142 episodes

We interview national leaders in the architecture, engineering, construction, and development industry, in an effort to educate, innovate and inspire industry professionals to disrupt the status quo, improve their project teams and steward public & private investments more effectively.

Inspiring People & Places: Architecture, Engineering, And Construction BJ Kraemer, MCFA

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 25 Ratings

We interview national leaders in the architecture, engineering, construction, and development industry, in an effort to educate, innovate and inspire industry professionals to disrupt the status quo, improve their project teams and steward public & private investments more effectively.

    What Role Does Technology Play In Innovating How Construction Projects Are Delivered With Adam Stark

    What Role Does Technology Play In Innovating How Construction Projects Are Delivered With Adam Stark

    In this episode, we sit down with Adam Stark, Special Forces Veteran and Co-Founder of Jet.Build. Jet.Build is a provider of cloud-based project management solutions created specifically for real estate developers and construction professionals.  
     
    With a background in the Special Forces, Adam brings a unique perspective to the table. He combines his military expertise with his skills in project management and technology. He is also committed to holistic leadership, personal development, and making a positive impact in his industry and community.  
     
    In our conversation, we unpack transitioning from a military to a professional career, the skills that cross over, and the ways the military and construction are similar. We also dive into his path to starting a tech startup, how Jet.Build is driving innovation, and the range of services the company offers.  
     
    Join us as we explore how Adam and his company are paving the way forward in the built environment. Tune in now! 
     
    Key Points From This Episode: 
    Adam’s journey from construction to founding a tech startup. Learn how the Jet.Build is revolutionizing the sector with technology. Adam’s advice and valuable lessons for other leaders in construction.  
    Quotes: 
    “[Jet.Build] is going to provide you with modern technology that is easy to understand and easy to use.” — Adam Stark [0:14:55] 
     
    “[Jet.Build] has the ability to implement at a pace that these legacy companies cannot even fathom.” — Adam Stark [0:15:38] 
     
    “Not only does [Jet.Build’s technology] protect you as you build your project, [but] it allows productivity for all of your stakeholders and prepares you for the future.” — Adam Stark [0:18:56] 
     
     
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 
    Adam Stark on LinkedIn 
    Jet.Build 
    The Veterans Who Build Show on Apple Podcasts 
    The Veterans Who Build Show on YouTube 
    Primavera 
    Procore 
    Autodesk 
    Trimble 
    Never Split the Difference 
    The Power of Now 
    Inspiring People & Places Podcast 
    MCFA 
    MCFA Careers 
    BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

    • 31 min
    Why Self-Awareness Should Be The First Step In Every Leaders Development Journey with Mike Erwin

    Why Self-Awareness Should Be The First Step In Every Leaders Development Journey with Mike Erwin

    To be an effective leader, you must believe that other people matter and, as a result, that leadership is a relationship.  
     
    This is the belief of today’s guest, Mike Erwin. A soldier, educator, author, non-profit founder, veteran advocate, and Executive Director at Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), America's leading health and wellness community for veterans. Mike is also CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and co-founder and president of The Positivity Project, a non-profit organization that aims to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships.  
     
    As you’ll learn in this episode, Mike is an exemplary leader who has dedicated his life to serving his nation and empowering people to become more resilient. Mike shares his perspective on leadership development, how Positive Psychology has influenced his personal and professional outlook on life, and why it’s important to not just coexist but learn to collaborate with others.  (even when they have radically different personalities from you).  
     
    Mike and BJ also discuss the books that have profoundly impacted Mike’s life, the people who inspire him most, his definition of legacy, and much more! To find out why the leaders who put people first tend to be more successful (and memorable), be sure to tune in today.
    Key Points From This Episode:
    •   Steps to cultivating a leadership mindset and a “relentless focus on other people.”
    •   The origin story of Team RWB and how it connects veterans with their communities.
    •   How The Positivity Project started and the five areas of leadership it promotes.
    •   Practical advice for balancing a busy calendar by doing each task to your best ability.
     
    Quotes:
    “For the most part, we go through life with other people. How we understand other people is [hugely important].” — Mike Erwin
     
    “Understand yourself – Start there, then prioritize and be able to understand other people. In other words, leading yourself first matters because it allows you to lead other people and build relationships well.” — Mike Erwin
     
    “I’m inspired by people who’ve got a good character and who treat other people well, regardless of their circumstance.” — Mike Erwin
     
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
    Mike Erwin
    Team Red, White & Blue
    Lead Yourself First
    Leadership is a Relationship
    Mike Erwin on LinkedIn
    Mike Erwin on Instagram
    Mike Erwin on Facebook
    Mike Erwin on X
    Character & Leadership Center
    Positivity Project
    United States Military Academy West Point
    Atomic Habits
    The Psychology of Money
    The Benedict Option
    The Devil and Bella Dodd
    The Alchemist
    The Fourth Turning
    Ascension with Father Mike Schmitz
    Inspiring People & Places Podcast
    MCFA
    MCFA Careers
    BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    • 48 min
    BJ Kraemer: A Building Leader on Building Leaders

    BJ Kraemer: A Building Leader on Building Leaders

    During this episode, we’re turning the tables; the guest becomes the host, and the host becomes the guest! 
    Jon Nehlsen is the Chief Financial Officer at MCFA, and he joins us to interview BJ Kraemer. You’ll hear all about BJ’s formative experiences, from his childhood experiences to his early career in construction before joining MCFA. 
    Getting into his West Point journey, we explore what it was like to continue his father’s military legacy, and BJ shares how he has drawn inspiration from a veteran who didn’t make it home. 
    We also discuss the reading list that has shaped his thinking and unpack the methodology that keeps his reading habit alive. 
    We wrap the episode by delving deeper into BJ’s identity in the business world, how he launches his skill of synthesizing emotions and logic, and how he manages his deficiencies to be effective. 
    Join us for an inspiring conversation today!
    Key Points From This Episode:
    •   Reads that have shaped BJ’s philosophy and worldview and the cons of reading a lot and how to combat them.
    •   Creating a culture that allows people to become the best version of themselves. 
    •   How to synthesize emotions and logic.
    •   Habits that shape BJ’s approach to life. 
     
    Quotes:
    “When you’re a leader among leaders, and it is obvious, you know there’s something special there.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “Profits are important. People are more important.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “Whatever your platform is, try to do as much good with it as possible.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “If you read too much and don’t have a methodology for implementation, it turns into infotainment.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “In the professional services space, you’re an idiot if you can’t say that your people are your brand or your people are your biggest asset.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
    Jon Nehlsen on LinkedIn
    The Knock at the Door
    Never Eat Alone
    Think and Grow Rich
    4 Hour Work Week
    How to Win Friends and Influence People
    Skin in the Game
    Inspiring People & Places Podcast
    MCFA
    MCFA Careers
    BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    • 42 min
    The Three Most Important Skills Project Managers Need To Conquer A Challenging Project Or Client With BJ Kraemer

    The Three Most Important Skills Project Managers Need To Conquer A Challenging Project Or Client With BJ Kraemer

    If you’ve ever taken on a tough project or struggled with a demanding client, then this episode is for you! In today’s episode, you’ll hear BJ Kraemer share the details of his most recent project, the challenges he encountered, and what he learned from the experience. 
     
    You’ll learn about the reservations he had regarding his most recent project, why it was so challenging (despite his good relationship with the client), and the seven key lessons any good project manager needs to know — especially if they’re responsible for a tough project or a demanding client. 
     
    Join us today to hear the full scope of BJ’s hard-won insights, what it takes to execute an excellent project, and how he helped his client navigate the impossible!
     
    Key Points From This Episode:
    •   Taking on a demanding project or client, and the challenges you’ll need to navigate.
    •   How to manage scope creep and why it’s so difficult to navigate.
    •   The art and science of balancing a positive attitude with the realities of a situation.
     
    Quotes:
    “Scope Creep is the easiest thing to say yes to when you're a project manager, [but] it's the hardest thing to navigate.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “Sometimes we just have to take ourselves out of the emotion of trying to make the impossible happen, take a deep breath, and look realistically at the equation to say ‘Where are risks? And how can we mitigate, manage, navigate or accept them?’” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “I challenge all of you to be the glue that keeps it together, but also be the maestro of when to use art and when to use science to maintain the spirit and the camaraderie that it takes to have a great project.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
    How to Win Friends & Influence People
    Inspiring People & Places Podcast
    MCFA
    MCFA Careers
    BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    • 19 min
    How To Embrace the Abyss On Your Way To Success with Jimmy Vreeland

    How To Embrace the Abyss On Your Way To Success with Jimmy Vreeland

    Buckle up folks because today is going to be an adventure with our guest, Jimmy Vreeland. Join in and get to know more about who Jimmy Vreeland is, what he does, and how he got there. 
     
    We delve into how he got into starting a podcast with the mission to educate people, his thoughts and definitions of achievement and fulfillment, and his compelling elevator pitch on why passive real estate investments are a wise consideration. He also shares insights on how his military background shaped some of his leadership skills.
     
    Don’t miss his answers to our rapid-fire questions, closing thoughts, inspiration, and recommended actionable steps toward fulfillment. Thanks for listening, enjoy! 
     
    Key Points From This Episode:
    •   Why do a podcast and educate people?
    •   We delve into the two Hero’s Journeys: chasing achievement and fulfillment. 
    •   How Jimmy defines fulfillment and desired M-state.
    •   Leadership skills Jimmy gleaned from the army that transferred to his leadership in business.
     
    Quotes:
    “I feel like buying real estate without a certain amount of education is like running with scissors.” — Jimmy Vreeland
     
    “Once I realized that there was no success without the abyss, I just started having fun with it.” — Jimmy Vreeland 
     
    “If you are coordinating action with others, it’s a way to be fulfilled and accomplish things with other people.” — Jimmy Vreeland 
     
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
    Jimmy Vreeland on LinkedIn
    Jimmy Vreeland on X
    Jimmy Vreeland on Instagram
    Jimmy Vreeland on YouTube
    Busting the Real Estate Investing Lies: Build Wealth the Smart Way: Through the Most Time-Tested, Least Volatile Path to Financial Freedom
    Vreeland Capital
    Combat, Cash Machines, and Cashflow: The Evolution of Jimmy Vreeland
    Rise Up. Live Free.
    Dude, Where's My House? (Jimmy Vreeland)
    Opening Up The Tent Podcast
    Word on Fire Podcast
    Exodus90
    West Point
    Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! 
    The Hero's 2 Journeys
    The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell (1999-09-01)
    Daniel Marcos
    Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
    Larry Yatch on LinkedIn
    How Leadership (Actually) Works: A Navy SEAL’s Complete System for Coordinating Teams
    C.S Lewis
    Jordan B. Peterson
    Mere Christianity 
    The Road Less Stupid
    Inspiring People & Places Podcast
    MCFA
    MCFA Careers
    BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

    • 26 min
    Why Fulfillment Is One Of MCFA's Brand Promises With BJ Kraemer

    Why Fulfillment Is One Of MCFA's Brand Promises With BJ Kraemer

    One of MCFA’s brand promises to our employees is a fulfilling career. While the responsibility for ultimately finding fulfillment is individual, today, you’ll find out how MCFA has built an environment and a culture that facilitates this brand promise and enables someone to navigate a rewarding career.  
     
    To learn what fulfillment is, why it matters, and much more, stay tuned for some thought-provoking conversations with your host BJ Kraemer!
    Key Points From This Episode: 
    Why a meaningful career is an important part of a happy and fulfilling life. What makes a job rewarding, including location, compensation, and vocation. Four “freedoms” that commonly motivate entrepreneurs. The importance of working toward something meaningful for yourself.  
    Quotes: 
    “Nobody is responsible for fulfillment except for you. – While I can’t take responsibility for anybody’s fulfillment, I can be very intentional in creating a culture, environment, and systems that enable somebody to navigate a fulfilling career.” — BJ Kraemer
     
    “There’s no magic wand [for] creating a fulfilling career.” — BJ Kraemer 
     
    “Whether [you’re] leading somebody on their career journey or leading yourself on your career journey, fulfillment is not [something] you wake up and all of a sudden have. I think that fulfillment generally comes from working toward something meaningful for yourself.” — BJ Kraemer 
     
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 
    'The 4 Freedoms That Motivate Successful Entrepreneurs’ 
    Inspiring People & Places Podcast 
    MCFA 
    MCFA Careers 
    BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn 

    • 14 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
25 Ratings

25 Ratings

Ricky McLain ,

What the world needs more of

This podcast is a great blend of practical business and personal growth ideas, new and emerging topics, and the talented people behind it all. Highly recommended.

Kmartinez328 ,

Fun and informative look into AEC

I was recently a guest on the pod and have been listening to quite a few episodes. BJ is an excellent host and keeps the conversation lively. This is a fresh look at our industry, and I really do find the stories to be inspiring. Keep up the good work BJ!

J-Mc32 ,

Great pod!

The show has a great structure and well thought out process.

Also… it has good audio and is easy to hear.

Give it a listen!

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