Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 61 - Amanda Maday: Blending Brands and Emotions in Design - A Curious Builder Insight

In this engaging episode of The Curious Builder, host Mark Williams chats with Amanda Maday from Studio Gray about her journey navigating the tricky waters of both commercial and residential design. They dive into the emotional connections and challenges specific to each field, with Amanda sharing insights from her TV experiences on "Rock the Block" to how these have amplified her design firm's visibility. Don’t miss their discussion on the vital role of understanding client budgets and maintaining creativity within those constraints, all while making the design process enjoyable and personal for every client.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 60 - Crafting Custom Concrete: Techniques, Tips, and Trends with Dian Mullis

In this engaging episode of The Curious Builder, host Mark Williams chats with Dian Mullis, a true maverick in the world of concrete countertops. Dian shares her fascinating journey from engineering to pioneering innovative concrete designs, discussing everything from the hands-on creative process to the challenges of industry collaborations and her unique approach to personalizing projects. The talk about the technicalities and artistic flair of working with concrete, while also exploring Diane’s personal interests and future plans for her business, making it a must-listen for anyone intrigued by craftsmanship and entrepreneurship in home building.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 59 - Balancing Act: Family, Health, and Building Success with Caleb MacDonald

In this insightful episode, Caleb McDonald from KingsRidge Building Group joins us to chat about balancing a thriving building business with family life and personal wellness. We talk about the challenges and rewards of maintaining work-life harmony, scaling a compassionate team culture, and Caleb’s passion for creating beautiful, unique homes while staying grounded in health and mindfulness practices. Don’t miss this hearty blend of industry expertise and personal growth tales!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 58 - Building by the Power of 9

On this insightful episode of The Curious Builder, Aaron Eggert from Coalition9 shares his expertise on the transformative power of genuine relationship building and the significance of community building in business. We talk through Aaron's journey of creating a unique, 'refer-only' community, the importance of vulnerability in forming authentic connections, and the exciting plans to expand the reach of Coalition9 while preserving its core values. Tune in to learn about the holistic approach to personal and professional growth that goes beyond the conventional, and discover how to create a memorable brand experience within your own business!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 57 - Renae Keller on Tailoring Spaces: The Personal Touch in Professional Design

Renae Keller from Renae Keller Interior Design joins us to dive into the vibrant world of interior design. Mark & Renae chat about the thrill of "always sourcing" unique pieces from places like Pagoda Red and the benefits of industry groups like the Pearl Collective for networking and growth. Renae and Mark also reflect on the importance of effective communication and decision-making in creating dream spaces for clients, all while navigating the post-pandemic resurgence of the design community's energy and connection.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 56 - The Sculptor's Influence: Michael Anschel's Unique Path to Design and Build Mastery

Michael Anschel from OA Design+Build+Architecture talks about the transformative experiences of stepping away from his business to travel, the artistic influence on architecture, and the power of company culture. Mark & Michael dive deep into the importance of building sustainable systems within the business and the emotional impact of remodeling homes, all while sharing personal anecdotes, from skiing dreams to building a passionate career. Don't miss the wisdom these seasoned pros have to offer on shaping not just buildings, but the very foundation of a thriving business.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 55 - Clear Contracts, Happy Builds: Expert Legal Guidance for Your Next Project

We’re diving right into the nitty-gritty of construction contracts with legal eagles Tom Priebe and Alana McIntosh. They expertly unpack the essentials of subcontractor responsibilities, the life-saving grace of errors and omissions insurance, and the crucial role of clear communication to steer clear of costly litigations. Our legal gurus leave us with some golden nuggets on the power of polished contracts, the importance of a stellar team, and the art of professional project documentation. Don't miss out as they lay down the law on building a sturdy foundation for your construction biz!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 54 - Woman at the Helm: Belkis Cruz’s Story of Immigration to Entrepreneurship

We’re diving into the inspiring journey of Belkis Cruz from LBR Partners - from her brave escape from political turmoil in Nicaragua to becoming a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit in Minnesota's construction scene. Bel shares her unique approach to handling change orders and building client relationships, while her stories of family, culture, and the embracing community in construction add a personal touch that really brings the episode home. Plus, don't miss the fun side chat about cultural stereotypes and tango dancing! 

