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. Resources mentioned: Mel’s book, “Dear White Friend”: https://www.dearwhitefriend.com/ Chapter from Mel’s boo...
Aug 30, 2023•59 min•Ep. 107
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 utilize the SkillBridge program to leverage the vast skills veterans can bring to the industry. Reso...
Aug 23, 2023•23 min•Ep. 106
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 MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of...
Aug 16, 2023•29 min•Ep. 105
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 Ryan Holiday: https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Enemy-Ryan-Holiday/dp/1591847818 “The Primes” by Chris McGoff: ...
Aug 09, 2023•36 min•Ep. 104
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 Mohr: “The tradeoffs of building green”: https://www.ted.com/talks/catherine_mohr_the_tradeoffs_of_bui...
Aug 02, 2023•52 min•Ep. 103
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 is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter ...
Jul 26, 2023•24 min•Ep. 102
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 industry which taught him the importance of listening to your customer and attention to detail. Today, MC...
Jul 19, 2023•36 min•Ep. 101
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 Barry, please follow up with MCFA/ guest to get this!) Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is br...
Jul 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 100
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-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and si...
Jul 05, 2023•55 min•Ep. 99
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 Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You” by Melina Palmer: https://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Customer-Wants-...
Jun 28, 2023•36 min•Ep. 98
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.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the top industry articles of the wee...
Jun 21, 2023•51 min•Ep. 96
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.com/All-Books_c_237.html Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit...
Jun 14, 2023•27 min•Ep. 97
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: Visit Valerie’s website at: http://valeriepeterson.org/ Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Place...
Jun 07, 2023•50 min•Ep. 95
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 Business Solutions at: https://aecbusiness.com/ June’s book, “RAISE Your Value”: https://www.amazon....
May 31, 2023•33 min•Ep. 94
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 and how his family and friends are honoring his sacrifice and dedication to service to this day. Mis...
May 24, 2023•59 min•Ep. 93
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 Madness at the Fair That Changed America” by Erik Larson Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is ...
May 17, 2023•42 min•Ep. 92
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 Lessons in Leadership” Travis Manion Foundation “The Heart of Business: Leadership Principles for the Next...
May 10, 2023•33 min•Ep. 91
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 Mentor Women by W. Brad Johnson, David Smith The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner ...
May 03, 2023•32 min•Ep. 90
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Mike Venuto, Chief Engineer at Delaware River Port Authority. Mike discusses what DRPA’s main focus is currently, the value of transit rails between cities, and what Mike is seeing in the engineering and construction industry that excites him. Resources mentioned: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company...
Apr 26, 2023•37 min•Ep. 89
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Dave Foster, Founder and CEO of BDP Impact Real Estate. Dave discusses his military career, the mission of BDP, and how he is solving the issue of veteran homelessness today with actionable steps. Resources mentioned: Hoover Institute Veteran Fellowship Program “Grant” by Ron Chernow Find more information about BDP Impact Real Estate Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our w...
Apr 19, 2023•39 min•Ep. 88
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Ken Roberts, Chair of the Construction Law Group at Venable LLP. Ken breaks down how and why projects end up in mediation, how to avoid it, and how the industry can help alleviate legal problems at the inception stage. Resources mentioned: Learn more about Vebable LLP Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the top industry artic...
Apr 12, 2023•53 min•Ep. 87
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Mark Cartella, Senior Vice President of Development and Construction at Alterra Property Group. Mark breaks down his journey to Alterra, what him and the team at Alterra are focused on in property development, and where he believes the future of property development is headed. Resources mentioned: The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide To Decisionmaking And Investment by William J. Poorvu with Jeffrey L. Cruikshank Learn more about Alterra Property Group Ca...
Apr 05, 2023•32 min•Ep. 86
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Nick Cangelosi, Vice President of Affordable Development at Michaels. Nick and BJ break down what Michaels mission is, how he is driving solutions to housing insecurity, and what the future of housing looks like. Resources mentioned: “Ego Is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday “Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality” by Anthony De Mello : Learn more about Michaels at: https://tmo.com/ Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Vis...
Mar 29, 2023•44 min•Ep. 85
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Bill Lyons. Bill discusses his career in the US Army and Army Reserves, and his approach to building firms from the ground up. Resources mentioned: The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Pieces of the Game: The Human Drama of Americans Held Hostage in Iran by Charles W. Scott Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly ...
Mar 22, 2023•46 min•Ep. 84
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Mike Vahle, Managing Partner at Capital Growth StoreGuard. Mike discusses his time at West Point, his career journey, and the decision-making process behind joining the team at StoreGuard. Resources mentioned: “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins “The Confident Mind” by Dr. Nate Zinsser “Traction” by Gino Wickman Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we...
Mar 15, 2023•43 min•Ep. 83
On today’s solo episode, BJ reflects on his time at Super Bowl LVII, the leadership strengths a football team must be composed of in order to be successful, and how leadership lessons from the field can be brought into our everyday lives. Resources mentioned: “New Heights” podcast by Jason & Travis Kelce Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the top industry ar...
Mar 08, 2023•23 min•Ep. 82
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Dan Hauber, Vice President at Transportation Resource Associates, Inc. Dan talks about his journey to employment at TRA, how he has worked to keep our railways safe over his 25 year career, and how TRA is innovating in the future of public transport safety. Resources mentioned: Form, Design and the City: Philadelphia Department of Records The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable (Incerto)by Nassim Nicholas Taleb “The Power Broker: Robert Moses and...
Mar 01, 2023•33 min•Ep. 81
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with David Murphy, Owner & Senior Principal at Crawford Architects. David shares how he became an architect, his philosophy when designing multi use facilities such as sports stadiums, and Crawford’s mission for building the future. Resources mentioned: Find out more about Crawford Architects at: https://crawfordarch.com/ Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly new...
Feb 22, 2023•26 min•Ep. 80
On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Joey Fay, Naval Academy Graduate, United States Marine and Founder & President of Quatrefoil Consulting. Joey and BJ break down Joey’s military career, both of their transitions from active duty into reserves, and what unique leadership lessons they learned from their military experience. Resources mentioned: “The Likeability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life's Dreams” by Tim Sanders: https://www.amazon.com/Likeability-Factor-L-Fac...
Feb 15, 2023•41 min•Ep. 79
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Joe Benvenuto, Chief Operating Officer at LIFTbuild. Joe breaks down the philosophy of LIFTbuild, why the construction industry can be resistant to change, and how the LIFTbuild philosophy can be utilized to aid in streamlining and optimizing all aspects of taking on a new project. Resources mentioned: LIFTbuild website: https://www.liftbuild.com/ Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sig...
Feb 08, 2023•36 min•Ep. 78
