Sometimes “just get through it” is the worst advice ever. In this Losers Are Winners episode, Mark sits down with Allyson Case of Integro Builders to unpack what happens when you ignore your gut, protect the wrong people, and stick with a project that should’ve ended ages ago. From bad architects to bad breakups (and the clients caught in the middle), it’s a brutally honest peek at how one of Chicago’s top builders learned when to call it — and why consistency is kinder than favors.

Welcome to Fail Club, where losers really are winners—eventually. Mark kicks off this new 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Alyssa Abbott of Olive & Vine to explore the power of blogging for builders, designers, and home brands. 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.

Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting to think about your marketing strategy, you'll walk away with simple ways to use content that converts curious browsers into loyal clients.

In this special Q&A episode, Mark D. Williams sits down with Mark Ostrom, founder of Joy Collaborative, to discuss their upcoming “Pairings” fundraising event on May 29. They explore how design and construction professionals can make a tangible, local impact for families with life-limiting disabilities—one room, one child, one story at a time. Hear about the Joymobile, Jaden’s inspiring transformation, and how you can be part of something that truly matters.

Curious about Buildertrend University? Mark shares why he took his entire team to Omaha for hands-on training, how they went from a 17/100 health score to a strategy for real improvement, and what it means to truly implement instead of just attend. From AI tools to better templates, this one’s for builders looking to scale smarter.

Great builds start with great communication. In this candid solo episode, Mark shares his approach to managing expectations during the design and pricing phase—including how to spot red flags, ask smarter questions, and protect both your client and your business. A must-listen for builders who want to lead with clarity and confidence.

In this quick and candid conversation, Mark and Sunny break down the real-world impact of tariffs on Canadian lumber, aluminum, and steel—and how those costs trickle into every part of a build. If you haven’t updated your contract language lately, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Curious Builder, we dive into the story behind Honey Hill, a unique luxury development in Orono, MN. Mark Williams is joined by Tom and Shaun from Aspect Design Build to discuss how this project came to life, the importance of collaboration over competition, and why thoughtful design makes all the difference. Tune in for insights into land development, branding, and the future of home building.

What are the biggest lessons I’ve learned in 20+ years of building? In this Q+A episode, I dive into the importance of brand storytelling, pre-construction agreements, client qualification, and why understanding your cash flow is crucial. If you’re looking to grow your business, avoid costly mistakes, and streamline your process, this episode is for you.

In 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!

In this episode of The Curious Builder podcast, host Mark Williams shares his game plan for attending the upcoming International Builder Show (IBS). With a focus on brand partnerships for his upcoming spec home project, Mysa Hus, Mark offers insights on product exploration, wellness in building, and the importance of planning and networking at such a massive event. He also teases a follow-up episode to discuss what happened at the show and invites listeners to check out the Curious Builder Boot Camp, emphasizing wellness and networking without the distraction of phones.

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams continues his chat about sales tips from the recent Minneapolis collective meetup. He shares the importance of using CRM systems to keep track of leads and dives into building solid relationships with clients and partners like designers and architects. Packed with great advice, Mark makes it super relatable and helpful for builders trying to boost their sales game.