Building Great Leaders Podcast

Episode 44 - Operational Excellence

Featuring: Diana Eestermans

Have you ever wondered how businesses achieve operational excellence? Diana Eestermans, the Business Performance Manager at SK Fire, discusses her own journey to her role in helping businesses evolve. She shares insights into working as a team and highlights effective ways to help those around her. Plus, she talks about her company and gives listeners an understanding of SK Fire and what it will add to the APi family.

2021-11-16

Latest Episode

Episode 1 - A Preview of Building Great Leaders

For this episode, I wanted to set expectations of who you will hear from and what you might learn. The purpose of the podcast is to share raw, insightful stories from leaders throughout the APi Family. Our goal is for you to be inspired to become a better leader after listening.

2020-03-30

Episode 2 - Why Building Great Leaders

Featuring: Russ Becker

In this episode, we get to hear from APi Group's CEO Russ Becker. He talks about growing up on the iron range, why he pursued a career in construction, and shares some of the most valuable leadership lessons he has learned. We also discuss how a construction company started down the path to Building Great Leaders.

2020-03-30

Episode 3 - Mission-Driven Leadership

Featuring: Paul Grunau

Have you ever heard of mission-driven leadership? APi's CLO, Paul Grunau, shares his personal mission and how it has helped him make decisions. Plus, he tells us about the piece of feedback that changed his life and impacted his career.

2020-04-14

Episode 4 - Being a Safety Leader

Featuring: Kristin Heizman

Every single day, we make choices that impact the health and well-being of ourselves and those around us. In this episode, we hear from APi's Director of Corporate Safety about how everyone, regardless of role, can be a safety leader. We also learn about the family history that inspired her to pursue her career.

2020-04-28

Episode 5 - Servant Leadership

Featuring: Jerry Allen

In this episode, we hear from International Fire Protection's President, Jerry Allen. He shares his journey through the construction industry and the moment he realized his managing style needed a change. Learn about his approach to customer service and servant leadership.

2020-05-12

Episode 6 - Emotional Intelligence

Featuring: Monica Seme

In this episode, we learn all about Emotional Intelligence from APi's VP of Succession and Development, Monica Seme. Why is EI important? How does your emotional intelligence impact the teams you lead? Listen in as she teaches us ways we can tune in to our own emotions and those around us to be better leaders.

2020-05-26

Episode 7 - Leaving a Positive Legacy

Featuring: Jim Lillie

How often do you consider your reputation and the impression you are leaving on people, especially in stressful situations? That is one piece of advice we hear in this interview with Jim Lillie, co-founder of J2 and APi's board co-chairman. Learn more about Jim's leadership journey and his take on great team dynamics.

2020-06-02

Episode 8 - Building a Great Culture

Featuring: Sir Martin Franklin

This interview with Sir Martin Franklin covers the gamut of topics: from building great company cultures to running 100 mile races to being knighted. He shares the natural ability that has led to his success and his vision for APi Group.

2020-06-09

Episode 9 - Growing Your People

Featuring: Andy McCleery

People are at the center of our business and investing in their growth is critical. CEO and President of Viking Fire Protection Group, Andy McCleery, shares the invaluable lesson he learned in the army about "Growing your people" and how that lesson has influenced his leadership style.

2020-06-23

Episode 10 - Leading through Grief

Featuring: Mel Olson

Our industry has one of the highest rates of suicide out of any American workforce. Mel Olson shares his personal story of losing his brother and why it is so important, as leaders, that we normalize talking about mental health. We also talk about leading when your entire company is grieving.

2020-07-07

Episode 11 - Harnessing your passion

Featuring: Alan Crabtree

Do you know your "why"? Davis Ulmer's Alan Crabtree talks about understanding your "why" and aligning your role with it. Hear Alan's energetic story and learn from the advice he shares about showing a standard.

2020-07-21

Episode 12 - Community Leadership

Featuring: Ed Pletsch

Manager of Inspections and National Accounts, Ed Pletsch, shares his experience as a leader in his community. As the chief of the volunteer fire department, his branch manager recognized his dedication and nominated him for the Mike Gifford Community Service Award in 2019. Ed talks about his commitment and the important part a company can play in volunteerism.

2020-08-04

Episode 13 - Finding the Right Seat on the Bus

Featuring: Courtney Brogard

Are you in the right seat in your company? APi's Vice President of Inspection Sales, Courtney Brogard, had a career epiphany, after giving birth to her daughter, when she questioned if she was in the right seat. A new career path opened up where she was able to leverage her positive attitude, her drive to win, and her ability to motivate others to succeed. Listen as she shares the secret to selling and the reason why she loves where she works.

2020-08-18

Episode 14 - Leading to Serve

Featuring: Robert Seda

In our new episode, AFPG's Division Leader in Dallas, Robert Seda, shares how an off-hand conversation with his friend changed the course of his career and introduced him to the safety services industry. Listen to learn about his approach to leadership and why his peers describe him as a servant leader.

