Leadership Blueprints

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with John Sharkey, COO of VictoryBase. John talks about the struggles he encountered when deciding to leave the military, the key advice he would give to other service members considering their transition, and what rising through the ranks of a startup has taught him about leadership. 

Resources mentioned: 

“Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316095

“Building a Storybrand” by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329

John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwsharkey/

Find out more about VictoryBase at: https://www.victorybase.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.com

Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Matt Bell, Civilian in the U.S. Air Force at 787th Civil Engineer Squadron. Matt discusses finding his footing in the public sector, what he has learned to expect, both as and from, a leader, and what it means to him to be a civil servant.

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Joe Evanglisti, former Builder in the US Navy, entrepreneur and CEO of Legacy Developers. Joe describes his journey to the military and the construction world, lessons learned from multiple successful entrepreneurial endeavors, and the most valuable lesson he learned from his time in the Navy.

Resources mentioned: 

Learn more about Legacy Developers at: https://investwithlegacy.com/

“The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357

“Giftology” by John Ruhlin: https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332

“How to Make Sh*t Happen” by Sean Whalen: https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Sh-Happen-relationships/dp/1984268945

VBC Giving Foundation: https://vbcgivingfoundation.org/

Aerial Recovery: https://aerialrecovery.org/

Movie, Sound of Freedom

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ talks with MCFA’s SkillBridge candidate, Ben Clifton. Ben talks about his journey to active duty in the Army, how he navigated through corporate America, and how he has transitioned into his role at MCFA. 

Resources mentioned: 

“Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose: https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Courage-Meriwether-Jefferson-American/dp/0684826976

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Bill Watkins, West Point Grad, Former Officer of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and Co-Founder, Coach at Flawless Acceleration. Bill discusses how coaching has shaped his life, his outlook on coaching, and how his time at West Point and as an Officer motivated his mission to help transitioning veterans and veteran CEOs.

Resources mentioned: 

Flawless Acceleration: https://www.flawlessacceleration.com/

“Smart Brevity” by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz: https://www.axios.com/smart-brevity

“Die With Zero” by Bill Perkins: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765

Tim Ferriss’s “How To Be Happy” podcast episode: https://tim.blog/2023/09/11/arthur-c-brooks/

Bill mentions a poem/quote in the episode, please get from him!

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ talks with MCFA’s own Michael Trump. Michael discusses his experience and journey to the military, his transition into the DOD SkillBridge world, and his unique perspective as a transitioning veteran in MCFA’s network. 

Resources mentioned: 

“Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames” by Thich Nhat Han: https://www.amazon.com/Anger-Cooling-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1573229377

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Jeff Plummer, Retired Captain in the US Navy, and Senior Director of Business Operations at Semper Fi & America's Fund. Jeff explores his mission to support our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families through the work he is doing with Semper Fi & America's Fund, and what it means to serve after leaving Military duties. 

Resources mentioned: 

Learn more about Semper Fi & America's Fund at: https://thefund.org/

“The Power of Alignment” by George Labovitz: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Alignment-Companies-Accomplish-Extraordinary/dp/0471177903

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Valerie Peterson, LMHC. Valerie and BJ discuss important strategies for de-stressing the upcoming holiday season, how to set yourself up for success throughout various social scenarios, and the importance of balance when we find ourselves with a packed schedule. 

Resources mentioned: 

“The Best Yes” By Lysa TerKeurst: https://www.p31bookstore.com/collections/lysa-terkeurst-books-and-bible-studies/products/the-best-yes

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Diane Gollhofer, President of DGR Consultants. Diane dives into her hands-on career of directing, overseeing and advising on major public work construction projects, including the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Diane also explores her consulting company, DGR Consultants, and how she found her niche in project management oversight, quality control, and much more. 

Resources mentioned: 

“The Rent Collector” by Camron Wright: https://www.amazon.com/Rent-Collector-Camron-Wright/dp/1609077059

WTS: https://www.wtsinternational.org/

https://www.drb.org 

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, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Ken Davenport, Author and Co-founder & CEO of Mission Edge. Ken explores his entrepreneurial journey, how his newest mission has been to aid in the transition out of the military, and what it means to be a stoic.

 
Resources mentioned: 

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman

“The Stoic Transition: A Guide: How Veterans Can Thrive in their Next Adventure” by Ken Davenport: https://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Transition-Veterans-Thrive-Adventure/dp/B0BLM7CCV1

“The Bug Hunter” by Ken Davenport: https://www.amazon.com/Bug-Hunter-Ken-Davenport/dp/1797971646/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

“The Two Gates” by Ken Davenport: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Gates-Ken-Davenport/dp/1976520177/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

“How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald J. Robertson: https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Roman-Emperor/dp/1250196620/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591842808/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1696453225&sr=1-1

Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.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.com

Author: BJ Kraemer, MCFA

Keywords: MCFA, Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Public Engineers, Military Engineers, United States Military Academy, Veteran Affairs, Development, Veteran, Military, SEC