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
Mar 8, 2023 • 23min
Win or learn: How you can benefit from failure with BJ Kramer
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 KelceCalls-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 1, 2023 • 33min
Keeping Our Transit Infrastructure Safe With Daniel Hauber
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 the Fall of New York” by Robert A. CaroCalls-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
Feb 22, 2023 • 26min
The current state of stadium design and construction with David Murphy
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 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
Feb 15, 2023 • 41min
DoD to A/E/C: Leveraging the likeability factor with Joey Fay
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-Factor-Achieve-Dreams/dp/1400080509“Neptune's Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal” by James D. Hornfischer: https://www.amazon.com/Neptunes-Inferno-U-S-Navy-Guadalcanal/dp/0553385127Calls-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
Feb 8, 2023 • 36min
Innovation in Action: How LIFTbuild is making construction delivery better, safer, and faster with Joe Benvenuto
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 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
Feb 1, 2023 • 53min
Diving deep into the art of stress free productivity
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/0316418536Calls-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
Jan 25, 2023 • 37min
Why you should bring your marketing team to your clients and projects
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Gabe Lett, Sr. Marketing Specialist at ALLGEIER, MARTIN and ASSOCIATES, INC. and author of “The AEC Professional’s Guidebook”. Gabe discusses his journey becoming an effective marketer, and the importance of synergy between marketing and your clients' teams and projects. Resources mentioned: Find Gabe’s book, “The AEC Professional’s Guidebook” at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/057830452X“Rain Making” by Ford Harding: https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Making-Attract-Clients-Matter/dp/1598695886“The Collapse of Distinction” by Scott McKain: https://www.amazon.com/Collapse-Distinction-Stand-Competition-Nelsonfree/dp/1595553452“Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329“Desiring God” by John Piper: https://www.amazon.com/Desiring-God-Revised-Meditations-Christian/dp/1601423101Connect with Gabe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabelett/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
Jan 18, 2023 • 43min
Falling in love with your work in the construction industry
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Scott Lowe, Principal at Trauner Consulting Services, Inc. Scott discusses his military career, his journey to Trauner Consulting, and how he ended up buying the company. He also details the importance of your team, how much the people matter to a consulting firm, and how falling in love with both the work, and the company, has aided his abilities as a leader.Resources mentioned: “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Power-Thinking-Without/dp/0316010669/ref=asc_df_0316010669/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312143020546&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13350217945850435272&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021758&hvtargid=pla-625515486392&psc=1(BJ mentions an article he wants to add to the show notes about the relationship between craft & hobbies)Reach out to Scott at: scott.lowe@traunerconsulting.comCalls-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.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 2min
Taking Smart Risk’s and Overcoming Bureaucracy to Save Time and Taxpayer Dollars
On today’s episode, BJ talks with Chris Archer, Deputy Base Civil Engineer at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Chris discusses his career as a young engineer, what makes a Joint Base unique in the services they provide, and how he organizes and executes the amazing capabilities of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.Resources mentioned: “One Second After” by William R. Forstchen: https://www.amazon.com/Second-After-John-Matherson-Novel/dp/0765327252Calls-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.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
Jan 4, 2023 • 38min
State of the infrastructure industry., Part 2
Today’s episode is the second part of the podcast we released last week, with guests Jill Jamieson, President of Illuminati Infrastructure Advisors, and Duke DeLuca, President of ACULED Global Consulting. Jill, Duke & BJ take an even closer look at where they predict the infrastructure industry will have to change in the new year, and what efforts they are taking as leaders to adapt. Resources mentioned: Office of Innovative Program Delivery: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovativeprograms/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.com Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFAKeywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC
