The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

#104 | Drew Reilley | Slash Creative | The Art of Branding with Drew Reilley: Strategy, Storytelling & Style Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for a high-energy conversation on branding, business, and creative thinking with Mark Williams and special guest Drew Reilley of Slash Creative. They cover everything from the importance of brand strategy to why some logos become iconic while others fade into the background. If you've ever wondered what goes into making a brand unforgettable, this episode is a must-listen.

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

https://www.adaptive.build

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://www.slash.wtf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slash.creative/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slash-creative

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 | Inside the International Builders' Show 2025: Key Takeaways & Tips Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

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!

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

#103 | R.B. Gallup | Gallup Design Build | Unlocking the Power of Core Values: Why RB Gallup Says You Can't Force Culture! Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams chats with RB Gallup from South Carolina about scaling a business, especially focusing on building and construction. RB shares his journey of buying his family business, navigating partnerships, and implementing systems like EOS to empower his team, shedding light on how he transitioned from being a hands-on manager to a strategic leader. If you're into growing your business while maintaining strong core values, this episode is packed with insights!

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.gallupdesignbuild.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gallup-design-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 | Maximize Your Brand Opportunities at IBS with Mark Williams' Expert Advice Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

#102 | Ken Rusk | Rusk Industries | Unlock the Secret: How a Former Ditch Digger Built a Million-Dollar Empire! Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats with Ken Rusk, a successful blue-collar entrepreneur and author of "Blue Collar Cash." Ken shares his journey from being a ditch digger to running a thriving business, while emphasizing the value of blue-collar jobs and the importance of finding one's personal path to success. The conversation touches on disrupting the traditional college narrative, the potential of blue-collar careers, and the significance of the intrapreneurial spirit in fostering growth and happiness within companies.

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://www.kenrusk.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175/

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 | Sales: Tips + Takeaways #2 Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

#101 | Danny Spears | Captex Construction | Behind the Beard: Danny Spears' Passion for Building and Family Success Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams hangs out with Danny Spears from Captex Construction, based in Austin. They dive into Danny's love for building not just houses, but also a strong family-centric company culture. Danny dishes out some gems about leading a team, the joys and challenges of construction, and why balancing work and family is super important to him.

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.captexconstruction.com/

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

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 | Sales: Tips + Takeaways #1 Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

#100 | Brad Leavitt | AFT Construction | How Brad Levitt Balances Business and Health in Episode 100! Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams celebrates the 100th episode with guest Brad Leavitt from AFT Construction. They dive into the highs and lows of managing a construction business, discuss the importance of scheduling and goal-setting, and touch on personal growth and wellness. Mark and Brad also explore the value of community and networking through industry events like IBS and the Curious Builder Collectives.

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: www.aftconstruction.com

AFT Podcast: https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com

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

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

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 | Beyond Aesthetics: How Luxury Homes Are Prioritizing Health Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

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