Word On The Street

Word On The Street

By Morrissey GoodaleBusiness
Download on the App Store

Word On The Street episodes

  • The Unconventional CEO: Chad Brown's Leadership Journey
    In this episode of Word on the Street, Mick Morrissey, Mark Goodale, and Katharine Van Leer sit down with Chad Brown, CEO of Thompson Holdings. Unlike many leaders in the AEC industry, Chad did not come up through engineering or architecture. Trained as an attorney, he spent more than two decades helping shape Thompson's governance, ownership structure, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), acquisitions, and long-term strategy before becoming CEO in 2025.
    The conversation explores what leadership looks like from a nontraditional path, how employee ownership changes culture and decision-making, and why governance, patience, and long-term thinking are critical to sustainable growth. Chad also shares lessons learned from acquisitions, succession planning, community leadership, and growing a business from a regional engineering firm into a diversified family of companies.
    Whether you're navigating leadership transitions, considering growth through acquisition, or looking to build a stronger ownership culture, this episode offers practical insights from a leader focused on creating lasting value for employees, clients, and communities.
    0:00 Introduction and welcome
    1:30 Chad Brown's path from attorney to CEO
    4:10 Thinking like a lawyer vs. thinking like a leader
    7:20 The value of outside boards and governance
    10:15 Building a family of businesses beyond engineering
    13:00 Source Toad and technology-driven growth
    16:20 Eight-state strategy and regional expansion
    18:30 What makes acquisitions successful
    22:00 Governance as a growth tool
    25:30 The power of employee ownership
    29:00 Culture, ESOPs, and creating owners
    33:00 Growth through recessions and economic cycles
    36:00 Lessons from M&A integration
    39:00 Why patience matters in leadership
    41:30 Community impact and giving back
    44:30 Building a culture of "Best Job Ever"
    47:00 Word to the Wise: embracing unexpected opportunities
    Subscribe to the WOTS Podcast: https://www.morrisseygoodale.com/word-on-the-street-podcast/
    46 min
  • People First: The Weston & Sampson Story with Frank Ricciardi, CEO
    In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, Mick Morrissey, Mark Goodale, and Katharine Van Leer sit down with Frank Ricciardi, CEO of Weston & Sampson, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected employee-owned engineering firms.
    Founded in 1899, Weston & Sampson has spent more than 125 years building a legacy of service, innovation, and community impact. Frank shares what it means to lead a firm with such deep roots while preparing it for the future through strategic growth, technology investment, and a commitment to employee ownership.
    The conversation explores succession planning, leadership transitions, ESOP culture, AI adoption, organic growth, and the challenge of balancing long-term stewardship with the demands of a rapidly changing industry. Frank also discusses Weston & Sampson’s mission-driven approach to infrastructure, giving back through global community projects, and why people remain the most important investment any firm can make.
    Whether you're leading an organization through growth, preparing the next generation of leaders, or navigating the future of engineering and infrastructure, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, culture, and long-term success.
    0:00 Introduction and welcome
    1:15 Leading a 125-year-old engineering firm
    3:50 Stewardship, legacy, and accountability
    5:20 Why people are at the center of Weston & Sampson
    6:30 Preserving culture while embracing growth
    7:30 How Frank uses AI as a CEO
    10:15 Becoming CEO during the pandemic
    12:00 Succession planning done right
    14:40 Creating an authentic leadership style
    16:30 From engineer to CEO: learning to make decisions
    17:45 Leadership lessons from ACEC SEI
    19:10 The journey to 100% ESOP ownership
    21:15 Using employee ownership to attract talent
    22:20 Rewarding top performers in an ESOP
    23:30 Building the next generation of leaders
    26:00 Strategic planning through multiple horizons
    27:30 Investments that will pay off years from now
    28:45 Organizational changes to support future growth
    31:20 Lessons learned from an MWRA internship
    32:45 Why technology has always been a differentiator
    35:00 Expanding beyond the East Coast
    36:00 Critical infrastructure and cybersecurity
    37:15 Mission, vision, and sustainable growth
    39:30 FICA and building infrastructure that changes lives
    41:15 Why younger generations are redefining success
    41:50 Word to the Wise
    Subscribe to the WOTS Podcast: https://www.morrisseygoodale.com/word-on-the-street-podcast/
    44 min
  • From Architect to CEO: Building a Global Design Firm: DLR Group CEO Steve McKay
    In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, Mick Morrissey, Mark Goodale, and Katharine Van Leer sit down with Steve McKay, CEO of DLR Group, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most respected employee-owned design firms in the industry. Steve shares his journey from growing up in Scotland and playing competitive rugby to building a 30-year career at DLR Group—culminating in his role as CEO. Along the way, he breaks down how teamwork, resilience, and leadership lessons from rugby shaped his approach to business, culture, and growth. The conversation dives into how DLR Group has successfully scaled while staying true to its employee-owned model, why global thinking is essential for modern design firms, and how leadership can create alignment across a distributed organization. Steve also offers thoughtful insights on the evolving role of AI in design, the importance of storytelling in architecture, and why human judgment and creativity will remain the ultimate differentiators. Whether you’re an industry leader or early in your career, this episode delivers practical perspective on building a meaningful, long-term career—not just a job.
    0:00 Opening + guest introduction 1:30 Rugby, teamwork, and early lessons in leadership
    4:20 From Scotland to the U.S. — a global journey
    8:30 Joining DLR Group and early career growth
    11:00 Understanding employee ownership
    14:00 Becoming CEO and shaping firm-wide aspiration
    18:20 The “rock band” leadership model
    21:00 Scaling without losing culture
    24:00 What employee ownership really looks like in practice
    28:30 ESOP vs private equity — industry shifts
    33:00 Talent, compensation, and changing workforce expectations
    37:30 Global expansion and building a truly global firm
    41:30 Why design still matters (more than ever)
    45:00 AI in design — hype vs reality
    49:30 The future of architecture firms and technology
    53:00 Career advice: visibility and participation
    56:00 Final thoughts and closing
    58 min
  • From Endurance Sports to Engineering Leadership: Verdantas CEO Jesse Kropelnicki
    What does it take to scale an engineering firm from a few hundred to nearly 2,000 people—without losing culture, performance, or purpose? In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, we’re joined by Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas (ENR #73), one of the fastest‑growing environmental and infrastructure consulting firms in the U.S. Jesse shares his unique journey from structural engineer to elite endurance sports coach—and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. This wide‑ranging conversation explores how lessons from elite athletics apply directly to engineering leadership, including managing growth, building trust, giving effective feedback, navigating private equity, and preparing firms for AI and data transformation. Jesse also dives deep into culture, emotional intelligence, and why human skills—not technical knowledge alone—will define the future of AEC firms. Whether you’re leading a growing firm, managing teams, or thinking about the future of engineering work, this episode is packed with insight you can apply immediately.
    53 min
  • Morrissey Goodale's Katharine Van Leer Joins The WOTS Podcast Team: M&A Trends, AI, & Leadership
    In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, Mick Morrissey and Mark Goodale are joined by Katharine Van Leer, Senior Consultant at Morrissey Goodale, as she makes her debut as the newest member of the podcast team. Together, they discuss the forces shaping the AE industry today—from M&A activity and valuation trends to the growing influence of AI and private equity. The conversation explores market uncertainty, leadership transition, and why CEO‑only forums and peer connections are more important than ever as firms navigate rapid change.
    35 min
  • OHM Advisors President Jon Kramer

