• Q & A | Inside 45 White Oak: Staircases, Skylights, & Serious Craftsmanship
    Nov 6 2025

    In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark takes you inside one of the most talked-about custom homes in the country: Nick Schiffer's 45 White Oak. From hand-troweled plaster to 800-lb sliding doors and a $250K sculptural staircase, this tour is packed with "moments of delight" and mind-blowing craftsmanship. Hear how a retired plaster artisan came out of retirement for one last project—and why this modern home in Cape Cod feels more like a grounded sanctuary than a showpiece. Bonus: Mark finally admits that not all skylights are evil.

    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:

    Sauna Camp
    Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

    Lake Society Magazine:
    Website: 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

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    31 mins
  • #138 | Alex Little | Little Financial | From Broke to Booked: Builder Finance Hacks
    Nov 3 2025

    What does a recovering accountant, a fractional CFO, and a former would-be pararescue jumper have in common? It's all Alex Little of Little Financial. In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark and Alex dive into the silent profit killers hiding in your business, what the heck a 2% leak is, and why cash in the bank doesn't always mean profit. Alex drops gold on everything from project KPIs to better billing habits and why you can't delegate your wealth. If you're making money but feel broke—this one's for you.

    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
    Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

    Adaptive
    Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

    Sauna Camp
    Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

    Where to find the Guest:
    Website: https://www.little-financial.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562216836302
    Little Financial's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-financial-services
    Alex Little's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexlittle/

    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

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Q & A | Behind the Scenes at Sauna Camp 2.0: How Builders Build Community (and Sweat Together)
    Oct 30 2025

    In this Q&A episode, Mark gives us the scoop on Sauna Camp 2.0, the buzz around the epic 45 White Oak build, and what's happening with his own Mysa Hus project. He opens up about leadership hiccups, the ups and downs of running a construction team, and why wellness and good vibes matter when building standout homes. If you're into behind-the-scenes stories, practical builder tips, and a few laughs along the way, this one's right up your alley!

    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
    Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

    Adaptive
    Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

    Sauna Camp
    Website: https://www.saunacamps.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

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    22 mins
  • #137 | Ami Harari | LA Build Corp | Recession, Failure, & $12,000 Mistakes: Inside the Grit of L.A. Build Corp
    Oct 27 2025

    In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with Ami Harari from L.A. Build Corp and gets real about what it's like to build homes (and a business) in Los Angeles. Ami shares his journey from the Israeli military to moving trucks to leading a top-notch construction company—and all the wild twists along the way. They swap stories about hustling through hard times, learning from mistakes, building great teams, and keeping clients happy. Plus, a few laughs about dirt biking and life in LA! If you want some honest insight and good energy, this one's a fun listen.

    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
    Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

    Contractor Coalition Summit:
    Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

    Adaptive
    Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

    Where to find the Guest:
    Website: https://labuildcorp.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labuildcorp/

    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

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Q & A | Closing Out the Year With a Bang: The Builder's Playbook for Success, Strategy, & Sanity
    Oct 23 2025

    Mark's back with a solo Q&A episode that hits all the good stuff—business strategy, team communication, self-leadership, and building wealth like you build a house: with a plan. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at the live Mysa Hus event, how he's using Fridays for deep work, and why the "losers are winners" mindset still fuels everything. A short but mighty episode to kick your end-of-year planning into gear.

    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:

    Contractor Coalition Summit:
    Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

    Lake Society Magazine:
    Website: 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

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    23 mins
  • #136 | Ali Awad | Awad Architects | Architects vs. Builders: How Ali Awad Thrived Where Most Clash
    Oct 20 2025

    On this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark hangs out with Ali Awad from Awad Architects and they dive into Ali's journey—everything from running a design-build partnership for 25 years to the behind-the-scenes of working on tons of homes in Southwest Minneapolis. They swap stories about what makes partnerships work, why good client relationships matter, and even talk about bringing personality into architectural design. If you're into building, designing, or just love a good "how'd they do that?" chat, this episode's packed with cool insights and real talk.

    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
    Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

    Contractor Coalition Summit:
    Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

    Adaptive
    Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

    Where to find the Guest:
    Website: https://awadarchitects.com/
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/awadarchitects

    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

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    54 mins
  • Q & A | From Imposter Syndrome to Profit: Alumni Share Real Lessons from the Contractor Coalition Summit
    Oct 16 2025

    On this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with alumni from the Contractor Coalition Summit—Brad Robinson, Danielle and Michael Gutelli, and Jared Miller—to talk about how the summit totally changed the game for their businesses and personal lives. They swap stories about learning from top builders, building real friendships, leveling up with new business strategies like pre-construction agreements, and even discovering the magic of setting boundaries. If you've ever wondered if investing in industry events is worth it, their stories say "absolutely!"

    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
    Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

    Contractor Coalition Summit:
    Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

    Adaptive
    Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

    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

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    34 mins
  • #135 | Kali Sudbrook | Beachside Custom Gyms | Home Gyms Are More Than Dumbbells: How the Wellness Boom Is Changing Homebuilding
    Oct 13 2025

    In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark hangs out with Kali Sudbrook from Beachside Custom Gyms to talk all things home wellness and fitness spaces. They share Kali's wild leap from a cushy corporate job to designing killer custom gyms, and chat about how the wellness industry is exploding in homebuilding right now. If you're into building, designing, or just want your own awesome home gym, tune in for plenty of laughs, some great advice, and why wellness spaces are absolutely the next big thing.

    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
    Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

    Contractor Coalition Summit:
    Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

    Adaptive
    Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

    Where to find the Guest:
    Website: https://beachsidegyms.com/
    Beachside Custom Gyms' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachsidecustomgyms
    Kali's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalithecontractor

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins