Leadership Blueprints

In the following episode, BJ sits down with Philip Abramson, Founder & CEO of Topology, a real estate consulting firm providing a full range of services in planning, development, and project management. With a focus on urban areas and downtowns, clients include for-profit and nonprofit developers, municipalities, redevelopment agencies, public authorities, and business improvement district entities. Companies and organizations mentioned in this episode: Topology https://topology.is/ Books Recommended: Donald T. Phillips-Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times https://amzn.to/2SAXFBb Robert A. Caro -The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York https://amzn.to/35B1dWF Robert Greene - 48 Laws of Power https://amzn.to/3xxeqfm Ron Chernow - Alexander Hamilton https://amzn.to/35yvlC7 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

In this episode, BJ interviews fellow West Point Graduate and Army Veteran Brian Zickefoose, Founder & CEO of the Valiant Group, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small that provides general contracting and construction management services for commercial, healthcare, utility, and government clients throughout the eastern United States. Brian earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy. After spending six and half years on active duty, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Brian spent time in the private sector before founding Valiant group in 2017, focusing on a relentless commitment to building a better homefront, community, and customer experience through a relentless commitment to customer development. Brian is unapologetic about his commitment to serving transitioning veterans, which fuels his team's passion for serving the AEC industry. This is an inspiring episode you don’t want to miss. Companies and organizations mentioned in this episode: The Valiant Group https://www.valiantgrouplink.com/ The Outdoor Association of True Heroes (OATH) https://www.oathinc.org/ Books Mentioned: Michael Thompson- The Heart of a Warrior: Before You Can Become the Warrior, You Must Become the Beloved Son https://amzn.to/3wgtwFK John C. Maxwell-The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential https://amzn.to/3znW0PY Patrick Lencioni- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable https://amzn.to/3xgbHGK Jason B.A. Van Camp- Deliberate Discomfort: How U.S. Special Operations Forces Overcome Fear and Dare to Win by Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable https://amzn.to/3xjuEIT Gay Hendricks- The Big Leap https://amzn.to/3wsBawZ John C. Maxwell- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You https://amzn.to/3wf1ZVf Geno Wickman- Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business https://amzn.to/2Tft4sF Geno Wickman- What the Heck is EOS?: A Complete Guide for Employees in Companies Running on EOS https://amzn.to/2Tnhn3i Sebastian Junger- Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging https://amzn.to/35agCgv 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

In part 2 to last week's episode of Inspiring People & Places, Producer and Marine Corps Veteran “IRON” Mike Steadman, continues his interview with MCFA President & CEO, BJ Kreamer to discuss the importance of cultivating an intentional company culture, the roadblocks of building out a trusted team, and the challenges of running a successful professional service firm in the AEC industry. Resources mentioned in this episode: Og Mandino- The Greatest Salesman In The World Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3cg1KBo Robert T. Kiyosaki- Rich Dad Poor Dad Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3inAvbA Napoleon Hill- Think and Grow Rich Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3g7tGbE 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

In this episode, Inspiring People & Places Producer and Marine Corps Veteran “IRON” Mike Steadman, interviews MCFA President & CEO, BJ Kreamer, to shed some transparency on why he decided to start a podcast, his journey from the battlefield to MCFA, and the challenges of running a successful professional service firm in the AEC industry. Resources mentioned in this episode: Dan Sullivan- Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3p0XFGo 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

In this episode, BJ sits down with MCFA’s Director of Marketing, Christen Sheppard. Christen shares her journey from college and working at a juice bar, to entering the A/E/C industry, where for the last six years she’s led MCFA’s marketing and customer service efforts. Resources mentioned in this episode: “Everything in moderation, including moderation”- Cristen’s Grandfather Patrick Lencioni- Getting Naked: A Business Fable About Shedding The Three Fears That Sabotage Client Loyalty Purchase Here: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Naked-Business-Shedding-Sabotage/dp/0787976393/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=getting+naked&qid=1621614788&sr=8-1 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

In the following episode, BJ sits down with Jilian Breeden, the Founder and President of Engage Federal LLC (Engage), a woman-owned small business (WOSB) located in the Washington DC area specializing in data-driven, results-focused facilities planning services. Jilian has two decades of planning and programming experience, primarily supporting federal government clients, including DoD, GSA, DOT, NOAA, EPA, FBI, and AOC. Resources mentioned in this episode: “There’s no change in the comfort zone and no comfort in the change zone.” - Unknown “One step at a time, one day at a time, just today, just this day to get through.”- Linda Sue Park - A Long Walk to Water https://www.amazon.com/Long-Walk-Water-Based-Story/dp/0547577311/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=along+walk+to+water&qid=1621002241&sr=8-1 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

In the following episode, BJ sits down with MCFA’s Chief Operations Officer, Brian Pieplow. In addition to serving as the COO, Brian’s the Senior Program Manager and Principal Planner, responsible for leading a team of highly collaborative and innovative specialists in integrating resiliency in planning and design, and developing public-private ventures for aviation, transit, transportation, and military facilities and master planning projects. He brings over 35 years of diversified experience across the U.S. and internationally. Resources mentioned in this episode: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” ― Calvin Coolidge Greg McKeown - Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 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

In the following interview, BJ sits down with Jill Jamieson, President & CEO of Illuminati Infrastructure Advisors. They discuss Jill’s amazing path to becoming an internationally recognized expert on Infrastructure Finance & Public Private Partnerships. Resources mentioned in this episode: Benjamin Hoff: “The Tao of Pooh” https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/ 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

In the following interview, BJ sits down with his friend and mentor, Wes Guckert. Wes is the Founder & CEO of The Traffic Group, one of the nation's leading traffic engineering, transit, and transportation planning firms. He is an expert in traffic engineering and transportation planning – a technical adviser in traffic analysis, traffic signal design, traffic circulation, access studies, automated and robotic parking systems, and transit planning. Since founding TTG, Wes has played a major role in more than 8,000 projects; directing the design and implementation of traffic access systems throughout the United States and internationally, from Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas, to Indonesia, Dubai, South Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China. Resources mentioned in this episode: Movie: “Pay it Forward” starring Haley Joel Osment Dr. Ben Carson- “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” 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

In this episode, BJ sits down with James Haggerty, SVP of VIVAMEE Hospitality. James’ career focuses on construction management, design, and architecture, primarily in the hospitality market. Notably, he served as Director, Design + Construction of Choice Hotels, and managed the design and development of their segment-redefining upscale brand properties – Cambria Hotels and the Ascend Hotel Collection. Resources mentioned in this episode: Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson Phil Knight: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight 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