Episodes

Are you managing a large team to reach your vision but feel like team members are not aligning correctly with the overall goal? Do you need help getting all team members on the same page? In this solo episode, BJ unpacks the role of what we at MCFA regard as the meaning of KPI: keeping people interested. It is not your typical MBA academic term but a philosophy to help you be a better business and project leader. Discover the role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at a project and an indivi...

As we continue to edge toward graduation and internship season, we felt there could not be a more fitting guest to join BJ on the podcast than our latest co-op, Isabella Damasceno. Isabella is currently a third-year student at Drexel University, pursuing a dual major in marketing and business analytics. Join us as we dive into details surrounding Isabella’s co-op program and how the process of matching students with co-op programs works. She shared her thoughts on how her program helped her fi...

As we continue to move closer to graduation and internship season, we delve further into the talent equation. Today on the podcast BJ is joined by a repeat guest, Colin Mottola. Colin is one of our Construction Managers and engineers at MCFA. He also happens to be one of our very first interns. Join the conversation as we explore Colin’s experience, from landing an internship to working on a construction project in an active hospital during a pandemic. He also gets into the various lessons he’...

As graduation and intern season approach, we want to dive into a topic we all have faced—just-in-time talent. Join BJ as he discusses the talent equation, including why we should always be recruiting, regardless of whether we are hiring or not. BJ addresses the debate between sourcing external talent and developing internal talent, his perspective on on-the-job training, and where the secret sauce of growth lies. Don’t miss out; start listening now! Key Points From This Episode: Why we shou...

It’s time to wake up to your life. It’s time to count your Mondays. Here to tell us more about it is Jodi Wellman. Jodi is a motivational speaker, author, and Founder of Four Thousand Mondays. Her upcoming book called, You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets is a “live like you mean it” book. Join the conversation as we dive into Jodi’s story, which includes her time at Penn in the Positive Psychology Program and her thoughts on the infamous bucket list. She also unpacks ...

As vital as it is for peace and transformation, the importance of leadership (and leadership itself) is still widely misunderstood. When leaders fail to fulfill their roles (after not understanding what they entail in the first place), it creates a space for trauma to thrive. Today we are joined by Larry Yatch, a Navy SEAL-turned-education and business consultant, and who explains what leadership looks like from the perspective of a Navy veteran. We learn about Larry’s life before the SEALs, w...

We occasionally feature guests on our show who specialize in the transition from the Department of Defense to Architectural Engineering and Construction (DoD to AEC). In the industry, there are notable talent and leadership gaps that persist, and the DoD to AEC program aims to address these by tapping into the skills of military personnel who transition to civilian roles. Joining BJ on the show today is ‘Colonel-soon-to-be-retired’ Adam Sawyer. Adam has over 23 years of experience successfully ...

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Stark, Special Forces Veteran and Co-Founder of Jet.Build. Jet.Build is a provider of cloud-based project management solutions created specifically for real estate developers and construction professionals. With a background in the Special Forces, Adam brings a unique perspective to the table. He combines his military expertise with his skills in project management and technology. He is also committed to holistic leadership, personal development, and makin...

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, veteran advocate, and Executive Director at Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), America's leading health and wellness community for veterans. Mike is also CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and co-founder and president of The Positivity Project, a non-profit organization that ai...

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 like to continue his father’s military legacy, and BJ shares how he has drawn inspiration from a vet...

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 relationship with the client), and the seven key lessons any good project manager needs to know — especially...

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 investments are a wise consideration. He also shares insights on how his military background shaped some of ...

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-provoking conversations with your host BJ Kraemer! Key Points From This Episode: Why a meaningful career...

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/Humankind-Hopeful-History-Rutger-Bregman/dp/0316418536 Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Place...

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 that was acquired by and merged with MCFA in February of 2024, where he continues his career as Pres...

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. Auel: https://www.amazon.com/Clan-Cave-Bear-Earths-Children/dp/0553250426/ref=asc_df_0553250426/?tag=...

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://www.amazon.com/Playing-to-Win/dp/B08DL7ZJDX/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=677029717091&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=90217...

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-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com an...

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: https://www.woodworks.org/ “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy: https://www.amazon.com/Compound-E...

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-Business/dp/007148163X Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our w...

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 about IRONBOUND Boxing at: https://ironboundboxing.org/ or reach out to admin@weareironboud.com Mik...

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.architectureisfun.com/architecture-is-funs-publications-and-research/ “Having Words” by Denise Scott Br...

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-Winning-Works-Essential-Leadership/dp/0373892551 “How Leadership (Actually) Works” by Larry Yatch: http...