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Episodes

Jan. 31, 2024

Why Saying “Yes” To New/Learning Opportunities/Challenges Is The Best…

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Shawn Kidwell, Program Manager at U.S. Army Research Laboratory. Shawn discusses his unconventional track to working for the Federal Government, how his hunger for knowledge allowed him to gr...

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Jan. 24, 2024

The Future of Work With Jon Nehlsen

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with longtime friend, colleague and mentor, Jon Nehlsen. Jon talks about his journey and experience in the early days of MCFA, the tough decisions he made to keep the company afloat, and how h...

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Jan. 17, 2024

How Much Do Owners Influence The Construction Industry With Howie Fer…

On today’s episode, BJ chats with returning guest to the show, Howie Ferguson, Executive Director at Construction Owners Association of America. Howie discusses what he is currently working on, his new podcast, “The COAA Way”...

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Jan. 10, 2024

Why Mass Timber Is Making A Comeback In The World Of Construction Wit…

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Ricky McLain, Senior Technical Director Growth and Innovation Program Manager at WoodWorks. Ricky breaks down what exactly it is WoodWorks does, how mass timber can be utilized and explored i...

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Jan. 3, 2024

How To Manage Big Teams For Big Success With Dave Kaminski

In the first episode of 2024, BJ talks with Dave Kaminski, Vice President & General Manager at Turner Construction Company. Dave dives into his journey through Turner, how your approach to learning can impact your journey, an...

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Dec. 27, 2023

Reflect, Reset And Refocus For 2024 With BJ Kraemer

On today's solo episode, BJ shares the method he will be using to reflect on this past year, how to understand our bandwith, and how to proritize our time going into the New Year.

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Dec. 20, 2023

Building Champions In & Out of The Ring with "Iron" Mike Steadman

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with owner of IRONBOUND Boxing and producer of the Inspiring People and Places podcast, IRON Mike Steadman. Mike and BJ dive into the work happening at IRONBOUND Boxing, a free boxing gym for ...

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Dec. 13, 2023

How Architecture Can Be Fun with Peter and Sharon Exley

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Peter and Sharon Exley, Founders of Architecture Is Fun. Peter and Sharon discuss their career path, where the philosophy of Architecture Is Fun originated, and how they are continuing to evo...

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Dec. 6, 2023

How mcfa Is Using An Interim Integrator To Prepare For Our Next Stage…

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Eric Quinn, Fractional Integrator for EOS at MCFA, Naval Academy Grad, and former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Eric discusses his journey to the Naval Academy, and how his role as a Fractiona...

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Nov. 29, 2023

Taking The Leap Of Faith To Open Your Own Business With Shawn Domingu…

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Shawn Dominguez, US Navy Veteran and President of Dominguez Design-Build Inc. Shawn talks about his early life, what led him to the military, and how his upbringing informed the way he lo...

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Nov. 24, 2023

DoD 2 AEC: Creating Purpose In Our Post-Military Careers With Tyson B…

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Tyson Barnhart, Senior Project Manager at Siemens EPS. Tyson discusses his recent transition out of active duty and how he adapted skills from the military into his position at Siemens. Resou...

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Nov. 22, 2023

DoD 2 AEC+D: Learning, Networking And Navigating A New Career Path Wi…

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 thei...

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Nov. 17, 2023

How One Veteran Found A Smooth Transition To Civil Service In The A/E…

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,...

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Nov. 15, 2023

How To Maximize the Discipline & Training of Veterans in Your Busines…

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 s...

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Nov. 10, 2023

Case Study on How Veterans Can Fit Into The Construction Industry (Ev…

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 MCF...

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Nov. 8, 2023

The Surprising Key to Achieving Happiness and Success in Life and Bus…

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 outlo...

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Nov. 3, 2023

DoD to AEC: a SkillBridge Case Study with Michael Trump

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...

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Nov. 1, 2023

How Do You Continue Serving Your Country After Leaving The Military W…

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, i...

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Oct. 25, 2023

How to Plan For a Peaceful Holi-Daze with Valerie Peterson

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, a...

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Oct. 18, 2023

Win at Mitigating Risk in The Construction Industry With Diane Gollho…

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 ...

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Oct. 11, 2023

Transitioning Out of Military – Now What? With Ken Davenport

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 wha...

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Oct. 4, 2023

Why Understanding Firestop Is Critical To The Safety Of Our Buildings…

On today’s episode, BJ sits down with Sharron Halpert, Owner of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron breaks down what Halpert Life Safety Consulting’s mission is, how they have mastered firestop installation and safety in ...

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Sept. 27, 2023

How Do We Qualify, Quantify And Navigate The Budget And Schedule Risk…

On today’s episode, BJ talks with Todd Bofinger, VA Office of Construction & Facilities Mgmt West Region Office & CMAA Colorado Chapter Membership Committee Chair. Todd discusses his career journey into a leadership role, the...

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Sept. 20, 2023

How To Maximize Career Opportunities With Justin Wright

On this week’s episode, BJ sits down with Justin Wright, thought leader in the AEC industry, and Ex-CIO turned Entrepreneur. Justin dives deep into his anything but linear journey throughout his career in the AEC industry, hi...

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