The Curious Builder

Latest Episodes:

#151 | Julia Miller | Yond Interiors | Designing With Heart: Julia Miller on Interior Design, Imposter Syndrome, & the Power of Peer Praise Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Interior designer Julia Miller is back in the hot seat—and this time, we're diving into Brunel, her brand-new custom furniture line built on intention, style, and quarter-inch precision. We unpack what it's really like to get featured in Architectural Digest, why peer compliments hit different, and how designing homes is more like writing love letters than anything else. Also: a friendly PSA to never flip your designer's marble coffee table upside down. (Sorry again, Julia.)

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/

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

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.yondinteriors.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yondinteriors

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

Wellness and Lighting: How Kristin Reinitz Lights Up Mysa Hus Part 1 Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Let there be (better) light! In this episode, Mark sits down with Kristin Reinitz from Admit One and Aurora One Lighting—one of our powerhouse partners at Mysa Hus—to talk all things lighting design, warm dimming, and how not all LEDs are created equal. They dig into what makes lighting feel good, how it supports wellness, and why your electrician might just send Kristen a thank-you card. Bonus: we finally answer the question, "Why do electrical walkthroughs always happen on the coldest day of the year?"

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/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://auroraonelighting.com/ Website: https://admitonesystems.com/

#150 | Devry Boughner Vorwerk | Stewardverse Strategies | How Your Trash Could Be Your Biggest Moneymaker Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams sits down with sustainability pro Devry Boughner Vorwerk to talk all things waste, stewardship, and how even small businesses can turn their "trash into treasure." Devry Boughner Vorwerk shares awesome stories from her global adventures—think negotiating at the World Bank and helping companies go green—and gives tons of down-to-earth advice for making any business more efficient, sustainable, and even profitable. It's a super approachable chat full of real-world examples, fresh ideas, and lots of encouragement for anyone who wants to do good and do well at the same time.

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/

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.stewardverse.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devryboughnervorwerk/

Losers are Winners | How Risky Moves and Epic Mistakes Fueled David Werschay's Success Stories Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Williams sits down with David Werschay from Werschay Homes to swap stories about the ups and downs of running a building business. They talk about tricky clients, learning the hard way through mistakes, and how "loser" moments can actually end up being big wins in disguise. It's full of laughs, real-life lessons, and a reminder that failing forward is just part of the journey.

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

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

Sponsors for the Episode:

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

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://werschayhomes.com/

#149 | Sara and Jeremy Imhoff | Imprint Architecture + Design | From Losing It All to Building the Dream: The Untold Secrets Behind Imprint Architecture's Success Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark sits down with Sara and Jeremy Imhoff from Imprint Architecture, and together they dive into what it's really like running a business as a married couple—complete with all the ups, downs, and teamwork moments. They swap stories about starting their firm during tough times, the creative ways they keep pushing their designs, and why storytelling matters so much in architecture. It's a super relatable and inspiring chat about taking risks, trusting your gut, and finding joy in the creative process.

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/

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.imprintarchitecture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imprint.architecture/

Q & A | Mental Health, Money, & the Power of Real Talk: Trapper Roderick Gets Raw About Life in the Trades Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Williams and Trapper Roderick chat about what made 2025 special for them and what they're excited about in 2026—from cool new branding ideas for their job sites to sharing some real talk about mental health and the ups and downs of being a contractor. There's plenty of humor, honest moments about family and faith, and even some creative marketing tips (plus some dumpster talk!). It's all about appreciating the wins, learning from the tough moments, and staying hopeful for what's next.

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/

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.roderickbuilders.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roderickbuilders

#148 | Vincent Longo | Longo Custom Builders | Framing Parties, Gap Years, and Bidding Wars: Behind the Scenes with Vincent Longo Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams chats with his good friend Vincent Longo about all things building, balancing work and family, and learning from the ones that got away (including a wild story where Vince literally got knocked to the ground by fate!). They swap stories about growing their businesses, keeping family first, and even throw in some fun ideas like gap years and house signing parties. To top it off, Vince gives us some live play-by-play while he bids—and hilariously loses—on a house during the podcast.

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/

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://longocustombuilders.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longocustombuilders/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingbrewsandbbq

Q & A | The Curious Builder's Secret Network: Why Your Friends Determine Your Future Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams dives into why coaching, leadership, and having the right people around you matter so much, sprinkling in some classic wisdom from Warren Buffett. He talks about real-life lessons learned through business ups and downs, the importance of friendships, and shares a few favorite books and upcoming events for builders and entrepreneurs. If you're into personal growth, business tips, or just love hearing how great connections can shape your life, this one's got a little bit of everything!

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

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

#147 | Amanda Birnie | Curio Rugs | From Burnout to Boutique: The Grit Behind Curio Rugs Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark welcomes Amanda Birnie of Curio Rugs—a one-time wedding photographer turned full-time rug curator and entrepreneur. Amanda walks us through the early chaos of launching her business during the pandemic, why she believes rugs are personal works of art, and how sourcing trips, storytelling, and small-business hustle helped her carve out a niche in a saturated industry. It's real, raw, and ridiculously fun (with bonus talk of doc martens, rug mediums, and a few true crime vibes).

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://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.curiorugs.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curio_rugs

Losers are Winners | When Your Dream Job Ghosts You… and It's a Gift in Disguise with Trapper Roderick Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

In this Losers Are Winners episode, Mark sits down with Trapper Roderick—a fifth-generation builder with a past life in custom suits (yes, really). They dig into lessons from Trapper's first business (spoiler: he sold suits to NFL coaches), the power of partnerships, and why giving up control might just be the best business move you make. From equity missteps to $10M deals falling apart, this episode is a masterclass in learning the hard way—and coming out better for 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 Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev

Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/

Where to find the Guest: Website: https://www.roderickbuilders.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roderickbuilders