Leadership Blueprints

On today’s solo episode, BJ builds off of last week’s episode with insight on how MCFA approaches growth, the mindset within leaders at MCFA currently, and what is top of mind for BJ as MCFA continues to grow. 

“Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership” by Steve Farber: https://www.amazon.com/Greater-Than-Yourself-Ultimate-Leadership/dp/0385522614

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 special 101st episode of the Inspiring People & Places Podcast, BJ Kraemer sat down with his partner and co-founder of mcfa, Michael Fuhrman to talk about what they have learned and how the company has grown over the past 20 years.

Michael discusses his journey into the A/E/C industry and what led him to the decision to start MCFA.  Prior to MCFA, Michael worked in the hospitality industry which taught him the importance of listening to your customer and attention to detail.  Today, MCFA has grown into a team of over 50 and has instilled both of these virtues as part of its Core Values.  

Resources mentioned: 

East of Eden by John Steinbeck: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BC5HXG?ref=KC_GS_GB_US

The Greatest Salesman in The World by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino/dp/055327757X

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 Barry Sutherland, Client Experience Director at Henderson Engineers. Barry talks about how he is trying to innovate in the realm of client experience, what it means to deliver high quality customer service, and how to think about improving the relationships aspect of the A/E/C industry. 

Resources mentioned: 

Leadership through adversity (resource mentioned by Barry, please follow up with MCFA/ guest to get this!)

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 Kathryn Martinez, Senior Director at MACRO. Kathryn discusses the many phases of her career journey, how she tackles management, and the importance of amplifying the visibility of women in the A/E/C industry. 

Resources mentioned: 

“May Cause Miracles” by Gabrielle Bernstein: https://www.amazon.com/May-Cause-Miracles-Guidebook-Unlimited/dp/0307986950

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 Holly Bolton, Owner of 3chord Marketing. Holly talks about how she found her way into the A/E/C industry, the specificities of the niche marketing she engages with at 3 Chord, and the importance of awareness building in the industry. 

Resources mentioned: 

“You Are Not So Smart”  by David McRaney: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-So-Smart/dp/1592407366

“What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You” by Melina Palmer: https://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Customer-Wants-Cant/dp/1642505625

“The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias” by Dolly Chugh: https://www.amazon.com/Person-You-Mean-Be-People/dp/0062692143

Find Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybolton/

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

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Caleb Campbell, founder of COR Consulting, INC., Army veteran, and former NFL athlete. Caleb explores his journey and career from Texas to West Point, and from the Army to the NFL.

Resources mentioned: 

Connect with Caleb at: https://www.calebcampbell.me/

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 Stephen F. Dougherty, Executive Director at South Jersey Transportation Authority. Stephen talks about his entry into a public service career, his mentality about treating passengers like customers, and some exciting developments in the SJTA wheelhouse coming to the South Jersey area soon. 

Resources mentioned: 

John Maxwell books: https://store.maxwellleadership.com/All-Books_c_237.html

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 Valerie Peterson, Licenced Mental Health Counselor at Destin Counseling Center. Valerie breaks down the stress associated with multitasking, the importance of prioritizing quality family time with our partners and children, and how technology has changed how we interact with our places of employment, our children, and mental health as a whole. 

Resources mentioned: 

Visit Valerie’s website at: http://valeriepeterson.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 June Jewell, Author and President and CEO of AEC Business Solutions. June talks about her framework at AEC Business Solutions, how they help firms get tighter and more efficient, and how she has created a business training that is guaranteed to increase your utilization rate, cash flow and project profits.

Resources mentioned: 

Find out more about June and AEC Business Solutions at: https://aecbusiness.com/

June’s book, “RAISE Your Value”: https://www.amazon.com/RAISE-Your-Value-Architecture-Engineering/dp/098838244X

June’s book, “Find the Lost Dollars: 6 Steps to Increase Profits in Architecture, Engineering and Environmental Firms”: https://www.amazon.com/Find-Lost-Dollars-Architecture-Environmental/dp/0988382407/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

“Peaks and Valleys: Making Good And Bad Times Work For You--At Work And In Life” by Spencer Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Peaks-Valleys-Making-Times-You-At/dp/1501108085

“Predictable Revenue: Turn Your Business Into a Sales Machine with the $100 Million Best Practices of Salesforce.com” by Aaron Ross & Marylou Tyler: https://www.amazon.com/Predictable-Revenue-Business-Practices-Salesforce-com/dp/0984380213

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

Today’s episode is a Memorial Day special honoring 1LT Dennis W. Zilinski, II. Dennis was Killed in Action in Bayji, Iraq on November 19,2005. Dennis was BJ’s West Point Classmate, Swim Teammate and best friend. This is an intimate and heartfelt conversation with Dennis’s mother, Marion Zilinski, or Mama Z as BJ calls her. They reflect on Dennis’s life and death, the legacy Dennis has left behind and how his family and friends are honoring his sacrifice and dedication to service to this day.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to honor the life and memory of U.S. Army Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II. We provide support to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Additionally, by providing scholarships, the Fund invests in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski

Find out more about the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II memorial fund at,

Website: http://runwithdennis.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zilinskimemorialfund/

Inspiring People and Places is brought to you by MCFA – A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small business specializing in leading projects and solving problems in the built environment. MCFA serves public agencies, private sector clients and anyone responsible for large scale operations or capital projects in the built environment.

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 ALWAYS INVESTING IN TALENT HIRING!! If you or anyone you know are looking to work in the Planning, Project Development, Project Management, or Construction Management/Inspection 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