Meg Billings talks about her unconventional path to becoming a builder. After hiring someone to build her own home who suddenly stopped work, Meg took over the project herself with no experience. She discusses how this led her to start her own construction company and shares strategies for improving business practices and profitability that she's learned through the years.

David and Mark Williams, a father-son duo swap stories from decades in the business. Mark talks with his dad David about the dramatic shifts that have occurred in home construction since the early days of his career. From navigating high-interest rates to adapting to new technologies, they discuss the challenges and changes builders have faced over 50 years.

This episode covers the history and expansion of Puustelli, a Finnish cabinetry company operating in the US. Founded in Finland in the 1920s, Puustelli began installing cabinets in Minnesota in 2016 and has since grown its US presence through showroom openings, and partnerships with builders. CEO Ville Kämäräinen discussed Puustelli's focus on sustainability through forest certification, low-VOC materials, and research to develop their industrial production process.

Brian and Maud Duggan discuss running their interior design and home systems business Union Place in Excelsior, Minnesota for over 47 years. They talk about how they work together as a married couple to run the business and maintain client relationships. They also describe how they have expanded their services and grown their team over the decades to continue serving their community.

Arik Tendler, Chief Sales Officer at Cambria discusses his background in the quartz industry and journey from Israel to California to joining Cambria. He talks about Cambria's focus on quality, innovative designs, and commitment to customers. Tendler also shares insights on sales strategies and how Cambria continues to lead the industry in quartz countertops.

Mike Gray and Greg Vose from Unfold Architecture join Mark D. Williams to discuss their design process, how they work with builders and clients, and their approach to sustainability in custom home design. They discuss bringing the right team members in at different stages of a project and making sure all parties are communicating effectively throughout the design and construction process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and building 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!

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.

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.

Mark Ostrom joins to discuss The Joy Collaborative. A nonprofit that designs therapeutic spaces for children with disabilities or life-limiting conditions.

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.

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.

Barak Steenlage a custom home builder in Minnesota joins Mark to discuss the evolution of Anchor Builders. They discuss the challenges of custom home design and keeping projects on budget. Barak describes his involvement with NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and how it has helped him grow as a builder. They also cover topics like company culture, land development, and the future of the industry.

Desi Creswell, an interior designer turned life and business coach, shares how experiencing a career burnout from trying to balance her new life as a mom with her business helped reclaim her spark. She discusses how the switch flipped once she made the transition to coaching, and why this path was a more fulfilling option to her. With the mindset of giving the advice she needed herelf when she was first starting out, she guides her clients to what's right for them and a healthier mindset to view their work with. She reminds us to approach relationships like the real people we are, with an open perspective and without selfish intentions. Tune in to the episode to hear more of Desi's story and the role interior design has in the building process.

Chad and Ryan Hanson have loved architecture since they can remember. After establishing their start in real estate by flipping houses, they left their corporate IT days behind and have never looked back. With the knowledge gained from their flipping experience as well as the following they developed because of it, they soon made the transition to building clients their own custom homes. Realizing there was not a market for sustainable building in their area, they founded Sustainable 9 Design + Build. Their company is dedicated to utilizing greener building science techniques to build healthy, sustainably focused, energy efficient housing. Tune in as they break down why electric is the more sustainable option and specific changes you can make to start building greener. They also address the problem of green washing and how to identify false sustainable marketing, so be sure to tune for more!

Ian Planchon, half of the two person team of 515 Productions, discusses how he and his wife, Lynn got their start in the world of media, and how this led them to found their own production company. He shares the growth devolopment their business has seen over the past 20 years by continuing to follow their passion and constantly learning along the way. There is power in telling your story, and Ian proves that by documenting the values and visions of the people he works with. Tune in to hear more about Ian and Lynn's journey!