Leadership Blueprints

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Diane Gollhofer, President of DGR Consultants. Diane dives into her hands-on career of directing, overseeing and advising on major public work construction projects, including the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Diane also explores her consulting company, DGR Consultants, and how she found her niche in project management oversight, quality control, and much...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Ken Davenport, Author and Co-founder & CEO of Mission Edge. Ken explores his entrepreneurial journey, how his newest mission has been to aid in the transition out of the military, and what it means to be a stoic.   Resources mentioned:  “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Sharron Halpert, Owner of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron breaks down what Halpert Life Safety Consulting’s mission is, how they have mastered firestop installation and safety in the New Jersey area, and what to look for safety wise at different points in a project’s lifespan.  Resources mentioned:  More information about Halpert Life Safety at: https:...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Todd Bofinger, VA Office of Construction & Facilities Mgmt West Region Office & CMAA Colorado Chapter Membership Committee Chair. Todd discusses his career journey into a leadership role, the similarities and differences between navigating the public and private sectors, and what leadership strategies he has learned along the way.  Resources mentioned:  “C...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Justin Wright, thought leader in the AEC industry, and Ex-CIO turned Entrepreneur. Justin dives deep into his anything but linear journey throughout his career in the AEC industry, his transition into entrepreneurship, and what shapes his current philosophy on the construction world today.  Resources mentioned:  10x Is Easier Than 2x giveaway, Enter here: ...

On this week’s episode, BJ talks with Steven Mezzacappa, an author and the founder of The Passion With Purpose Organization. Steven discusses his journey throughout the construction world, how he found his true passion, what his experience has taught him about leadership, and what makes the best leaders. Resources mentioned:  Passion With Purpose: https://www.passionwithpurpose.org/ Get Steven’s b...

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Matt Handal, Chief Marketing Officer at MCFA. Matt and BJ discuss their perspectives on how to reach the construction industry from a messaging standpoint, their viewpoints on the work MCFA does, and the relationship between this podcast, and you, the listener.  Resources mentioned:  Calls-to-action:  Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA....

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Mel Gravely, CEO of Triversity and author of “Dear White Friend”. Mel and BJ discuss the beginnings of Triversity and Mel’s introduction into the construction industry, Mel’s book, “Dear White Friend”, and how the conversation at the intersection of business, wealth and race can strengthen relationships and improve our understanding of our teams.  Resource...

On this week’s episode, BJ talks with MCFA’s own Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, Director of Talent Recruitment & Development. Jesse discusses the new implementation of the SkillBridge program at MCFA, a talent development program with the goal of aiding veteran transition out of the military and into a DOD/AEC career. Jesse and BJ speak from their own experience transitioning, and how they plan to...

On this week’s special episode, BJ sits down and discusses his birthday, reflections on the past year, and what he is focusing on moving forward both personally and professionally.  Resources mentioned:  Fish for Life: https://www.fishforlife.org/eastern-region/ Matthew McConaughey winning Best Actor: https://youtu.be/wD2cVhC-63I Calls-to-action:  Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by M...

On this week’s episode, BJ talks with Steve Genn, Senior Vice President of Markon Solutions. Steve discusses his journey into the Air Force, and how he has transferred that knowledge from the military, into an effective leadership education tool. Steve also discusses the growth of Markon, and what new challenges they faced while initially scaling up.  Resources mentioned:  “Ego Is the Enemy” by Ry...

On this week’s episode, BJ talks with Scott Kelly, Partner, Architect & Sustainability Consultant and Drew Lavine, Partner & Director of Design at Re:Vision. Scott and Drew discuss the mission of Re:Vision, how sustainability and environmental concerns can be addressed, and how all of us can begin to incorporate eco-friendly design into our projects today.  Resources mentioned:  Catherine...

On today’s solo episode, BJ builds off of last week’s episode with insight on how MCFA approaches growth, the mindset within leaders at MCFA currently, and what is top of mind for BJ as MCFA continues to grow.  “Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership” by Steve Farber: https://www.amazon.com/Greater-Than-Yourself-Ultimate-Leadership/dp/0385522614 Inspiring People and Places i...

