The Curious Builder

Connect with Dagan Koffler:

www.dagandesignconstruction.com

Where to find the Guest:

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.

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#40 Mike & Andrew LeJeune | Glass Art Design | Culture and Relationships Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Mike and Andrew LeJeune discuss growing their family glass business, Glass Art Design, through culture, relationships, improving systems, and treating employees and customers with respect.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Connect with Mike & Andrew LeJeune:

Where to find the Guest:Website: Glass Art Design Glass and Mirror Minnesota Instagram Glass Art Design Glass and Mirror Minnesota Facebook: Glass Art Design Glass and Mirror Minnesota LinkedIn: Glass Art Design Glass and Mirror Minnesota Pintrest: Glass Art Design

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#39 Alex Lelchuk | Lelch | LIVE Event Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Alex Lelchuk joins us for the second Live Curious Builder Podcast from his event venue The Lowlands in Saint Paul, MN. He shares his inspiring story of immigrating from Belarus to the US as a young child and growing up to start his own Audio and Video company, Lelch. Alex discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges of running and growing multiple businesses.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Connect with Alex Lelchuk:

Lelch

The Low Lands

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#38 Christine Marvin | Marvin Windows | Company & Community Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Christine Marvin discusses Marvin Windows' history starting with her great-grandfather moving to Warroad, Minnesota in 1904. She explains Marvin's product innovations over the decades and how they focus on sustainability. Christine also talks about Marvin's marketing strategies including partnerships, social media presence, and supporting local home tours.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Connect with Christine Marvin:

LinkedIn Marvin

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#37 Ryan Jones | Stonegate Builders | Saying No Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Ryan Jones joins Mark to discuss his passion for construction and breaks down the multi-faceted aspects that are involved in it's process. Ryan shares how his background has benefited his work, and what he continues to learn from the community around him. As many others in the industry can attest, self-educating is almost standard for construction. Ryan discusses the pros and cons to this, and why networking to build a stronger community is necessary to the success of your company. Ryan also shares his experience prioritizing his time and energy, and how saying no can help your business grow. Tune in to hear more!

Sponsors for the Episode:

Where to find the Guest:

Stonegate Builders

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#36 Danielle Yegge & Joe Braun | Style & Structure | Educate the Homeowner Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

Danielle Yegge and Joe Braun of Style and Structure discuss their marketing strategies on social media that have helped grow their brand, including creating fun videos. They also talk about their building process, working with clients, writing a book, and producing a podcast to help educate homeowners. Danielle and Joe describe how they continue learning in the industry through seminars, code books, and seeing what other builders are doing.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Where to find the Guest:

Joe Braun & Danielle Yegge

Style & Structure

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#35 James Vagle | Housing First Minnesota | Modernizing Zoning Regulations Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

James Vagle, CEO of Housing First Minnesota, discusses the state's shortage of 60,000-90,000 housing units with builder Mark Williams. Vagle explains how modernizing zoning regulations and increasing land supply could help address high construction costs and the shortage. He also outlines Housing First Minnesota's efforts to promote careers in the trades and increase awareness of opportunities in the industry.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Housing First Minnesota Instagram

Where to find the Guest:

James Vagle

Company Website

Parade of Homes Instagram

Linked In

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#34 Mark Ostrom | The Joy Collaborative | Crafting Joy Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of The Cursious Builder Mark Ostrom joins to discuss The Joy Collaborative. A nonprofit that designs therapeutic spaces for children with disabilities or life-limiting conditions. It describes past projects and the impact of the spaces on families. It also talks about ideas for future projects like a mobile sensory unit, collaborating with schools on building projects, and partnerships with companies to sponsor spaces. The discussion highlights how design can empower children and shift their futures through accessibility and experiences tailored to their specific needs.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Where to find the Guest:

Mark Ostrom

Where to find the Co Host:

Jordyn DiOrio

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#33 Jordyn DiOrio | JDP Consult Co | The Reality of Scaling Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Jordyn DiOrio discusses her journey starting a side hustle jewelry business that eventually led to venture capital funding and a partnership with Nordstrom. She shares the reality of scaling a retail business and lessons learned along the way. Jordyn also discusses her Consulting business and her changing definition of what it means to be successful.

Sponsors for the Episode:

Where to find the Guest:

Jordyn DiOrio

Connect with Mark D. Williams:

#32 Rich Hipp | Hipp Cabinetry | The Wood Butcher of Buffalo Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

Rich tells us his story of wanting to go to he marines, framing homes, learning the ropes of remodeling, working in a cabinet shop, a rustic reclaimed wood shop and starting a business during a recession to make ends meet. One thing is clear, the american can do spirit is alive and thriving in the Hipp household and tempered with the heart of an honest craftmsan who loves his craft and his clients.

Sponsors for the Episode: