Leadership Blueprints

During this episode, we’re turning the tables; the guest becomes the host, and the host becomes the guest!  Jon Nehlsen is the Chief Financial Officer at MCFA, and he joins us to interview BJ Kraemer. You’ll hear all about BJ’s formative experiences, from his childhood experiences to his early career in construction before joining MCFA.  Getting into his West Point journey, we explore what it was...

If you’ve ever taken on a tough project or struggled with a demanding client, then this episode is for you! In today’s episode, you’ll hear BJ Kraemer share the details of his most recent project, the challenges he encountered, and what he learned from the experience.    You’ll learn about the reservations he had regarding his most recent project, why it was so challenging (despite his good relati...

Buckle up folks because today is going to be an adventure with our guest, Jimmy Vreeland. Join in and get to know more about who Jimmy Vreeland is, what he does, and how he got there.    We delve into how he got into starting a podcast with the mission to educate people, his thoughts and definitions of achievement and fulfillment, and his compelling elevator pitch on why passive real estate invest...

One of MCFA’s brand promises to our employees is a fulfilling career. While the responsibility for ultimately finding fulfillment is individual, today, you’ll find out how MCFA has built an environment and a culture that facilitates this brand promise and enables someone to navigate a rewarding career.     To learn what fulfillment is, why it matters, and much more, stay tuned for some thought-pro...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with David Allen, author of “Getting Things Done”. David breaks down his career journey, what inspired him to write “Getting Things Done”, and how the GTD process has revolutionized project management.  Resources mentioned:  Find out more about “Getting Things Done” and David at: https://gettingthingsdone.com/ “Humankind” by Rutger Bregman: https://www.amazon.com/H...

While both are important to the success of a company, what is it that differentiates a leader from a manager? Today, you’ll hear from Quatrefoil Consulting founder, veteran Marine, and MCFA’s newest team leader, Joey Fay, about some of the key distinctions between managing and leading a group of people. In 2018, Joey launched Quatrefoil, a service-disabled veteran-owned project leadership company...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Shawn Kidwell, Program Manager at U.S. Army Research Laboratory. Shawn discusses his unconventional track to working for the Federal Government, how his hunger for knowledge allowed him to grow in leadership.  Resources mentioned:  Colin Powell books: https://www.amazon.com/Colin-Powell-Books/s?k=Colin+Powell&rh=n%3A283155 “The Clan of the Cave Bear” by Jean M...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with longtime friend, colleague and mentor, Jon Nehlsen. Jon talks about his journey and experience in the early days of MCFA, the tough decisions he made to keep the company afloat, and how him and BJ have grown both as leaders, and people.  Resources mentioned:  Jon’s substack, “Six of One”: https://sixofone.substack.com/ “Playing to Win” by Michael Lewis: https:...

On today’s episode, BJ chats with returning guest to the show, Howie Ferguson, Executive Director at Construction Owners Association of America. Howie discusses what he is currently working on, his new podcast, “The COAA Way”, and stresses the importance of managing relationships in the industry. Resources mentioned:  “The COAA Way” Podcast: https://www.coaa.org/the-coaa-way-podcast Calls-to-actio...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Ricky McLain, Senior Technical Director Growth and Innovation Program Manager at WoodWorks. Ricky breaks down what exactly it is WoodWorks does, how mass timber can be utilized and explored in construction projects today, and how WoodWorks is looking at their market as a trailblazer for wood built projects.  Resources mentioned:  Find out more about WoodWorks at:...

In the first episode of 2024, BJ talks with Dave Kaminski, Vice President & General Manager at Turner Construction Company. Dave dives into his journey through Turner, how your approach to learning can impact your journey, and his method for managing growing teams. Resources mentioned:  “Be Unreasonable” by Paul Lemberg: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Unreasonable-Unconventional-Extraordinary-Busin...

On today's solo episode, BJ shares the method he will be using to reflect on this past year, how to understand our bandwith, and how to proritize our time going into the New Year. 

