

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

Jan 24, 2024 • 49min
The Future of Work With Jon Nehlsen
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=9021743&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17936411840195383590&hvtargid=kwd-1186806309331&hydadcr=22159_13517521&keywords=michael+lewis+playing+to+win&qid=1705599736&sr=8-1Calls-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 17, 2024 • 27min
How Much Do Owners Influence The Construction Industry With Howie Ferguson
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-podcastCalls-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 10, 2024 • 34min
Why Mass Timber Is Making A Comeback In The World Of Construction With Rick McLain
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-Effect-Darren-Hardy/dp/159315724XAdmiral William H. McRaven’s University of Texas Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70Ricky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickymclain/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 3, 2024 • 42min
How To Manage Big Teams For Big Success With Dave Kaminski
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/007148163XCalls-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

Dec 27, 2023 • 22min
Reflect, Reset And Refocus For 2024 With BJ Kraemer
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 20, 2023 • 46min
Building Champions In & Out of The Ring with "Iron" Mike Steadman
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.comMike's speech at Fund For New Leadership Fellows Retreat: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7118248842700935168/?originTrackingId=08U2zvh%2FRD%2Bha%2FVv2dadiQ%3D%3D“The Confident Mind” by Dr. Nate Zinsser: https://www.amazon.com/Confident-Mind-Battle-Tested-Unshakable-Performance/dp/0063014831Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “There's No Failure In Sports” quote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2QCiJC06y4Mike's LinkedInCalls-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

Dec 13, 2023 • 47min
How Architecture Can Be Fun with Peter and Sharon Exley
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 Brown: https://www.amazon.com/AA-WORDS-Having-Words/dp/190290270XCalls-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

Dec 6, 2023 • 43min
How mcfa Is Using An Interim Integrator To Prepare For Our Next Stage Of Growth With Eric Quinn
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://www.amazon.com/How-Leadership-Actually-Works-Coordinating-ebook/dp/B09WF2KPPG/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=649723164894&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9021743&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3899342270738931596&hvtargid=kwd-1544185871011&hydadcr=22569_13493349&keywords=how+leadership+actually+works&qid=1701191457&s=books&sr=1-1Eric’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmquinn/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

Nov 29, 2023 • 29min
Taking The Leap Of Faith To Open Your Own Business With Shawn Dominguez
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/dp/055327757X/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580744727936&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9021760&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3754093988559016610&hvtargid=kwd-98932360&hydadcr=8295_13500824&keywords=the+greatest+salesman+in+the+world&qid=1698698818&sr=8-1Calls-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

Nov 24, 2023 • 45min
DoD 2 AEC: Creating Purpose In Our Post-Military Careers With Tyson Barnhart
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-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057Calls-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