In this episode, Ricot Aladin sits down with Hans Grafstrom, the CEO of Grafstrom Construction, to explore his unlikely journey from a turbulent early adulthood to leading a thriving construction company with over 50 employees. Hans shares how his business began as a way to make ends meet—and how grit, mistakes, and a deep belief in personal growth turned that hustle into a full-scale operation.

💥 Highlights include:

• Hans' raw and powerful reflection on going from defendant to courthouse builder

• The unplanned origin story of Grafstrom Construction

• How to turn chance encounters into career-changing opportunities

• Why hiring for energy and positivity matters more than technical skill

• Honest insights into mentorship, learning from mistakes, and the messy business of leadership

• Real talk on firing, feedback, and building a values-based team

• The role books, bedtime, and golf play in Hans' personal growth routine

💡 "Never lose your curiosity." That’s Hans’ advice to every young professional—and he’s living proof that consistent growth and the willingness to ask questions can change everything.

🎯 Whether you’re launching your career, leading a team, or mentoring others, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart.

🔥 Plus: Learn how Professional Launch is building a new mentoring platform to connect students with local professionals. Sign up to volunteer at professionallaunch.org!