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.

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams gets into some seriously game-changing sales tips for builders. He shares insights from recent Curious Builder Collective meet-ups, where they chatted about everything from asking for referrals (seriously, just ask!) to using educational blog content and staying consistent on social media. Mark also highlights the magic of authentic storytelling and learning from both wins and mess-ups to boost future sales.

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats about the latest buzz in luxury homes—wellness suites! These are all about blending saunas, cold plunges, and good vibes with smart home designs to boost health and happiness. Mark also dishes on the importance of choosing materials that are kind to both us and the planet and how storytelling can really help clients get on board with these wellness trends.

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats with Brad Robinson Bradford from Bradford Custom Homes and Remodeling about the importance of setting goals, maintaining robust team communication, and the challenges of scaling a business. They dive into personal anecdotes about balancing work and life, the significance of regular employee check-ins, and the influence of leadership styles on team performance. Plus, they share some fun and quirky moments about Minnesota's chilly adventures and the power of collective inspiration.

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams talks about the ups and downs of running a business and why it's crucial to stay steady during tough times. He shares some personal stories about navigating a challenging year, the importance of persistence, and how small builders make a big impact on society. Plus, Mark highlights the benefits of joining the Curious Collectives for those looking to connect and grow with other like-minded pros.

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams kicks off the new year with a sneak peek into his ambitious goal-setting strategies and exciting plans for 2025. From launching the Mysa Hus project to training for a 100-mile trail run, Mark shares how he intends to stay focused and energized both personally and professionally. Plus, don’t miss the scoop on the upcoming Sauna Camp wellness retreat at Lake Minnewashta and other inspiring events.

In this fun and heartwarming kids edition of The Curious Builder Podcast, May, Simon, and Tate share their adorable and creative business ideas, who they’d love to work with, and the books that inspire them. The episode kicks off with Mark announcing an exciting wellness retreat. Join us for a dose of youthful imagination and community spirit!

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams dives deep into the idea of Misogi, a Japanese tradition of taking on one challenging task each year to shape the remaining days positively. Reflecting on his own past year and pondering goals for 2025, Mark emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, facing fears, and striving for personal growth, while also keeping us excited about the upcoming Sauna Camp in Minnesota.