#123 | Build Buzz at the Contractor Coalition Summit in Omaha | Building for the Future: How Contractors Stay Relevant and Resilient in Uncertain Times
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 from onboarding key staff and leveraging AI tools, to future-proofing your business and building a brand that stands out. If you're looking to learn from people who've been through industry ups and...
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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 1: Hiring, Firing & Keeping the Right People with Katie Kath
The Curious Builder
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 perfection is a myth—and sometimes, a lawsuit is just tuition for the next level. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live...
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#122 | Laura and Joshua Tays | Tays and Co. | The Secret Ingredient Behind Tays & Co’s Award-Winning Design Magic
The Curious Builder
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 episode is equal parts inspiration, relationship goals, and behind-the-scenes look at the creative process—from humble playrooms to stunning dream homes. Support the show -...
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Q & A | “Happy Trails & Dr. Death”: What Happens If Your Builder Dies?
The Curious Builder
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 very on-brand. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the...
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#121 | Mary Wozniak | Shadowfalls Design | 43 Years, No Website, All Word of Mouth
The Curious Builder
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 privacy to navigating challenges and embracing the changing design industry. The conversation is full of warmth, personal anecdotes (including the famous inside-out couch!), and offers great advice on...
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Q & A | From Scroll to Sale: Building a Smarter Funnel
The Curious Builder
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 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...
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#120 | Billy Beson | Billy Beson Company | Authentic Design, Family, and Setting Boundaries
The Curious Builder
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 touching stories, laughs, and some honest takes on today’s design trends, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the people side of building beautiful homes. Support the show - ...
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Q & A | Part 2: Profits, Purpose & Positive Tornadoes: A Q&A with Mark
The Curious Builder
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 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...
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#119 | Mark LaLiberte | Construction Instruction | Teaching Builders to Think Better with Mark LaLiberte
The Curious Builder
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...
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Q & A | “Dad, Why Do You Build Houses?” A Father’s Day Q&A with Mark & May Williams
The Curious Builder
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 entrepreneurs and parents alike. Listen to the full episode now for some extra fun!
info_outlineWhat’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 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:
Olive and Vine Socials: https://oliveandvinesocials.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