BJ Kraemer - West Point Graduate, Army Combat Engineer Officer, Active Army Reserve LTC, CEO of mcfa, Podcast Host, and Veteran Nonprofit Founder at Friendly Strife. Most importantly, BJ is a Husband and Father of Three
➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/
Summary
In this Veterans Who Build Show episode, BJ Kramer shares his journey from military service to civilian life, discussing the challenges and lessons learned. He reflects on his time at West Point, the impact of losing comrades, and the importance of maintaining a connection to military service through reserve duty. BJ emphasizes the value of military leadership in the civilian workforce and the need for veterans to navigate their transitions thoughtfully. In this conversation, BJ Kraemer shares his journey from military service to a successful construction management and real estate development career. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced during his transition, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial ventures. BJ emphasizes the significance of leadership, team dynamics, and personal development while also providing insights into the competitive landscape of the construction industry. He concludes with wellness practices and book recommendations for those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Takeaways
Military leadership is beneficial in every industry.
Transitioning from military to civilian life requires patience.
Experiences compound over time, shaping who we are.
PTSD and survivor's guilt are real issues for veterans.
Maintaining a connection to military service can aid in identity.
Entrepreneurial spirit can thrive in the built environment.
Education at West Point prepares leaders for diverse challenges.
Networking is crucial for career advancement.
Work-life balance is about integration, not separation.
Loss of comrades can profoundly impact one's perspective. Accept change quickly and focus on the next assignment.
Networking is crucial for career transitions.
Real estate development requires an entrepreneurial spirit.
Leadership is about understanding and empowering people.
Every hire is a career highlight and responsibility.
Mitigating risk involves understanding the problem set.
Seek first to understand client needs before pitching.
Translatable skills from military to civilian life are invaluable.
Intentional networking can lead to career growth.
Wellness practices are essential for personal development.
The VWB Show is Sponsored by: Jet.Build, www.jet.build
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Hosted by:
Adam Stark | Founder at Jet.Build
Special Forces Veteran | 500HR Yoga Trainer | Wellness Author
The VWB Show is Sponsored by:
Jet.Build: www.jet.build
THE central command for RE development and construction management: end-to-end software with solutions ranging from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI.