    Mark and Mick welcome Jon Kramer, CEO of OHM Advisors. The discussion covers a range of topics including OHM's growth trajectory, Kramer's personal journey from intern to CEO, the importance of culture, innovation, and AI in the architecture, engineering, and planning field. Kramer highlights OHM's recent acquisitions, strategies for managing hybrid work environments, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. The episode concludes with insights into Kramer's leadership philosophy and his vision for OHM Advisors' future.

     

    Topics

    01:04 Guest Introduction: Jon Kramer, CEO of OHM Advisors

    02:35 Jon's Early Career and Intern Program

    05:23 OHM's Growth and Culture

    09:22 Challenges and Strategies in AE Industry

    16:21 Acquisitions and Strategic Growth

    21:59 Engineering vs. Architecture: A Complex Integration

    22:13 Challenges of Leading a Multi-Disciplinary Firm

    23:25 Personal Journey: From Engineer to CEO

    24:12 Balancing Diverse Teams and Cultures

    24:39 Learning from Peers and External Advisors

    26:37 Daily Operations and Team Dynamics

    29:15 Strategic Growth and Future Plans

    30:58 Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

    40:21 Leadership Advice and Reflections

    43:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    45 min
  • Jim Stamatis, CEO of True Environmental

    Jim Stamatis, CEO of True Environmental

    Mark and Mick welcome Jim Stamatis, CEO of True Environmental. Jim shares insights from his varied career, including his professional soccer background, his leadership roles at Louis Berger, and the launch of True Environmental. He emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, culture, and adaptability in business, drawing parallels from his sports experience. Jim also discusses the rapid growth of True Environmental, the significance of trust and communication in successful integrations, and the evolving impact of technology and private equity in the environmental industry. Throughout the conversation, Jim advocates for a culture of resilience, transparency, and continuous improvement, highlighting the critical role of leadership in navigating industry challenges and opportunities.

     

    Topics

    00:48 Welcome to Morrissey Goodell's Podcast

    01:45 Introducing Jim Stamatis and His Accomplishments

    02:46 Jim's Soccer Career Highlights

    05:41 Transition from Soccer to Professional Career

    08:22 Building True Environmental

    09:44 Lessons from Leading Louis Berger

    16:40 Importance of Teamwork and Trust

    21:40 Vision and Philosophy Behind True Environmental

    24:14 The Story Behind True Environmental

    25:03 Key Ingredients for Successful Integration

    27:20 Maintaining Entrepreneurial Spirit

    28:53 Successful Acquisition of Sundance Consulting

    31:48 The Role of Private Equity in the Industry

    32:50 Using AI in Daily Work

    34:13 Growing the Next Generation of Leaders

    36:29 Executing Strategic Plans

    38:31 Environmental and Infrastructure Trends

    44:08 Reflections on the Industry and Career

    48:44 Word to the Wise: Success and Culture

    51 min
  • Embracing Change with Matt Bissett of Atwell LLC

    Mark and Mick interview Matt Bissett, the president of Atwell, discussing his leadership experiences and strategies for navigating change. Bissett shares insights on the firm's growth from a regional to a national player, addressing challenges such as market diversification, embracing technology, and maintaining a unified company culture amidst rapid expansion. With in-depth discussions on acquisitions, employee development programs like Top Gun, and the impact of financial crises like the 2008 downturn, this episode offers a comprehensive look at leading an engineering and consulting firm through dynamic industry landscapes.

     

    Topics

    01:36 Introducing the Special Guest: Matt Bissett

    03:24 Matt Bissett's Leadership Journey at Atwell

    05:19 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

    11:33 The Impact of Technology and AI on the Industry

    13:54 Matt Bissett: The Renaissance Man

    14:56 The Art of Acquisitions and Integrations

    22:16 Maintaining Positive Energy and Client Engagement

    24:12 Maximizing Influence and Leadership

    24:33 Top Gun Program and Rodney Williams

    28:38 Challenges and Culture at Atwell

    32:12 Virtual Reality and Connectivity

    39:36 Diversification and Resilience

    43:59 Lessons from Sports and Decision Making

    47 min

About Word On The Street

From the publisher's feed

The podcast version of real-time market and industry intelligence from Morrissey Goodale firm leaders.

More shows like Word On The Street

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg by All-In Podcast, LLC

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

10,100 Listeners