The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

Q & A | What I Learned at Buildertrend University (And Why You Should Go Too) Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Mark recaps his trip to Buildertrend University, where he and his team got a serious reality check on how they've been using (and under-using) the platform. Hear what stood out—from smarter use of templates to powerful new AI features—and why team buy-in is the secret ingredient to any business upgrade.

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:

Alpine:

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

Olive and Vine Socials:

Website: https://oliveandvinesocials.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

#109 | Jenn Tuetken | Pella Corporation | Window Installation Revolution: Inside Pella's Steady Set™ Innovation Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

From window installs to wellness trends, we're covering it all. Mark is joined by Jenn Tuetken, the Director of Innovation & Design, who brought you Pella's innovative Steady Set™ system. They talk R&D, jobsite safety, reducing install times, and how a small insight led to a big industry shift. Plus: IBS trade show stories, cold plunge culture, and the power of storytelling in product design. If you've ever wondered how the pros actually innovate—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

https://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.pella.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pella/

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/window-sales-and-installation/pella-windows-and-doors-pfvwus-pf~562038467?

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 | Pricing Pitfalls: How to Guide Clients Through the Toughest Part of a Build Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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

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

#108 | Sunny Bowman | Dakota County Lumber Company | Not Just Lumber: Why People, Vision & Values Are Dakota County's True Product Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Culture isn't just a buzzword—it's the foundation of growth. In this episode, Sunny Bowman shares how her team lives their values, why EOS transformed communication, and how being a woman in a male-dominated space became her superpower. This one's for any business owner looking to scale with soul.

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

https://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.dakotacountylumber.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dakota-county-lumber-company/

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/dakotacountylumber/dakota-county-lumber-co

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

#107 | The 75 Hard Builders Group | From FOMO to Focus: How 75 Hard Transformed Our Lives Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this lively episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams and a group of six builders from around the country chat about their experiences participating in the 75 Hard challenge. They dive into how this intense mental and physical program taught them about discipline, the power of community, and the lasting changes they've implemented in their lives, both professionally and personally. Along the way, they share funny stories, surprising insights, and the newfound habits they're carrying into the new year. Whether you're curious about 75 Hard or looking for a dose of motivation, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration and camaraderie among builders who are always pushing themselves to be better.

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

https://www.adaptive.build

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 | Surviving the Supply Chain Squeeze: Real Talk for Builders Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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

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

#106 | Sam and Andrew Teitt | The Bellepoint Company | Homebuilding With Heart: Celebrating Bellepoint's Family Values Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark hangs out with Sam and Andrew Teitt from Bellepoint Company, and they have a great chat about the heart and soul that goes into home building. They dive into how important it is to make homes that really fit the way people live, and how building awesome relationships with clients is at the core of everything they do. Plus, they share some cool insights on running a family business and hiring for the future. You won't want to miss it!

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

https://www.adaptive.build

Lake Society Magazine:

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

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://thebellepointcompany.com/

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

Houzz: http://www.houzz.com/photos/query/bellepoint

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 | Designing with Nature: The Unique Story of Honey Hill Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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

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

#105 | Scott Beebe | My Business On Purpose | Escape the Chaos: How to Transform Your Business! Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, hosted by Mark Williams, Scott Beebe from Business on Purpose shares valuable insights on the importance of systems and coaching in business. Scott discusses how predictable systems and a solid coaching framework can help business owners manage effectively and avoid chaos, allowing room for creativity and personal connection. Whether you're looking to streamline operations or prepare your business for sale, Scott's expertise offers a roadmap to achieve your goals while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

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

https://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebeebe/

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 | Lessons I Wish I Knew: 20+ Years of Building and Business Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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

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