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 53 - Lessons from the Top: John Kraemer & Sons on Winning in High-End Home Construction

In this insightful episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams candidly chats with the John Kraemer & Sons team about their unique, customer-first approach to the family-run luxury home-building business. They dive into Kraemer's marketing strategies, the importance of reputation, and the organic growth from referrals, sprinkled with personal anecdotes and future aspirations in both life and business. Don't miss John's take on the familial dynamics that have led to their consistent success and multiple "Builder of the Year" awards!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 52 - Blueprint of Compassion: Giving Back and Tech-Wise Innovation

In this heartwarming episode of The Curious Builder, we're moved by Sven Gustafson's heartfelt dedication to the 141 Project, making a real difference in the lives of families in Guatemala, one home at a time. We also peel back the layers of construction tech, marveling at how ECI Build Tools and emerging AI are revolutionizing the way we build. It's an inspiring blend of compassion and innovation that's sure to stir your soul—join us and feel the impact by sharing your thoughts with a glowing review!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 51 - Addition and Recovery: The Sanding to CEO Journey of Randy Jonell

In this eye-opening episode of The Curious Builder, we dive into Randy Jonell’s transformative journey from battling addiction to helming Minnesota Custom Drywall with a focus on craftsmanship, relationships, and growth. We tackle everything from the nitty-gritty of drywall perfection to the importance of balance in business and family life, all while sharing a laugh over Randy's marathon-running feats and crypto adventures. Don't miss this inspiring blend of personal growth tales and pro tips for your business!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 50 - Mentorship in Construction: The Contractor Coalition's Collaborative Approach

In this dynamic episode of The Curious Builder, we dive into the details of the Contractor Coalition Summit, with industry powerhouses Brad Leavitt and Nick Schiffer sharing invaluable insights on mentorship, industry growth, and the magic of collaboration. We also get a peek into the power of seminars for personal and professional development, the shift toward a more open and supportive building community, and the influence of social media and networking in shaping successful careers. Grab your notebook (or 87 pages of it!), because this is one episode jam-packed with wisdom nuggets on growing your business by leaning on and learning from others in the game.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 49 - Building the Future: Technology and Tradition with Sven Gustafson

Grab your hard hats for episode 49 of The Curious Builder, where we sit down with Sven Gustafson of StoneWood and Revision to unpack the future of homebuilding! In this jam-packed session, Sven takes us through his journey in the family business, highlighting the transformative role of technology like AI in architecture and the importance of managing client expectations with honesty and detailed budgeting. We also delve into the power of builder networks, the impact of company culture on leadership, and Sven's commitment to completing homes right – down to the last nail before move-in day. Tune in for this fascinating conversation that merges tradition with innovation, right here on The Curious Builder podcast!

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 20 - Kim Senn of Senn and Sons

Kim Senn joins the show to discuss her journey starting working for creative agencies to owning her own ad firm. She shares her background and her process with clients, specifically how she gets to know a brand and what they stand for. Kim and Mark also chat about what gets them into a creative space, and how Inspiration doesn’t just come to you. It’s acting on an idea and trying it out. Kim helps her clients form their ideas into reality and tuning into this episode will help you do the same.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 17 - Michael + Danielle Gutelli of Clark + Aldine

Michael and Danielle outline their unique branding and how each project has a naming strategy that makes them unique and special. A 2nd-grade teacher and a marketing and advertising guru left what they knew while having their first child to start a new business. 5 years and 10,000 hours of practicing their art form in the form of an informative blog transformed into a top-notch residential design and build team.

Read More
Mark Williams Mark Williams

Episode 15 - Matt Calvano with Adaptive

Matt is one of 3 Stanford grads that decided to create a start-up company. One was an investment guru, one was a rocket scientist (for Space X) and one was a super coder. Together they decided to tackle the hardest problem they could find on the biggest market in the US....Home Construction. Creating a software company that will live up to its names sake (Adaptive) Matt details out the nuances of tackling the complicated problems all business owners in construction face, how to manage all the different invoices, formats, draws, banks, suppliers, and trade partners that seem to change not only with every job but with every state! Matt and his team set out to save everybody time and money by addressing the inefficiencies and process organization that streamlines everything.

Read More

Listen to the podcast