen-Flom | Stark Carpet | Navigating Business and Family
Release Date: 10/28/2024
#116 | Melissa Oholendt | Oho Interiors | Creating Moments of Delight: The Oho Interiors Philosophy
The Curious Builder
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 brand—and a home—that changes lives. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events...
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Q & A | Crafting Homes with Intention, Not Just Tools
The Curious Builder
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.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...
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#115 | Don Forsman | Welch Forsman Associates | Scaling with Heart: 40 Years of Craft, Care & Construction
The Curious Builder
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 that shaped his career. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host...
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Q & A | Kettlebells, Campfires & Canyons: The Zion Retreat Recap
The Curious Builder
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.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...
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#114 | Rick and Amy Hendel | Hendel Homes | Building a Business That Lasts: Lessons from National Builder of the Year
The Curious Builder
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 better, and think bigger—this one’s for you. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events -...
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#113 | Julia Starzyk | Star Projects | From London with Lessons: A Global Perspective on Building & Design
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/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...
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Q & A | Preconstruction Power: Preventing Chaos Before You Break Ground
The Curious Builder
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.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...
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#112 | Morgan Molitor | Construction2Style, BuildHer Retreat, Contractor Coalition Summit | The Power of Showing Up: Morgan Molitor on Retreats, Resilience & Relationships
The Curious Builder
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. 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...
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Q & A | The Power of Blogging: Educate, Elevate & Build Trust with Alyssa Abbott
The Curious Builder
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 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 and SEO nerd-outs to real client stories and AI tools, this episode is packed with honest insights on how to make blogging actually work for your business — without adding another thing to your already full plate....
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#111 | Angela and David Pencsak | Pencsak Builders | From Fine Dining to Floor Plans: A Second Act with Heart
The Curious Builder
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 - 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,...
info_outlineIn this episode of "The Curious Builder," Nancy Nelson-Flom shares the inspiring journey of evolving her company, discussed her landmark sale to Stark, and highlighted the importance of long-term relationships in business. We dive into life at International Market Square, the balance between work and personal life, and navigating leadership transitions. It's a great listen for anyone curious about building a business from the ground up while maintaining personal integrity and vision.
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 scopes. Whether you’re looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life.
Sponsors for the Episode:
Pella
https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/
Adaptive:
https://www.instagram.com/adaptivebuilds/
Lake Society Magazine:
https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/
Where to find the Host:
Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/
Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/
Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc