What does it take to lead a software company at the forefront of the architecture and engineering (A&E) world?

Joining us today is the CEO of BQE Software, Matt Cooper, to discuss his incredible career and his company’s work in the architecture and engineering space. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Matt’s time consulting, what led him to BQE Software, how he transitioned into a leadership position, and so much more!

We delve into what it means to produce ‘client-worthy’ work before discussing how BQE expanded into A&E. You’ll even hear Matt’s thoughts on the A&E industry and what exciting projects his research and development team is working on.

Finally, Matt answers our rapid-fire questions and shares some nuggets of wisdom about taking a leap of faith. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode

• Matt shares his approach to taking on a leadership role at BQE

• Matt explains what it means to produce ‘client-worthy work’

• How BQE expanded into the A&E space

• What he’s seeing in the A&E industry as the company continues to grow

Quotes:

“When you’re working with investors, it’s important to show output with some expediency.” — Matt Cooper

“My perspective doesn’t matter, what really matters for us is the perspective of our customers.” — Matt Cooper

“I’m a firm believer that for companies of our size and scale, focus is really what matters.” — Matt Cooper

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Cooper on LinkedIn

Matt Cooper Email Address

BQE Software

BQE Software on LinkedIn

East of Eden

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In celebration of our 200th episode, this conversation highlights 20 key lessons we've learned over the past five years of hosting this podcast. Join us as we take a deep dive into leadership philosophy, drawing from insights we've gathered since the very beginning.

You'll hear what it means to lead from the front, why going viral isn't necessary to make an impact, and how building character shapes everything you do. We also unpack the recent drop-off rate in the real estate world and explore how a strong sense of purpose can fuel perseverance.

As we reflect on the growth that comes with each new season, we invite you to consider your own journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you've been with us since the start, this episode will inspire you to move from reflection to action.

Thanks for being part of the journey!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Taking action beyond thinking and reflection.

• The critical role of trust and what happens in a crisis without it.

• Why curiosity is a leadership superpower.

• The little things that build your character.

• Understanding the role of purpose.

• Taking advantage of the opportunity for growth that each new season brings.

Quotes:

“Start before you feel ready.” — BJ Kraemer

“Repetition builds your repetition.” — BJ Kraemer

“You can’t lead well if you don’t listen first.” — BJ Kraemer

“People will listen to what you say but they’re going to watch what you do.” — BJ Kraemer

“The best seasons are the ones where you’re growing.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

There is growing concern around the post-service health of veterans and first responders as it’s easy to fall into destructive patterns when liberated from the forced discipline of being in active duty. Today we are joined by John New, an Army veteran and serial entrepreneur who’s made it his life’s purpose to help curate healthier life habits for former service members.

We begin with John’s background as he explains who he is, and what he does before learning about CYTO (previously The Hub), and what the organization hopes to achieve. Then, we compare remote work to in-office obligations, the ins and outs of the 98 Octane veteran program, how to avoid falling victim to consumer marketing, and how to connect with John and his work.

To end, our guest details the leadership lessons that have stuck with him in his career, the books he’d recommend in a heartbeat, why he’d love to have dinner with Mother Theresa, and his final words of encouragement for starting a group of healthy-living individuals.

Key Points From This Episode:

• John New describes who he is, what he does, and how he got into the work he does today.

• Understanding what happened to The Hub and why it downsized and rebranded to CYTO.

• The ins and outs of WorkMerk.

• Unpacking the 98 Octane movement that helps veterans and first responders live healthier lives.

• How to get involved with 98 Octane and John’s mission.

• John’s advice for building a cohort centered on healthier living.

Quotes:

“At times, [I have] an abnormally high appetite for risk.” — John New

“My life’s calling is a movement to help a million fellow veterans and first responders live healthier lives.” — John New

“You need to be committed. If you’re not committed, just don’t start.” — John New

“Kill all fears, man. Fear is a tool of the devil. Fear of loss of love; life; health; money – kill them [or else] they’ll paralyze you.” — John New

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John New on LinkedIn

WorkMerk

98 Octane

CYTO | PHL

Josh McCallen on LinkedIn

Alex Archawski on LinkedIn

Veteran Shark Tank

Master of One

Napoleon Hill - Mastermind Principle

Dr. Peter Attia

Dr. Andrew Huberman

The Checklist Manifesto

Mere Humanity

Be the Sun, Not the Salt

Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind

Dr. Kenneth Hartman

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In business, your aim should be to lead with your skills and let your certifications be the ‘icing on the cake’!

