The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

Losers Are Winners | Boundaries, Burnout, & Big Decisions with Nathan Marsala Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Ever bitten off more than you could build? Nathan Marsala has. In this candid convo, Mark and Nathan unpack the cost of chasing the wrong projects, the lessons hidden in late-night site visits, and how Nathan's dashboard (and daughter) helped him recalibrate. It's one of those real, raw chats that hits hard—especially if you're building a business and a family at the same time.

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:

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

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

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

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.bisongroupinc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bisongrouput/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmarsala

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

#125 | Sara Whicher and Marcy Townsend | Chisel Architecture | "Pattern of Life" Design, Wooly Mittens & the Heart Behind Chisel Architecture Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

When you combine Midwest warmth, architectural soul, and a passion for people—you get Chisel Architecture. In this episode, Mark sits down with Sara "Wooly Mittens" Whicher and Marcy Townsend to talk about their client-first design philosophy, their origin story, and what it means to design for a client's real life—not just their Pinterest board. Plus, why naming a home might be the most powerful design move of all.

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://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.chiselarch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiselarchitecture/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiselarch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chiselarchitecture

Losers Are Winners | Finding Success Through Setbacks with Caleb MacDonald Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Lets turn some big loses into some big wins. In this Losers Are Winners episode, Mark and Caleb MacDonald swap stories about their early business blunders—from failed snowboard sales to endless house cleaning gigs—and how those moments shaped them into better builders. Caleb gets real about learning from those flops, staying patient, and why having solid contracts (and good people around you) makes all the difference.

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/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.kingsridge.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsridgebuildinggroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWz9-pRdGyPNAHiffM9-bgg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-macdonald-39a791108/

#124 | Kevin and Abbie Arnold | KA Builders | What Most Builders Get Wrong About Pre-Construction (And How KA Builders Nailed It) Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Kevin and Abbie Arnold of KA Builders share their journey as a husband-and-wife team building their business in Ohio. They chat with host Mark Williams about their start in the industry, how their different backgrounds and skillsets complement each other, lessons learned from industry events, and their plans for growth—including moving markets and focusing more on project management over self-performing work. It's an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation about teamwork, adapting, and growing as young builders in a changing industry.

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://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.kabuildersohio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka_builders

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

Losers Are Winners | When to Walk Away & Trust Your Gut with Allyson Case Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

Olive and Vine Socials

Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

Contractor Coalition Summit:

Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

Lake Society Magazine:

Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.integrobuilders.com/allyson-case-anderson

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

#123 | Build Buzz at the Contractor Coalition Summit in Omaha | Building for the Future: How Contractors Stay Relevant and Resilient in Uncertain Times Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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!

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:

Contractor Coalitions Summit

Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

Pella

Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

Olive and Vine Socials

Website - https://oliveandvinesocials.com

Adaptive

https://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

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

Losers Are Winners | Hiring, Firing & Keeping the Right People with Katie Kath Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

Olive and Vine Socials

Website- https://oliveandvinesocials.com/

Alpine Hardwood

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

Lake Society Magazine:

Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

Contractor Coalition Summit:

Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/

Where to find the Guest Katie Kath:

Website: https://www.jkath.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkath_designbuild/

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

#122 | Laura and Joshua Tays | Tays and Co. | The Secret Ingredient Behind Tays & Co's Award-Winning Design Magic Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

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/

Pella

Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/

Adaptive

https://www.adaptive.build

Alpine Hardwood

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

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.taysandco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taysandcodesign/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taysandcodesign

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/taysandcodesignstudios/tays-co-design-studios

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

Q & A | "Happy Trails & Dr. Death": What Happens If Your Builder Dies? Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

Olive and Vine Socials

Website: www.oliveandvinesocials.com

Lake Society Magazine:

Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

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

#121 | Mary Wozniak | Shadowfalls Design | 43 Years, No Website, All Word of Mouth Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

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/

Olive and Vine Socials

Website - https://oliveandvinesocials.com

Adaptive

https://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://Shadowfallsdesign.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowfallsDesign/

Where to find the Host:

Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/