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with owner of IRONBOUND Boxing and producer of the Inspiring People and Places podcast, IRON Mike Steadman. Mike and BJ dive into the work happening at IRONBOUND Boxing, a free boxing gym for youth and young adults in Newark, New Jersey, and the work Mike is doing to bring more opportunity to the young people in this community.  Resources mentioned:  Find out more...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Peter and Sharon Exley, Founders of Architecture Is Fun. Peter and Sharon discuss their career path, where the philosophy of Architecture Is Fun originated, and how they are continuing to evolve and develop this philosophy throughout their continued endeavors.  Resources mentioned:  For information about Peter & Sharons publications, please visit: https://www....

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Eric Quinn, Fractional Integrator for EOS at MCFA, Naval Academy Grad, and former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Eric discusses his journey to the Naval Academy, and how his role as a Fractional Integrator helps bring companies adopting the EOS framework to the next level.  Resources mentioned:  “How Winning Works” by Robyn Benincasa: https://www.amazon.com/How-Winn...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Shawn Dominguez, US Navy Veteran and President of Dominguez Design-Build Inc. Shawn talks about his early life, what led him to the military, and how his upbringing informed the way he looked at the world post military.  Resources mentioned:  “Fearless” by Eric Blehm: https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Undaunted-Ultimate-Sacrifice-Operator/dp/0307730700 “The Grea...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Tyson Barnhart, Senior Project Manager at Siemens EPS. Tyson discusses his recent transition out of active duty and how he adapted skills from the military into his position at Siemens. Resources mentioned:  “Good” by Jocko Willink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdTMDpizis8 “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyon...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with John Sharkey, COO of VictoryBase. John talks about the struggles he encountered when deciding to leave the military, the key advice he would give to other service members considering their transition, and what rising through the ranks of a startup has taught him about leadership.  Resources mentioned:  “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.amazon.com/Sap...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Matt Bell, Civilian in the U.S. Air Force at 787th Civil Engineer Squadron. Matt discusses finding his footing in the public sector, what he has learned to expect, both as and from, a leader, and what it means to him to be a civil servant. Calls-to-action:  Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www. MCFAglobal.com and sign up for...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Joe Evanglisti, former Builder in the US Navy, entrepreneur and CEO of Legacy Developers. Joe describes his journey to the military and the construction world, lessons learned from multiple successful entrepreneurial endeavors, and the most valuable lesson he learned from his time in the Navy. Resources mentioned:  Learn more about Legacy Developers at: https://in...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with MCFA’s SkillBridge candidate, Ben Clifton. Ben talks about his journey to active duty in the Army, how he navigated through corporate America, and how he has transitioned into his role at MCFA.  Resources mentioned:  “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose: https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Courage-Meriwether-Jefferson-American/dp/0684826976 Calls-to-action:  Inspir...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Bill Watkins, West Point Grad, Former Officer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and Co-Founder, Coach at Flawless Acceleration. Bill discusses how coaching has shaped his life, his outlook on coaching, and how his time at West Point and as an Officer motivated his mission to help transitioning veterans and veteran CEOs. Resources mentioned:  Flawless Accelera...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with MCFA’s own Michael Trump. Michael discusses his experience and journey to the military, his transition into the DOD SkillBridge world, and his unique perspective as a transitioning veteran in MCFA’s network.  Resources mentioned:  “Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames” by Thich Nhat Han: https://www.amazon.com/Anger-Cooling-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1573229377 Calls-to-a...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Jeff Plummer, Retired Captain in the US Navy, and Senior Director of Business Operations at Semper Fi & America's Fund. Jeff explores his mission to support our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families through the work he is doing with Semper Fi & America's Fund, and what it means to serve after leaving...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Valerie Peterson, LMHC. Valerie and BJ discuss important strategies for de-stressing the upcoming holiday season, how to set yourself up for success throughout various social scenarios, and the importance of balance when we find ourselves with a packed schedule.  Resources mentioned:  “The Best Yes” By Lysa TerKeurst: https://www.p31bookstore.com/collections/l...