The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

Q & A | From Sweeping Floors to Six Figures: How Young People Are Crushing It in the Trades Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams talks about why we need more young people in the trades and how social media is actually making these careers look cool again. He shares why trade jobs are a great option—think good money, clear paths to grow, and that awesome feeling of building something real. Plus, he offers some down-to-earth advice on how business owners and schools can help get the next generation excited about jumping in.

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

#130 | Michelle VanVolkinburg | Baldwin General | Concrete, Culture, & Cosmetics: Michelle's Unlikely Path to Construction Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

What do Nordstrom cosmetics and concrete pours have in common? Turns out, a lot. In this heart-filled episode, Mark sits down with Michelle VanVolkinburg—Baldwin General's head of marketing and HR—to talk about company growth, the power of people-first leadership, and how Baldwin scaled from a pickup truck in Oregon to multi-family towers in Washington. It's equal parts inspiring and tactical, with culture tips, hiring truths, and one surprise helicopter pitch.

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://baldwingeneral.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baldwingeneral/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaldwinGeneralContracting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwingeneralcontracting/

Losers are Winners |The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Person with Adam Copenhaver Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Hiring mistakes, financial setbacks, and communication misfires—yep, Adam's got the receipts. In this candid conversation. Mark talks with Adam Copenhaver of CopeGrand Homes about hiring wins, hiring woes, and what happens when your culture isn't strong enough to catch a bad fit. From cultural index tests to writing painful checks, Adam opens up about what it takes to build a resilient team—and how building with your twin brother might just be the ultimate hack.

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website: https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.copegrandhomes.com/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/copegrand_homes Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CopeGrand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copegrand-homes

#129 | Jonathan Blaseg | Pebl Design | From Plants to Purpose: Landscape Design with Jonathan Blaseg Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to design a yard that's not just pretty—but purposeful? Mark sits down with Jonathan Blaseg of PEBL Design to dig into the wild (and often overlooked) world of landscape architecture. From plant psychology and drainage drama to why "just put a tree there" won't cut it—this episode uncovers how smart outdoor design shapes how we live, feel, and even parent. Plus: the shocking truth about how few landscape architects actually touch landscaping.

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website: https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://pebl.design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pebl_design/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pebl.design

Quotes to Lead By | Culture, Failure, and Finding Your Why: The Top Quotes That Transformed My Business Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark gets real about the ups and downs of running a business, parenting, and life in general. He shares some of his go-to quotes, talks about why having a solid company culture matters way more than any fancy strategy, and opens up about learning from failure (and why you shouldn't stress about being perfect). It's an insightful and down-to-earth episode packed with practical advice and a healthy dose of encouragement for anyone leading a team or building a business.

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

#128 | Aaron Tudisco | Ridge Design and Build | Lessons in Joy, Resilience, & Risk Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Aaron Tudisco of Ridge Design and Build to discuss how Aaron and his family create stunning spec homes in Sonoma, California. Aaron shares insights on their unique approach to creating standout, experience-driven homes and what it's like juggling the fun—and challenges—of running a family business.

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 https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

Alpine Hardwood Website - https://www.alpinehardwoodmn.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.ridge-design.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgedesignbuild/

Quotes to Lead By | Building Better Businesses and Lives, One Insight at a Time Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Williams gets real about his go-to quotes and how they've helped him run a better business (and just live better, too). He talks about tackling problems together, not letting perfection trip you up, and why jumping in and taking action really matters. With plenty of relatable stories, Mark offers friendly advice for building better businesses—and lives—one small improvement at a time.

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

#127 | Chris Montana | Du Nord Social Spirits | Burnout, Barrooms, & Breaking Barriers: Chris Montana's Path to Disrupting an Industry Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Chris Montana from Du Nord Social Spirits about his journey from being a lawyer to running Minnesota's first micro-distillery. Chris opens up about the importance of work-life balance (especially after having two strokes!), why building a business with community and purpose matters, and how Du Nord's story and branding evolved. It's an honest and inspiring convo about hustling smart, making a difference, and helping others see themselves as future business owners.

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://dunordsocialspirits.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/dunordspirits Facebook: facebook.com/dunordspirits

Losers Are Winners | How a Million Dollar Home Almost Ruined Me & What I Learned From It Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In this Q&A, Mark gets candid about a major setback during the 2008 recession, sharing how a failed spec home taught him some hard life and business lessons. Thanks to some wise words from his dad, he learned not to fear failure and how bouncing back can set you up for even bigger wins down the road. It's a real and relatable listen for anyone dealing with ups and downs in their career!

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

#126 | Emerson Bredin | Bredin Brothers | Inside the Wild Growth of Bredin Brothers: How 2 Brothers Changed the Canadian Cottage Game Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Emerson Bredin of Bredin Brothers, based in Muskoka, Ontario. Emerson shares how he and his brother broke into the construction business without any family background, taking the company from a carpentry crew to a 20-person operation specializing in luxury cottages and boathouses. They swap stories about building luxe lakeside retreats, dealing with crazy price swings and tariffs, and juggling business life with raising a young family—plus a little Canadian vs. US construction talk thrown in!

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/

Olive and Vine Socials Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

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

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://bredinbrothers.ca/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bredinbrothers Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bredinbrothers

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