2020-09-01

Episode 15 - Managing vs. Leading

Featuring: Gene Postma

Do you know the difference between managing and leading? Great leaders set direction, align resources and motivate their teams. Managers control and delegate. APi Segment Leader Gene Postma talks about this distinction and offers other leadership advice in this episode of our Building Great Leaders Podcast.

2020-09-15

Episode 16 - Finding Fulfillment

Featuring: Joy Spatz

Joy Spatz has been a sprinkler fitter for over 25 years. In this interview, she shares how her experience at the Field Leadership Institute helped her find fulfillment in her role as a foreman. Joy shares how she has overcome the challenges of being a woman in the trades and why leaders should focus on the value that each teammate brings to the table.

2020-09-29

Episode 17 - Positioning yourself for a win

Featuring: Blake Sloan

How are you differentiating yourself? What steps do you take to give customers a reason to build a relationship with you? Corporate Inspection Sales Leader Blake Sloan talks about pivoting careers and why it is important to think about how you are positioning yourself or your team for a win!

2020-10-13

Episode 18 - Overcoming Obstacles

Featuring: Mike Goodman

Mike Goodman joined 3S through the Wounded Warrior Program. In this episode, he shares his story of consistently overcoming obstacles and embracing a "no-fear" attitude. Mike shares his advice for companies looking to hire other Wounded Warriors.

2020-10-27

Episode 19 - Leading with Hope

Featuring: Dan Wooldridge

When things don't go well, do you look out the window at the group or do you look in the mirror? APi Group's Strategic Advisor, Dan Wooldridge, describes the behaviors of Jim Collins' Level 5 Leaders. He gives advice on how leaders can infuse hope during times of turmoil and the importance of truly being present.

2020-11-10

Episode 20 - Focusing on the right strategic initiative

Featuring: Brynne Smith

APi's Senior Vice President, Brynne Smith, gives listeners advice on leading integrations and why focusing on the right strategic initiative can improve the process. He shares his unique experience working in Europe. Plus, we talk about ways in which he has doubled-down on his luck.

2020-11-24

Episode 21 - Building Great Relationships

Featuring: Jeff Daane

Can you imagine spending 30 years in one organization? APi's Segment Leader Jeff Daane started at Western States Fire Protection and grew is career there for 3 decades. He shares the secret to retention at WSFP, why building relationships is critical, and what he finds to be one of the most important components of good leadership.

2020-12-08

Episode 22 - Season 1 Recap

Molly Landsteiner and Laura Seitz recap the inaugural season of the Building Great Leaders Podcast and take questions from listeners. They share how the podcast team pivoted when the global pandemic threw us all a curve ball. Plus, the two provide some sneak peeks into Season 2.

2020-12-22

Episode 23 - Building Great Habits

Featuring: Lucie Stein-Cartford

Do you have good habits? Do you know how to think win-win? Do you seek first to understand, then to be understood? In this episode, Lucie Stein-Cartford, the Training and Development Manager for United Piping, shares the impact of using Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

2021-01-05

Episode 24 - Aligning People and Processes

Featuring: Julius Chepey

APi Group's Chief Information Officer, Julius Chepey, shares his experience with rolling out new tools and processes. He explains why a shared vision is so powerful and how to create momentum through alignment. He also talks about how to increase innovative thinking in your organization.

2021-01-19

Episode 25 - Leading with Humor

Featuring: Pat Crain

Sometimes on a stressful jobsite, you just need to laugh! Recent retiree, Pat Crain, who is a former Superintendent for Jamar Company is just the guy to lighten the work load with some well-timed humor. In this episode, we get to hear from some special guests as they reflect on the impact of Pat's leadership.

2021-02-02

Episode 26 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Builders

Featuring: Chuck Webster

In this episode, Laura interviews our first guest from outside the APi Group Family: CEO of Bridgeworks and founder of the Trades Ambassadors program, Chuck Webster. Listen to hear his experience in the world of finance and investing, the point where he hit the wall and how he chose to pivot in his career. Plus, he shares the program that is inspiring the next generation of trades men and women.

2021-02-16

Episode 27 - Leading with Perseverance

Featuring: Sue Congdon

Sue Congdon, President of Twin City Garage Door, shares her inspirational story of resilience and perseverance in this episode. Growing up in poverty, she has overcome many hardships but she never let that get in her way. Listen to her positive message and how she learned to change her perspective.

2021-03-02

Episode 28 - Leveraging Curiosity

Featuring: Erin Kilar-Bearman

In this interview with Summit Pipeline's Project Manager, Erin Kilar-Bearman, we talk about what emerging leaders can do to be successful in the industry. Erin shares her experience and explains how she uses curiosity to become a better leader.

