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 h...
Feb 28, 2024•26 min•Ep. 137
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 is...
Feb 21, 2024•14 min•Ep. 136
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 Places is ...
Feb 14, 2024•55 min•Ep. 135
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...
Feb 07, 2024•46 min•Ep. 134
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...
Jan 31, 2024•33 min•Ep. 133
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=...
Jan 24, 2024•49 min•Ep. 132
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 and si...
Jan 17, 2024•27 min•Ep. 131
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-Effe...
Jan 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 130
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...
Jan 03, 2024•42 min•Ep. 129
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.
Dec 27, 2023•22 min•Ep. 128
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 Mike's...
Dec 20, 2023•46 min•Ep. 127
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 B...
Dec 13, 2023•47 min•Ep. 126
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: https:/...
Dec 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 125
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 Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino/d...
Nov 29, 2023•29 min•Ep. 124
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-Everyone/dp/1591846447 “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme...
Nov 24, 2023•45 min•Ep. 123
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/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316095 “Building a Storybrand” by Donald Miller: https://www.a...
Nov 22, 2023•39 min•Ep. 122
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 our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the top industry articles of the week and give you a do...
Nov 17, 2023•32 min•Ep. 121
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://investwithlegacy.com/ “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Esca...
Nov 15, 2023•33 min•Ep. 120
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: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for o...
Nov 10, 2023•33 min•Ep. 119
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 Acceleration: https://www.flawlessacceleration.com/ “Smart Brevity” by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz...
Nov 08, 2023•51 min•Ep. 118
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-action: Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and...
Nov 03, 2023•40 min•Ep. 117
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 Military duties. Resources mentioned: Learn more about Semper Fi & America's Fund at: https://t...
Nov 01, 2023•58 min•Ep. 116
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/lysa-terkeurst-books-and-bible-studies/products/the-best-yes Calls-to-action: Inspiring People and Plac...
Oct 25, 2023•32 min•Ep. 115
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 more. Resources mentioned: “The Rent Collector” by Camron Wright: https://www.amazon.com/Rent-Collec...
Oct 18, 2023•43 min•Ep. 114
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 have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman “The Stoic Transition: A Guide: How Veterans Can Thrive in their Nex...
Oct 11, 2023•36 min•Ep. 113
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://halpertlifesafety.com/ “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-E...
Oct 04, 2023•32 min•Ep. 112
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: “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High” by Joseph Grenny: https://www.amazon.com...
Sep 27, 2023•55 min•Ep. 111
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: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ0v9NkpNMEKMU0PwIZpeBFiEKkYr0ijtUyNug5N1Z8MTt1A/viewform?us...
Sep 20, 2023•33 min•Ep. 110
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 book, “Passion With Purpose - The Fire Within: Building a Life of Fulfillment, Destiny, & Impact”:...
Sep 13, 2023•45 min•Ep. 109
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. Visit our website www.MCFAglobal.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter where we curate some of the ...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min•Ep. 108
