Leadership Blueprints
BJ Kraemer, MCFA
Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership.
With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.
Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.
With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.
Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 17, 2023 • 42min
Why Civil Engineering Is Such A Great Foundation For Careers in the Built Environment With Anthony Caruso
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 LarsonCalls-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. 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
May 10, 2023 • 33min
Applying Mission Command with Dean DiSibio
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 Era of Capitalism” by Hubert Joly “The CEO Challenge: A New Paradigm for Delivering Sustainable Results” by Patrick J. Below“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth“Mission Command: The Who, What, Where, When and Why An Anthology” by Donald VandergriffCalls-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. 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
May 3, 2023 • 32min
DoD 2 A/E/C: Discovering Identity While In Service and Why The Answer Lies In Creating Palaces For The People With Tony Nash
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” speechAthena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women by W. Brad Johnson, David SmithThe War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven PressfieldThe 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever by Eric PartakerCalls-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. 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
Apr 26, 2023 • 37min
Infrastructure Stewardship In Action With Delaware River Port Authority's Mike Venuto
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 SinekThe Infinite Game by Simon SinekThe Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert IgerPeaks and Valleys: Making Good And Bad Times Work For You--At Work And In Life by Spencer JohnsonCalls-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. 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
Apr 19, 2023 • 39min
Investing For Impact: Housing Solutions For Veteran Homelessness With Dave Foster
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 ChernowFind more information about BDP Impact Real EstateCalls-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. 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
Apr 12, 2023 • 53min
Keeping Big Projects On Track and Out of the Headlines With Ken Roberts
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 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
Apr 5, 2023 • 32min
Why modular construction may be the solution to controlling costs, schedule and quality in multi-family construction delivery with Mark Cartella
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. CruikshankLearn more about Alterra Property Group 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
Mar 29, 2023 • 44min
Tackling the housing crisis by building communities with Nick Cangelosi
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. 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
Mar 22, 2023 • 46min
Best ways to approach new opportunities and connections with Bill Lyons
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 FrostPieces 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 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
Mar 15, 2023 • 43min
Exploring the Adjacent Possible in Real Estate Development With Mike Vahle
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 WickmanCalls-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