2021-03-16

Episode 29 - Exploring APi's History

Featuring: Bill Beadie

As a former board member and legal counsel, Bill Beadie has watched APi Group grow and flourish. He shares stories of when the company first started acquiring other businesses and some of the challenges faced along the way. Plus, he explains why integrity is the most important leadership quality.

2021-03-30

Episode 30 - Leadership in the Field

Featuring: Mark Breslin

Mark Breslin, CEO of United Contractors and President of Breslin Strategies, talks about the growth he has witnessed in the industry. He shares the impact and importance of leadership and why everyone should routinely ask for feedback.

2021-04-13

Episode 31 - Learning from loss

Featuring: Heather Stuckey

APi's Director of Talent Development Technology, Heather Stuckey, shares her personal story of loss. The experience taught her to approach problems differently and made her realize there is always a path forward.

2021-04-27

Episode 32 - Empower the Team

Featuring: Luke Cope

If you had three words to describe your leadership journey, what words would you use? "Empower the team" is how APi's Chief Financial Leader of the Safety Services Segment, Luke Cope, describes his journey. He shares his passion for serving people and how he got to where is he today. We talk about the value of data and understanding the patterns in the business, as well.

2021-05-11

Episode 33 - Taking Initiative

Featuring: Manuela Burtscher

In this episode, Grunau Company's Manuela Burtscher describes how it felt to be new in the industry, new in the role and new in the branch. She excelled by taking initiative, asking questions, and including herself in as many aspects of the business as she could. Her "can do" attitude is infectious!

2021-05-25

Episode 34 - Taking ownership of your development

Featuring: Erin McQuaid

CMS (Jamar) Journeyman, Erin Mcquaid, describes the serendipitous experience that led him to become an HVAC technician. He also shares how he takes ownership of his development and the valuable lesson he learned about storytelling. Plus, hear an uplifting message from his story about the value of random acts of kindness.

2021-06-08

Episode 35 - Growing up and Growing through--Adjusting your worldview

Featuring: Paul and Colin Javorina

Join father-son duo Paul and Colin Javorina as they discuss their paths to their current positions (Chief Financial Leader for the Industrial Services Segment and Support and Systems Leader respectively), what it is like working with family, and navigating what it means to be a trans individual. This week’s episode crosses borders of courage, family, and allyship. Episode contains mention of gender dysphoria that may be triggering to certain listeners.

2021-06-22

Episode 36 - Connecting with the Field

Featuring: Phil Harein

Tune in to Phil Harein, the VP of API Construction as he takes us through his leadership journey; from his childhood to now. He discusses his blind spots, how he ended up as VP, and how to bridge gaps between office and field. Most importantly, he highlights the importance of being pushed out of your comfort zone and what it means to truly listen.

2021-07-07

Episode 37 - Inclusive Leadership

Featuring: Velma Korbel

Velma Korbel, APi's Vice President and Chief DEI Officer defines diversity, equity, and inclusion for listeners. Velma leads us through her childhood in a segregated town in East Texas and shares how she remains hopeful in the face of discrimination. She reminds us that the key to long lasting inclusion policy is people who are willing to do the work.

2021-07-20

Episode 38 - Trusting the Team

Featuring: Greg Fredlund

Greg Fredlund, president of Northland Constructors, discusses the pathway that brought him to APi and what he learned as a new leader taking over the president role at a company. He shares the importance of teamwork, engaging employees and the role of friction in decision making.

2021-08-03

Episode 39 - Taking a Leap of Faith

Featuring: Kelly Nissenbaum

In this episode of the Building Great Leaders Podcast, Kelly Nissenbaum, the manager of Business Development for Mid-Ohio Pipeline Services discusses how she made the shift from her previous career in hospitality to business development. She describes how someone saw her potential and pushed her to make a big and scary change. She also clears up misconceptions about business development, the importance of connection, and how each person plays a vital role in the future of a company.

2021-08-17

Episode 40 - Embedding recognition in a company

Featuring: Matt Euson

Matt Euson, outgoing president of 3S, describes how the practice of recognizing employees became embedded in the company DNA. Laura and Matt discuss 3S's engagement flywheel, created by the Talent Magnet team, and what 3S does at each step to create their unique company culture. Plus, he shares advice on focusing on the right strategic initiatives.

2021-08-31

Episode 41 - Values-driven Leadership

Featuring: Mark Stein

Mark Stein, Area Manager for VFP in Houston Texas, shares his experience entering APi Group as a former military officer, offering insight into his transition to a completely new corporate role. Mark and Laura discuss the importance of integrity, honesty, loyalty, and the value in hiring individuals with different perspectives.

2021-10-05

Episode 42 - A Dose of Wisdom

Featuring: Shannon Swanson-Arend

Going back over the two decades that she has worked at APi Group, