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 downs—and want some actionable tips for thriving in construction—this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

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.

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 staying true to your values while growing as an entrepreneur.

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.

Industry veteran and Construction Instruction co-founder Mark LaLiberte joins Mark to share insights from his 30+ year career in building science. From sustainability to trade education, Mark is on a mission to raise the standards of the construction world—and he’s not afraid to speak candidly about where we’re still missing the mark.

Zion Boot Camp was part retreat, part reset, and all about real growth. Tune in for a candid group recap of what went down—morning kettlebell circuits, canyon hikes, Jeffersonian firepit talks, and what it really means to lead a life that supports both wellness and business success.

What do Macy’s department stores, Harvard Business School, Sedona home builds, and mentoring women in construction have in common? Architect and designer Nancy Weinman. In this inspiring episode, Nancy chats with Mark about her multi-decade career, her thoughts on value engineering, building client trust, and why confidence—and kindness—are two of the most powerful tools in business.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Mark sits down with Heather Tankersley—builder, business owner, mom, and all-around powerhouse. They talk about how high-performing entrepreneurs in the trades can manage burnout, set boundaries, and protect their energy while leading growing teams and busy households. They also discuss the importance of building a company with heart, the impact of the Contractor Coalition, and why giving back to your community is just as important as turning a profit.

From window installs to wellness trends, we’re covering it all. Mark is joined by Jenn Tuetken, the Director of Innovation & Design, who brought you Pella’s innovative Steady Set™ system. They talk R&D, jobsite safety, reducing install times, and how a small insight led to a big industry shift. Plus: IBS trade show stories, cold plunge culture, and the power of storytelling in product design. If you’ve ever wondered how the pros actually innovate—this one’s for you.

Culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of growth. In this episode, Sunny Bowman shares how her team lives their values, why EOS transformed communication, and how being a woman in a male-dominated space became her superpower. This one’s for any business owner looking to scale with soul.

In this lively episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams and a group of six builders from around the country chat about their experiences participating in the 75 Hard challenge. They dive into how this intense mental and physical program taught them about discipline, the power of community, and the lasting changes they've implemented in their lives, both professionally and personally. Along the way, they share funny stories, surprising insights, and the newfound habits they're carrying into the new year. Whether you're curious about 75 Hard or looking for a dose of motivation, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration and camaraderie among builders who are always pushing themselves to be better.

In this episode, Mark hangs out with Sam and Andrew Teitt from Bellepoint Company, and they have a great chat about the heart and soul that goes into home building. They dive into how important it is to make homes that really fit the way people live, and how building awesome relationships with clients is at the core of everything they do. Plus, they share some cool insights on running a family business and hiring for the future. You won't want to miss it!

In this episode of The Curious Builder, hosted by Mark Williams, Scott Beebe from Business on Purpose shares valuable insights on the importance of systems and coaching in business. Scott discusses how predictable systems and a solid coaching framework can help business owners manage effectively and avoid chaos, allowing room for creativity and personal connection. Whether you're looking to streamline operations or prepare your business for sale, Scott's expertise offers a roadmap to achieve your goals while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Get ready for a high-energy conversation on branding, business, and creative thinking with Mark Williams and special guest Drew Reilley of Slash Creative. They cover everything from the importance of brand strategy to why some logos become iconic while others fade into the background. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making a brand unforgettable, this episode is a must-listen.