In this special 101st episode of the Inspiring People & Places Podcast, BJ Kraemer sat down with his partner and co-founder of mcfa, Michael Fuhrman to talk about what they have learned and how the company has grown over the past 20 years.   Michael discusses his journey into the A/E/C industry and what led him to the decision to start MCFA.  Prior to MCFA, Michael worked in the hospitality in...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Barry Sutherland, Client Experience Director at Henderson Engineers. Barry talks about how he is trying to innovate in the realm of client experience, what it means to deliver high quality customer service, and how to think about improving the relationships aspect of the A/E/C industry.  Resources mentioned:  Leadership through adversity (resource mentioned by Bar...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Kathryn Martinez, Senior Director at MACRO. Kathryn discusses the many phases of her career journey, how she tackles management, and the importance of amplifying the visibility of women in the A/E/C industry.  Resources mentioned:  “May Cause Miracles” by Gabrielle Bernstein: https://www.amazon.com/May-Cause-Miracles-Guidebook-Unlimited/dp/0307986950 Calls-to-acti...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Holly Bolton, Owner of 3chord Marketing. Holly talks about how she found her way into the A/E/C industry, the specificities of the niche marketing she engages with at 3 Chord, and the importance of awareness building in the industry.  Resources mentioned:  “You Are Not So Smart”  by David McRaney: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-So-Smart/dp/1592407366 “What You...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Caleb Campbell, founder of COR Consulting, INC., Army veteran, and former NFL athlete. Caleb explores his journey and career from Texas to West Point, and from the Army to the NFL. Resources mentioned:  Connect with Caleb at: https://www.calebcampbell.me/ Calls-to-action:  Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www. MCFAglobal...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Stephen F. Dougherty, Executive Director at South Jersey Transportation Authority. Stephen talks about his entry into a public service career, his mentality about treating passengers like customers, and some exciting developments in the SJTA wheelhouse coming to the South Jersey area soon.  Resources mentioned:  John Maxwell books: https://store.maxwellleadership....

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Valerie Peterson, Licenced Mental Health Counselor at Destin Counseling Center. Valerie breaks down the stress associated with multitasking, the importance of prioritizing quality family time with our partners and children, and how technology has changed how we interact with our places of employment, our children, and mental health as a whole.  Resources mentioned...

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with June Jewell, Author and President and CEO of AEC Business Solutions. June talks about her framework at AEC Business Solutions, how they help firms get tighter and more efficient, and how she has created a business training that is guaranteed to increase your utilization rate, cash flow and project profits. Resources mentioned:  Find out more about June and AEC...

Today’s episode is a Memorial Day special honoring 1LT Dennis W. Zilinski, II. Dennis was Killed in Action in Bayji, Iraq on November 19,2005. Dennis was BJ’s West Point Classmate, Swim Teammate and best friend. This is an intimate and heartfelt conversation with Dennis’s mother, Marion Zilinski, or Mama Z as BJ calls her. They reflect on Dennis’s life and death, the legacy Dennis has left behind...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Anthony Caruso, Chief Engineer at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Coatesville, PA. Anthony discusses why he chose to work for the Veterans Affairs, what leadership lessons he has gained through his many responsibilities as an engineer, and why serving the public is a passion of his.  Resources mentioned:  “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Mad...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Dean DiSibio, Director of Sales Ops Strategy at Imperial Dade, and author of “Reel Lessons in Leadership”. Dean breaks down his military career as a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, the intersection of leadership and sales, and what unique leadership lessons he learned from his extensive professional career.  Resources mentioned:  Dean’s book, “Reel Less...

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Tony Nash, Active Duty Field Artillery Officer and host of Got Your Six Podcast. Tony discusses his education, his evolution as an Officer and podcast host, and where he wants to go in both his professional career, and passion endeavors.  Resources mentioned:  Matthew McConaughey “Chasing yourself 10 years from now” speech Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Men...