The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

#83 | Troy and Jo Eiden | Modern Design Cabinetry | From Farm Shed to Success Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 83 of "The Curious Builder," Mark Williams chats with Troy and Jo Eiden of Modern Design Cabinetry about their incredible 30-year journey growing their cabinetry business from a small shed to a thriving enterprise with 65 employees. They delve into the importance of customer service, the pros and cons of pre-finished cabinetry, and the challenges in finding skilled trade workers today. The episode is packed with insightful stories, including navigating a water-damaged installation and strategic hiring decisions that helped them shine in the industry.

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

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

Adaptive:

https://www.instagram.com/adaptivebuilds/

Where to find the Guest:

https://www.moderndesigncabinetry.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-hom es-inc

Q & A | Recap of CBUSA Summit and Contractor Coalition Summit Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

We are breaking down the breaking down the key takeaways from the recent CBUSA Summit in Minneapolis and the Contractors Coalition Summit in Boston. Don't miss it!

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

The host of the Curious Builder Posdast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. WIlliams Custom Homes Inc., 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.

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-hom es-inc

#82 Kate O'Hara | O'Hara Interiors | Scaling Your Business Without Losing Culture Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Kate O'Hara of O'Hara Interiors about the rollercoaster of business scalability, effective hiring, and the crucial art of knowing when to say no to projects for better alignment. They dig into the nitty-gritty of succession planning in family businesses, share inspiring anecdotes, and discuss the power of community support in navigating industry challenges. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable insights peppered with humor and real-life experiences!

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

Pella

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

Adaptive:

https://www.instagram.com/adaptivebuilds/

Where to find the Guest:

https://oharainteriors.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-hom es-inc

#81 Daran Wastchak | Learning Edge | Enhancing Home Building Efficiency with Daran Wastchak: Navigating Codes and Energy Solutions Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with energy efficiency guru Daran Wastchak about mastering the 2021 building code with multiple compliance pathways and the transformative power of Adaptive software for builders. They also explore the importance of open communication with code officials and share personal stories to highlight how proper building practices result in long-lasting, energy-efficient homes. Mark throws in some laughs and nostalgia, making this episode both informative and entertaining.

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

Pella

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

Adaptive:

https://www.instagram.com/adaptivebuilds/

Hellmuth & Johnson:

https://hjlawfirm.com/

Where to find the Guest:

https://www.learningedgellc.com/about

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-hom es-inc

Balancing Social Media and Traditional Marketing Strategies in the Building Industry: Q&A with Mark D. Williams Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Mark Shares the role of social media influence and word-of-mouth marketing in the building industry. He discusses the varying approaches builders can take, from embracing social media to relying on reputation and personal relationships, and the importance of providing exceptional client experiences to encourage positive recommendations.

Sponsors for the Episode:

CBUSA

Lake Society Magazine

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

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

The host of the Curious Builder Posdast 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.

#80 Matt Calvano and Reece Barnes | Adaptive | How Adaptive AI is Revolutionizing Builder Financials Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, host Mark Williams chats with Matt Calvano and Reece Barnes about the magic of blending tech with homebuilding. They dive into how Adaptive's AI-driven software is revolutionizing builders' financial management, making bookkeeping a breeze and ensuring timely, accurate data. Plus, they share exciting news about their new podcast, "Builders Budgets and Beers," aimed at helping builders handle project financials in real time, all while enjoying a good brew.

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

Pella

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

Adaptive:

https://www.instagram.com/adaptivebuilds/

Lake Society Magazine:

https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

Where to find the Guest:

Visit Adaptive's Website

Visit Adaptive's LinkdIn

Visit Adaptive's Youtube

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-hom es-inc

Mental and emotional wellness for builders: Q&A with Mark D. Williams Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Mark discusses the launch of two new events - Sauna Camp and Boot Camp - aimed at promoting wellness, community, and personal growth within the construction industry. He also announces the expansion of the Curious Builder Collective to include a group for designers.

Sponsors for the Episode:

CBUSA

Alpine Hardwood

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

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

#79 Jonathon Cremer | Evrsphere | Enhancing Workplace Wellness with Biophilic Design Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Jonathan Cremer from Eversphere about the importance of creating sustainable and healthy commercial spaces, especially post-COVID. Jonathan shares fascinating insights on biophilic design, innovative air purification technologies, and the benefits of indoor farming. Plus, Mark gives a shoutout to their unique waterproof and tear-proof stone notebooks—perfect for any builder out there!

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/

Lake Society Magazine:

https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/

Where to find the Guest:

Visit Evrsphere's Website

Visit Evrsphere's LinkdIn

Visit Evrsphere's Instagram

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-hom es-inc

Guiding Your Client Through The Renovation Vs. New Home Decision: Q&A with Mark D. Williams Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Mark Shares the key considerations in determining the right time to transition a client from a renovation to a new home, emphasizing the importance of long-term trade partner relationships, setting client expectations, and implementing effective communication strategies throughout the project management process.

Sponsors for the Episode:

CBUSA

Lake Society Magazine

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

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

#78 Zane, Jamie and Michael | Levelheads Podcast | Building Authenticity in Podcasting and Construction Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

In this fun and insightful episode of "The Curious Builder," host Mark Williams chats with Jamie Verdura, Mike Connelly, and Zane Ellis about the ups and downs of podcasting, the state of the construction market, and the importance of being genuine and relatable. The group shares laughs over past bloopers, their evolution in interviewing techniques, and the joys and challenges of securing sponsors. With a mix of humor and heartfelt advice, they explore future plans, including on-site recordings at big events and the potential for a live tour!

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://www.adaptive.build

Hellmuth & Johnson:

https://hjlawfirm.com/

Where to find the Guest:

Website: https://levelheads.podbean.com/

Where to find the Host: