The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

Thursday Therapy | Vulnerability, Grief, & Surviving the Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams and Morgan Molitor dive into the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and building, highlighting the importance of community, mental health, and real connection in the industry. They share personal stories about the challenges and joys of running a business, emphasize the value of vulnerability, and discuss how vital it is to support one another—especially during tough times. Listeners walk away reminded that while the journey can be incredibly hard, no one truly has to go it alone.

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://construction2style.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/construction2style/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-molitor

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

#140 | Nick Schiffer | NS Builders | From Haters to Headlines: How Nick Schiffer Turned Skepticism Into a Masterpiece Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Nick Schiffer of NS Builders to dive deep into the journey of building the iconic 45 White Oak home. They chat about the challenges of pushing boundaries in luxury spec building, the importance of team effort and relentless vision, and how storytelling and true craftsmanship can shape both a project and an industry. Along the way, they share lots of behind-the-scenes insights, funny stories, and talk about the ripple effect that comes from following your passion—even when it makes you look a little crazy.

Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop

See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events

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: Nick Schiffer's Website: https://www.nickschiffer.com/ NS Builders' Website: https://www.nsbuilders.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nsbuilders/

Q & A | How a $2.4 Billion Lawsuit Led to a Builder's Comeback: Chicago Summit Stories You Need to Hear Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this Q&A episode, Mark gives us a fun and honest recap of his time at the Contractor Coalition Summit in Chicago, from emotional breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes laughs and epic house tours. He talks about the power of opening up, the need for boundaries to create freedom, and how hanging out with other builders can totally change your business game. Plus, there are some great stories (including a wild one about a $2.4 billion lawsuit!), and plenty of good vibes for anyone in the building community.

Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop

See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events

Sponsors for the Episode:

Lake Society Magazine: Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

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

#139 | Live from Mysa Hus | The Calm You Crave, The Craft That Created It: Mysa Hus | with Marc Cabrera and Mark Brandenhoff of Pella Windows, Alex Sernick of Huber Engineered Woods, and Chris Jessen of Rockwool Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this live episode of The Curious Builder podcast, Mark brings together his crew from Pella Windows, Huber & Zip, and Rockwool for a fun and lively chat at Mysa Hus. They dig into what makes this build stand out—think cozy vibes, wellness-driven design, and the power of working with partners you actually like. It's all about pushing home building forward with teamwork, quality materials, and a genuine passion for creating spaces that just feel amazing.

Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop

See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events

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 Guests: Mysa Hus: https://www.mysahus.com/ Pella Windows: https://www.pella.com/ Huber & Zip: https://www.huberwood.com/zip-system Rockwool: https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/

Q & A | Inside 45 White Oak: Staircases, Skylights, & Serious Craftsmanship Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

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

Lake Society Magazine: Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

#138 | Alex Little | Little Financial | From Broke to Booked: Builder Finance Hacks Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

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

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/

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

Show notes

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

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/

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

Show notes

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

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/

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

Show notes

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

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

Lake Society Magazine: Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

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

Show notes

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

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