Welcome to our new website!

Episodes

March 20, 2024

Why Self-Awareness Should Be The First Step In Every Leaders Developm…

To be an effective leader, you must believe that other people matter and, as a result, that leadership is a relationship. This is the belief of today’s guest, Mike Erwin. A soldier, educator, author, non-profit founder, veter...

Listen to the Episode
March 13, 2024

BJ Kraemer: A Building Leader on Building Leaders

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’...

Listen to the Episode
March 6, 2024

The Three Most Important Skills Project Managers Need To Conquer A Ch…

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 encountere...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 28, 2024

How To Embrace the Abyss On Your Way To Success with Jimmy Vreeland

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 ...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 21, 2024

Why Fulfillment Is One Of MCFA's Brand Promises With BJ Kraemer

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 faci...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 14, 2024

What To Do When Your Project, Goals Or New Years Resolutions Fall Off…

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 ma...

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 7, 2024

When Does A Merger Make Sense With Joey Fay

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, abo...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 31, 2024

Why Saying “Yes” To New/Learning Opportunities/Challenges Is The Best…

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 gr...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 24, 2024

The Future of Work With Jon Nehlsen

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 h...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 17, 2024

How Much Do Owners Influence The Construction Industry With Howie Fer…

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”...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 10, 2024

Why Mass Timber Is Making A Comeback In The World Of Construction Wit…

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 i...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 3, 2024

How To Manage Big Teams For Big Success With Dave Kaminski

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, an...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 27, 2023

Reflect, Reset And Refocus For 2024 With BJ Kraemer

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.

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 20, 2023

Building Champions In & Out of The Ring with "Iron" Mike Steadman

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 ...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 13, 2023

How Architecture Can Be Fun with Peter and Sharon Exley

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 evo...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 6, 2023

How mcfa Is Using An Interim Integrator To Prepare For Our Next Stage…

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 Fractiona...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 29, 2023

Taking The Leap Of Faith To Open Your Own Business With Shawn Domingu…

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 lo...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 24, 2023

DoD 2 AEC: Creating Purpose In Our Post-Military Careers With Tyson B…

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. Resou...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 22, 2023

DoD 2 AEC+D: Learning, Networking And Navigating A New Career Path Wi…

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 thei...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 17, 2023

How One Veteran Found A Smooth Transition To Civil Service In The A/E…

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,...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 15, 2023

How To Maximize the Discipline & Training of Veterans in Your Busines…

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 s...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 10, 2023

Case Study on How Veterans Can Fit Into The Construction Industry (Ev…

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 MCF...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 8, 2023

The Surprising Key to Achieving Happiness and Success in Life and Bus…

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 outlo...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 3, 2023

DoD to AEC: a SkillBridge Case Study with Michael Trump

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...

Listen to the Episode