Today, we welcome federal contracting expert and founder of Federal Subcontracting Solutions, Shauna Weatherly, to pass on her wealth of knowledge about the federal contracting space.

Tuning in, you’ll hear about Shauna’s extensive career, the pendulum swing and balancing act Shauna has witnessed throughout her career, the policy side of contracting, creating efficiency in her business, and much more! We delve into one of Shauna’s professional war stories before discussing the most popular question she is asked and what her answer is. She even tells us about the products she will be offering!

Finally, our guest answers our rapid-fire questions. To hear all this and even be reminded of the importance of slowing down and observing, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of open conversation in this industry.

• The balancing act between ‘risk-averse’ and ‘mission-first’.

• Her experience in the policy and rule-making side of things.

• How she created a culture of efficiency within her business.

Quotes:

“In contracting you really have to have the big picture and the small picture and I think that’s where there is some difficulty.” — Shauna Weatherly

“[The contracting officers] are told what to buy, they simply decide how to buy.” — Shauna Weatherly

“Veterans knew things that I couldn’t teach anybody else.” — Shauna Weatherly

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Shauna Weatherly on LinkedIn

FedSubK

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Innovation is an essential part of business and those who do not innovate, eventually fail.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, BJ is outlining the importance of innovation. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the biggest win BJ has ever had in business, the importance of discipline, what he thinks ‘the language of business is’, and more!

BJ goes on to explain that the more we can understand how to communicate expected investment against expected outcomes, the better everyone will get at deploying innovation and research and development investment. We even talk about the importance of balancing creativity and innovation with the discipline needed to know what will work and what won’t.

Finally, BJ discusses what empowers the entrepreneurial spirit and why it always needs a level of discipline.

Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The biggest win BJ has ever had in the construction industry.

• The danger of ‘shiny object syndrome’ and the importance of discipline.

• Why you have to balance your investment with the expected outcome.

• BJ shares his opinion of how to learn ‘the language of business’.

• Balancing new ideas and discipline in business.

• How Walt Disney managed creativity and empowered entrepreneurial spirit.

Quotes:

“You can’t just always be taking chances. In business, you have to have some level of predictability and process for controlling the level of investment that goes into [research and development].” — BJ Kraemer

“When you say ‘yes’ to something, you are probably saying ‘no’ to a bunch of other things.” — BJ Kraemer

“I think that anybody who is not innovating will die.” — BJ Kraemer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Making the jump from military service to the private sector can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with project consultant and veteran David Ciurzynski, founder of Ciurzynski Consulting, to explore how veterans can leverage their hard-earned skills in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

David shares his journey from the Air Force to becoming a respected owner's representative, emphasizing the power of mentorship, adaptability, and faith-driven servant leadership. He also unpacks the importance of recognizing your self-worth, how to build a reputation that drives repeat business, and the key questions he asks his team every week to foster continuous improvement.

Whether you're looking to refine your leadership skills, navigate career transitions, or improve project outcomes, this episode is full of practical insights. Tune in to discover how focusing on value, relationships, and self-improvement can open doors you never expected!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into David’s career journey from the Air Force to the AEC industry.

• The importance of recognizing your self-worth and leveraging opportunities.

• Three simple but powerful questions he asks his team every week.

• Why helping others become better versions of themselves is the key to success.

Quotes:

“When somebody else believes in you, you owe them the obligation to believe in yourself and become the best version of yourself. I’m continually trying to do that.” — David Ciurzynski

“When we're more aware of our outside environment, we can adjust, adapt, and serve in a more useful way.” — David Ciurzynski

“People will see your value because you're listening to them. People want to be listened to. Owners want to be listened to.” — David Ciurzynski

“Not everything works out exactly how you planned it – but how you come back the next time is what defines you.” — David Ciurzynski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ciurzynski Consulting

David Ciurzynski on LinkedIn

Dale Carnegie Training

The Goal

DoD to AEC on LinkedIn

DoD to AEC SkillBridge Program Opportunities

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn