Leadership Blueprints

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-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385346654“Meet Me on the Bridge” by Kimberly Sauceda: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Bridge-Bricks-Relationships/dp/B0B8GB3K7TCalls-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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_1/133-4283675-3283651?pd_rd_w=QA7ai&content-id=amzn1.sym.116f529c-aa4d-4763-b2b6-4d614ec7dc00&pf_rd_p=116f529c-aa4d-4763-b2b6-4d614ec7dc00&pf_rd_r=DTDNV6YE0H8TQHQTSWBV&pd_rd_wg=3I5im&pd_rd_r=46bf5141-5c23-4a49-963b-84d5da2c13d5&pd_rd_i=1260474186&psc=1LinkedIn: Todd Bofinger | LinkedInVA CFM: Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov)Volunteer Organization Websites: Longhopes Donkey Shelter – https://www.longhopes.org  Special Olympics – https://support.specialolympics.orgCalls-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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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?usp=sf_link“10x Is Easier Than 2x” by Dan Sullivan: https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X“Multipliers”by Liz Wiseman: https://www.amazon.com/Multipliers-Best-Leaders-Everyone-Smarter/dp/0061964395Calls-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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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”: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Purpose-Building-Fulfillment-Destiny/dp/163676813X“The Spiritual Man” by Watchman Nee: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Man-Watchman-Nee/dp/093500839X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1693331467&sr=8-1“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756Giveaways: To enter use this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ0v9NkpNMEKMU0PwIZpeBFiEKkYr0ijtUyNug5N1Z8MTt1A/viewform?usp=sf_link1.   Free signed hardcover of my book Passion With Purpose - The Fire Within: Building a Life of Fulfillment, Destiny, & Impact2.   Free audiobook of my book3.   Free 30-60 minute speaking engagement regarding any one of the following topics (virtual or in-person, but if in-person assistance with travel/lodging is desired):Protecting Passion: Avoiding Burnout in the Construction IndustryEmotional Intelligence, Social Innovation, and the Role they Play in Shaping the Future of the Construction Industry. Managing Passion and Fear Within Ourselves and Others in the Construction IndustryThree Guiding Principles to Ignite Passion within Ourselves and Those around us. Starving for Purpose: Empowering Mindsets and Methods to Live Each day with Passion, Intentionality, and Authenticity. Other topics if desired pertaining to self-leadership, mental health, emotional intelligence, employee development and engagement.4.       Free coaching session engagement (3 virtual 60-minute sessions)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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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 top industry articles of the week and give you a dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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 book on reparations: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:30198c6b-328f-4ed6-9775-03e8514131d2Calls-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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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. Resources mentioned: Find out more about the DOD SkillBridge Program at MCFA at: https://mcfaglobal.com/skillbridge-program-opportunities/.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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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-63ICalls-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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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: https://theprimes.com/book/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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

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_building_green?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare“Mid-Cource Correction” by Ray Anderson: https://www.raycandersonfoundation.org/midcourse-correction-revisited/“Ecology of Commerce” by Paul Hawken: https://www.environmentandsociety.org/mml/ecology-commerce-declaration-sustainability“Biomimicry” by Janine Benyus: https://biomimicry.org/janine-benyus/“The Republic” by Plato: https://www.amazon.com/Republic-Plato/dp/1503379981Calls-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 dose of inspiration as you head into the weekend!  MCFA IS HIRING!!  If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management field, contact us through our website. Interns to Executives...we need great people to help us innovate and inspire, plan, develop and build our nation's infrastructure.  Check out our MUST FILL positions here https://mcfaglobal.com/careers/.  We reward the bold and the action oriented so if you don’t see a position but think you are a fit...send us an email!  Learn more at www.MCFAGlobal.comAuthor: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC