In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Amy Coppola to explore her journey from corporate leadership to building her own company, Alfa Zula Professionals Inc. The conversation focuses on leadership growth, navigating large-scale government projects, and the realities of starting a small business in the defense and federal space. Amy shares how her mindset shifted from task management to people-centered leadership, and how purpose, resilience, and mentorship shaped her career path.

Amy Coppola is a seasoned leader with deep experience in federal systems integration, program management, and government contracting. She spent many years at Motorola Solutions supporting law enforcement and Homeland Security projects before rising to director level. Amy is now the founder of Alfa Zula Professionals, a small business focused on program management, technical services, and helping other companies navigate government contracting. Her work blends leadership, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to supporting people and teams.

• How Amy transitioned from project manager to a people focused leader
• What it takes to manage and recover large government projects
• The realities and challenges of starting a small business
• Why mentorship and perspective are critical for long term growth
• How small businesses can partner and succeed in federal contracting

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:04] – Welcome & Introduction of Amy Coppola
• [05:11] – The “draw the U.S.” exercise that changed her perspective
• [10:55] – Overview of Motorola’s federal systems integration work
• [16:30] – Being the first woman director and facing DEI assumptions
• [22:02] – Alfa Zula’s services: helping small businesses with SBA certifications
• [27:47] – The meaning behind “Alfa Zula” (phonetic alphabet, woman-owned)
• [29:01] – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “do it scared”
• [30:17] – Challenges as a woman-owned small business in defense
• [35:40] – Closing remarks and gratitude

Connect with the Guest, Amy Coppola:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-coppola-mba-pmp/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alfa-zula-professionals-inc/

👉 Company’s Website: https://www.alfa-zula.com/

🔗 Connect with the Host, Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 More about Leadership Courses:

👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

In this episode of The ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Jessica Gronert, Senior Business Development Manager at Leidos, about her unique career journey across the Air Force, intelligence, education, and business development. The conversation focuses on her leadership role as President of Women in Defence Greater Tampa Bay and how the organization supports professional growth, community engagement, and STEM education. Jessica shares how purpose, service, and adaptability have shaped her career and how Women in Defence is evolving to support the broader defence community.

Jessica Gronert is a Director, AFSOC ISR Operations in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. With a background in intelligence and Middle Eastern studies, she has served in multiple roles within Air Force Special Operations Command. Jessica is also the President of Women in Defence Greater Tampa Bay, where she leads efforts to support professional development, strengthen industry connections, and expand STEM opportunities for youth.

Expect to Learn:

1. How Jessica transitioned from aspiring fighter pilot to intelligence and leadership roles
2. The mission and evolution of Women in Defence and its impact today
3. Why community, networking, and service are critical in the defence industry
4. The challenges nonprofits face with funding and public perception
5. How STEM programmes and early education shape the future workforce

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [01:13] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with Jessica Gronert
3. [07:12] – The Most Rewarding Job: Teaching CENTCOM at the Schoolhouse
4. [14:02] – What is Women In Defence? Mission, Evolution, and Professional Development
5. [20:01] – The Tampa Reach: Three Florida Chapters and a Sprawling Membership
6. [28:58] – A Message to Sponsors: "We Are More Than Just Our Name"
7. [34:27] – 2025 Impact: The STEM Lending Library and Every Middle School in Hillsborough
8. [40:28] – Closing Remarks and How to Connect

🔗 Connect with the Guest Jessica Gronert:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesszgronert/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leidos/

👉 Company’s Website: https://www.leidos.com/

👉 U.S. Air Force Reserve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airforcereserverecruiting/

👉 U.S. Air Force Reserve Website: https://www.airforce.com/ways-to-serve/air-force-reserve

🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 More about Leadership Courses:

👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Jed Dairy, the Director of Open Autonomy at Wenco International Mining Systems. With a background in both the construction and mining industries, Jed shares his journey from project management to leading innovative autonomous systems in mining. They discuss the transformative role of autonomy in mining, the importance of an abundance mindset, and how the younger generation can better build self-confidence in today's technology-driven world.

Jed Dairy is a seasoned professional in the mining industry, with over 20 years of experience spanning construction, fleet management, and autonomous systems. Currently, he leads the Open Autonomy at Wenco International Mining Systems, a software company focused on integrating fleet management systems with autonomous technologies. Jed has been instrumental in deploying cutting-edge systems that optimize mine operations globally.

Key Takeaways:

1. Autonomous Systems in Mining: How autonomous haulage is reshaping the way large-scale mining operations are managed, providing more efficiency and less human intervention.
2. The Abundance Mindset: Jed discusses how shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset is key to building confidence and overcoming challenges.
3. Developing the Younger Generation: Addressing the challenges faced by the younger workforce, particularly in building self-esteem and confidence in a world filled with constant comparisons.
4. Innovation in Mining: A look at how Wenco is integrating innovative solutions, such as autonomous fleet management, to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [01:11] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with Jed Dairy
3. [05:36] – Open Autonomy Explained: The API for Mining's Future
4. [10:02] – The PMI Five-Star Moment: From Manager to Leader
5. [18:00] – Executive Presence Across Cultures: Perception, Adaptability, and the Platinum Rule
6. [24:54] – Coaching Gen Z: Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence
7. [28:15] – Closing Remarks and How to Connect

🔗 Connect with the Guest Jed Dairy:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdairy/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wenco-international-mining-systems/

👉 Company’s Website: https://www.wencomine.com/

🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 More about Leadership Courses:

👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

Disclaimer: All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the US Government. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying US Government authentication of information or endorsement of the author’s views.

In this relaunch of the ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Juliane Gallina, currently a partner at Lavrock Ventures and a veteran leader with over two decades of government service. They explore her unique career trajectory - from the US Navy to the CIA and IBM - while discussing the core principles of leadership, the power of data, and the personal motivations behind major professional pivots.

Key Takeaways

1. Human-Centric Leadership: True leadership is defined by the ability to navigate complex situations that are not captured in a manual or checklist.
2. Mission over Mechanics: Success in any environment comes from a leader's ability to connect their team to a purpose larger than themselves.
3. Family-Driven Pivots: Every major career shift in Juliane's life was influenced by family needs, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal and professional worlds.
4. Decisive Data Analytics: At a 30-person startup, Juliane used quantitative analysis to prove the value of UAV data, which directly influenced multi-billion dollar Pentagon budgets.
5. AI for Intelligence: Leading the deployment of IBM Watson at the CIA provided advanced "question and answer" capabilities to help manage the agency's massive data holdings.
6. Bridging the Sector Gap: Despite structural communication barriers ("caste systems"), leadership challenges remain fundamentally similar across the military, government, and commercial sectors.

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro: Why the human brain is irreplaceable by machines and checklists.

[02:47] – Military Roots: Specializing in cryptology and secure communications in the US Navy.

[04:15] – NRO & CIA: Transitioning from the National Reconnaissance Office to the CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology.

[06:12] – The Personal Pivot: Leaving government service after 20 years to prioritize family needs.

[07:56] – Big Data Impact: Demonstrating the quantitative value of UAV sensor data in war zones.

[11:56] – Corporate Scaling: The experience of moving from a 30-person firm to IBM's global workforce.

[16:05] – The Industry-Gov Barrier: Navigating communication gaps when returning to work with old colleagues.

[18:04] – Return to Service: Being appointed as the CIA's Chief Information Officer in 2019.

[21:08] – Leadership Mechanics: Comparing the discipline of a spacecraft launch to everyday team management.

[35:28] – Closing Thoughts: Reconnecting for national security and looking ahead to the future.

🔗 Connect with the Guest Juliane Gallina:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliane-gallina-b736244/

🔗 Follow Lavrock Ventures:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lavrock-ventures/

👉 Website: https://lavrockvc.com/

👉 X: https://x.com/lavrockvc

🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 More about Leadership Courses:

👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Christopher Mattila, Director of Construction Project Management at American Transmission Company (ATC), to discuss what it takes to deliver large-scale transmission and infrastructure projects in today’s high-demand environment.

With 17 years at Minnesota Power, where he built and led a Project Management Office, Chris shares how those experiences shaped his leadership approach. He reflects on leading complex capital programs at ATC, maintaining execution discipline, team alignment, and a strong organizational culture during a period of rapid industry growth.

Together, they explore how organizations scale infrastructure delivery, drive transparency, and preserve culture when capital investment grows faster than headcount, and the leadership mindset required to navigate this accelerated growth without sacrificing performance or long-term stability.

1. How to scale a capital program by over 50 percent year over year without multiplying headcount
2. Why culture and transparency matter more during rapid growth
3. The impact of data centres and regional transmission projects on utility planning
4. How to lead cross functional teams through major change
5. Practical advice for building or restarting a PMO in a complex organisation

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [01:09] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with Chris Mattila
3. [06:32] – The Unexpected Call from ATC: An Offer He Couldn't Refuse
4. [11:43] – The Fear: Can Culture Survive Explosive Growth?
5. [17:30] – Strategy for Project Managers: A Unique Approach to Leadership
6. [23:28] – Engagement Scores: Why Empowerment and Transparency Won the Day
7. [29:48] – What Makes ATC Special? Family, Transparency, and 360-Degree Reviews
8. [35:09] – Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead

🔗 Connect with the Guest Christopher Mattila:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mattila-mba-mspm-pmp-2822433/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atc/

👉 Company’s Website: https://www.atcllc.com/

🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 More about Leadership Courses:

👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with JL Bielon, Chief Executive Officer at Champions for Children, to explore her journey through the nonprofit sector and her transition into her first CEO role. JL shares how a career rooted in philanthropy, from a historic theatre to an ocular research centre, a zoo, and now a child abuse prevention nonprofit, prepared her for executive leadership.

JL Bielon has spent her entire career in nonprofit leadership, specialising in fundraising and philanthropy. She now leads Champions for Children, a Tampa-based organisation focused on preventing child abuse and strengthening families through research-based programmes. Her work blends strategic clarity, community collaboration, and a deep commitment to long-term impact for children and families.

Expect to Learn:

1. What surprised JL most during her first year as a CEO.
2. How losing and gaining federal grants reshaped the organisation’s strategy.
3. Why mission, vision, and values clarity is critical for nonprofit growth.
4. The importance of peer networks and coaching for new CEOs.
5. How philanthropy and fundraising skills are shaping the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [01:32] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with JL Bielon
3. [05:14] – First Year as CEO: Surprises, Team Building, and Federal Grant Challenges
4. [11:08] – Leaning on the Network: The Weight of CEO Decisions
5. [17:34] – Redefining Mission, Vision, and Values: The Foundation for the Next 50 Years
6. [22:49] – The Leadership Toolbox: From Manager to Coach
7. [30:55] – Advice for Aspiring CEOs: Embrace the Zigzag and Say Yes to Conversations
8. [33:36] – Closing Remarks and How to Connect

🔗 Connect with the Guest JL Bielon:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jl-bielon/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/champions-for-children/

👉 Company’s Website: https://cfctb.org/

🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Kevin Kerrigan, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Fulton County Government. Kevin shares his journey from research to public service and leadership in local government. With a background in technology and environmental data research, Kevin has led IT teams through transformative changes and significant challenges, including a major cyberattack. The conversation explores Kevin’s career evolution, leadership lessons, and how technology is shaping local government operations.

Expect to Learn:

1. Kevin’s journey from an IT intern to CIO, and his role in transitioning from research to government service.
2. Insights on the importance of leadership development, especially in managing large IT teams and navigating crisis situations.
3. How Fulton County leveraged technology to recover from a significant cyberattack, accelerating their tech progression in the process.
4. The growing importance of soft skills in leadership and technology management, particularly as AI and automation continue to shape the future.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

1. [00:00] – Teaser
2. [01:28] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with Kevin Kerrigan
3. [04:27] – Building the Water Atlas: Environmental Data and GIS
4. [09:45] – Transitioning from Research to Hillsborough County
5. [16:27] – The Leadership Epiphany: Seeking Coaching and Development
6. [25:18] – The Six-Month Vetting Process for Fulton County CIO
7. [32:04] – Managing 46 Departments and Elected Officials During Recovery
8. [40:57] – Estimating the Acceleration: Five to Seven Years of Progress
9. [48:59] – The Value of Offsites: Building Trust and Vulnerability
10. [53:39] – Final Thoughts: Soft Skills Are the New Hard Skills
11. [54:56] – Closing Remarks

🔗 Connect with the Guest Kevin Kerrigan:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmkerrigan/

👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fultoncountygovernment/

👉 Company’s Website: https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/

🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/

🔗 More from Choinque:

👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog

👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744

👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast

👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque

👉 X: https://x.com/choinque

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ

It has been a privilege getting to know a Christian-based organization following an open-enrollment Leadership Excellence Course this summer at the USAF Academy. We may ask ourselves, what does a Christian-based organization have to do with leadership?

Good question. Let’s consider the scope of our follow on engagement, an Energize2Lead Workshop. Energy has a great deal to do with leadership. How many of us would ever say we we were energized by a demotivating leader, or more simply, a sourpuss? Not likely.

Tony Schwartz comes to mind, especially during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, since he has coached many tennis pros. Tony focuses on managing our energy levels, and that we can apply that to our own effectiveness as leaders.

According to Tony, we have four personal energy dimensions: Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual. We’re probably pretty comfortable talking about our physical energy levels, with diet and exercise such everyday topics. How many of the other three dimensions do we think about, in the workplace, particularly when we think about what we share of ourselves and what we learn about those in our charge? 

Back to the client. This client, during our Energize2Lead Workshop, not surprisingly was quite different. We started off with a moment of prayer, beginning with the energy dimension we likely neglect the most, the spiritual.

Let’s stop for a moment. How often do we think of our jobs, or work, as something that contributes to our spiritual selves? Big question.

Just as there are multiple dimensions to our energy levels, there are multiple dimensions to ourselves as leaders, which may be shared with others in order to ignite the passions we truly want if we seek engagement, or to be effective leaders that matter. These are interesting things, the unique things that comprise our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves. What things form your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self? Courage moment: What would it take for you to share these things, in your Personal Leadership Philosophy, in a coaching session, or when just getting to know your team.

How might your subordinates follow you differently if they knew such things?

Consider all four of these dimensions.

Great leaders understand energy.

One of the attendees at our most recent Academy Leadership Excellence Courses hosted at the USAF Academy shared a realization both on the first day to our group of eleven, and afterward during our one-on-one follow-on executive coaching sessions. Here’s what happened. Much of the first day of a Leadership Excellence Course is focused on learning about ourselves, in particular, what energizes us so that we may energize and perhaps inspire others. This attendee shared his reflection that over the past six months his working environment had changed — from one energizing to someone who prefers an independent course of action — to a more compliance, rules-based day to day routine. In addition, he was increasingly left out of decision-making processes, which he has both an instinctive need for and was brought up believing people ought to include others when making choices.

Keep in mind this attendee had been successfully working 2.5 years on a really cool project. Attending the course providing time to think, share his story, and after the course share his findings as documented on his Action Plan, which was shared with his supervisor. That’s the best part of the story - finding the courage to share who one really is and what genuinely motivates us.

Guess what happened? Hint: His new supervisor is a good leader. 

After reassignment to a new project, and to a new sponsor, which his company generously accommodated, he was introduced as a new member of the leadership team on the first day. A direct quote from the attendee’s email: 

“This is unique in that project managers are usually not included that way with senior leaders' direct reporting groups.  In our first leadership team meeting, he must have asked me 10 times what my opinion was and what strategies I thought the team should consider. OK... I am SO happy.  You already know how E2L [this type of sharing works], but I thought you would appreciate the recent, specific example.”

What’s may we take away from this story? When we take the time to honestly assess ourselves, and create an environment where others may do the same, we can create a very motivational environment.

Not surprisingly, here’s the closing part of his email:

“Next steps for me... 

I go to corporate headquarters next week. I will be doing planning sessions and team building exercises with my new leadership team. And, I will get to meet my future project team members.

My plan is to share my leadership philosophy with the leadership team. In addition, I will meet with each of my new management peers and fill out the Motivation Assessment form.  The idea is that I want to improve my relationships with peers better than in the past. I do well with my reports and further up the org chart - but my detractors are typically peer managers at my level.  We will be doing a major organization change effort over the next year, so I want to develop really strong and positive relationships with the other managers this time around.”

Think about that. This isn’t about pay raises or foosball tables in the break room. It’s about learning what makes other’s tick. How well do you really know yourself? Can you recall the last time you finished a work day more energized than when you started? What happened that particular day? More importantly, do you know your team members that well?

Can’t wait for the next coaching session to learn what happens next.

Great leaders create an energizing environment.

In Episode 25, we meet a next-generation business leader, who focuses as much on people as results, Brandon Lark. Starting out “in the field” as a Superintendent and Project Manager, Brandon was appointed President of Great Southwestern Construction in May of 2014. While a Vice President, Brandon launched a broad-based leadership development initiative, which has included working with Academy Leadership. Brandon first attended a three-day Leadership Excellence Course in November 2013, and has subsequently focused on aligning Great Southwestern Construction around a set of common core values as defined by everyone within the company and his own Personal Leadership Philosophy.