Veterans have the potential to be exceptional business leaders if they can prioritize and balance their values, wellness, and financial goals. Joining us today is the founder of Richard Group LLC, Jed Richard to discuss his incredible career and the difference he is making within his company.

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Jed’s upbringing, how his grandfather became his inspiration, his time in the army, and how he transitioned into construction. We explore the exceptional entrepreneurial qualities veterans possess before Jed highlights the most common mistakes he sees them make in career planning.

He also shares book recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights gained from Peter Thiel, and why he is so passionate about supporting his employees’ families. Finally, Jed offers his perspective on the advancement of the construction industry.

Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The failures Jed has seen in veterans when career planning.

• Why veterans have dual ‘superpowers’ when it comes to entrepreneurship.

• How to make a difference in the private sector.

• Why transactional motives will not bring you fulfillment.

• How to become a great leader by following first.

Quotes:

“The people that get promoted in this world are promoted by their teammates, their peers, and the people underneath them that they’ve made successful.” — Jed Richard

“You’re going to create value in the world if you focus on being a great leader and sometimes being a great leader starts with being a great follower.” — Jed Richard

“I want to give the most noteworthy adventure to as many families as possible and to my own.” — Jed Richard

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jed Richard on LinkedIn

Richard Group LLC

The 4 Disciplines of Execution

Tools of Titans

The Great Game of Business

The Obstacle is the Way

Inspiring People & Places Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

Anyone can build an average business, but who wants to be average when you can be excellent?

Today on Inspiring People & Places, we are joined by the founder and managing partner of Scare the Bear Capital, Matthew Dean. In this conversation, we hear all about Matt’s background, what led him to his current leadership role, and where he is in his career today.

We delve into the leadership lessons he learned growing his firm, his ‘Markon 100’ principle, and how his leadership style changed as the firm grew. Matt goes on to tell us about the ‘north star’ of Scare the Bear Capital, his favorite book for entrepreneurs to read, the most inspiring quote he can think of, his ideal dinner party guests, and so much more!

Finally, Matt tells us what he wants his legacy to be and encourages people with entrepreneurial spirits (especially veterans) to start small businesses today! Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The leadership lessons he learned growing a firm, one contract at a time.

• How his leadership style changed from 100 to 300 employees.

• The ‘north star’ of Scare the Bear Capital.

• Why people in the military would make wonderful entrepreneurs.

Quotes:

“I’m unapologetic about wanting to be profitable.” — Matt Dean

“I truly believe that we can help small business owners achieve financial goals that they could not achieve on their own.” — Matt Dean

“To be good or average in the industry is not very hard. But who wants to be average?” — Matt Dean

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Dean on LinkedIn

Markon Solutions

Shoe Dog

Inspiring People & Places Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

In any partnership, trust is a key player; both the trust you find in your partner and the trust you knowingly have in yourself. Joining BJ on this episode of Inspiring People & Places is John Grady, who serves as the Northeast Region Executive and Senior Vice President of Development at Wexford Science & Technology in Philadelphia.

As a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in real estate, finance, city building, and corporate and public affairs, John has a remarkable track record of leading successful public-private partnerships. He knows how to craft compelling messaging and drive inclusive investment and growth across various sectors.

John also dives into his career arc, the great story of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and its redevelopment. In addition to key leadership lessons that John has learned while working on projects that bring the public and private sectors together in partnership.

Don’t miss this episode for his thoughts on how leadership has changed, why work transforms people and communities, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The great story of Philadelphia’s Navy Yard and its redevelopment.

• The importance of private and public partnerships.

• Key leadership lessons John has learned while bringing together the public and private sectors to accomplish projects.

• The idea that work transforms people and communities.

Quotes:

“Working with good people really [gets] me motivated.” — John Grady

“The Navy Yard is a tremendous example of Philadelphia at its best. It’s got a bright future, and at its most fundamental core, it is a day-to-day real-life public-private partnership, every day.” — John Grady

“I’m a big believer that partnerships are built on trust. You have to go into a relationship trusting your partner, trusting what they can do well, trusting them to do that, and trusting yourself, knowing what you do well, and bringing that to the table.” — John Grady

“Work transforms communities. It transforms people.” — John Grady

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

John Grady on LinkedIn

Wexford Science & Technology

The Navy Yard Philadelphia

Inspiring People & Places Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn