Q & A | Inside the International Builders’ Show 2025: Key Takeaways & Tips
Release Date: 03/06/2025
Losers are Winners | When Your Dream Job Ghosts You… and It’s a Gift in Disguise with Trapper Roderick
The Curious Builder
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 episode is a masterclass in learning the hard way—and coming out better for it. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events -...
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#146 | Kelly Grace | Travis Price Architects | LED Lights, Moldy Coffee, and Kill Switches—Is Your House Making You Sick?
The Curious Builder
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 with practical tips, personal stories, and a shared passion for creating spaces that truly support health, happiness, and connection. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See...
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Q & A | The Curious Kid: A Christmas Takeover Q&A with May
The Curious Builder
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.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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#145 | Ted Sihpol | Renaissance Partners, LLC | From Wall Street to Rock Bottom: How a $2.3 Billion Indictment Changed Everything
The Curious Builder
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, Teddy’s story is equal parts gripping and inspiring, reminding listeners that even in the worst of times, community, family, and inner strength can get you through anything. Support the show -...
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Losers are Winners | How a $5,000 Toilet Changed My Life—And Made My Kids Laugh Hysterically
The Curious Builder
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 improvement project with your family or just love a good laugh about everyday life, this one’s for you! Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events...
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#144 | Mark D. Williams & Mysa Hus | Cozy Spaces and Smart Design: Inside the Making of Mysa Hus
The Curious Builder
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-scenes look at how a house can feel like a warm hug—plus plenty of fun side tangents along the way! Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events -...
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Losers are Winners | The Costly Confusion That Nearly Sank My Business
The Curious Builder
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 and better builds. It’s a super practical, down-to-earth chat packed with advice for anyone wanting to run a smarter, more profitable building business. Support the show -...
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#143 | Chris Freytag | Get Healthy U | Getting Strong, Staying Real, & Growing in Every Season
The Curious Builder
“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 to surviving Google algorithm chaos, Chris shares how she’s stayed ahead in the digital fitness space—and what builders and designers should consider when creating truly healthy homes....
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#142 | Live at Roth Living | Women in Construction Spill: How Empathy, Integrity, & Guts Change the Game
The Curious Builder
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 really makes a job memorable (hint: it’s the people!), you’ll love all the insights and laughs in this episode. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live...
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Losers are Winners | Losing the Unicorn: What I Learned When My VA Quit
The Curious Builder
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) thing that happened this year and why structure and trust matter more than sparkle. It’s the open and honest pep talk every entrepreneur needs. Enjoy! Support the show -...
info_outlineIn 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!
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.
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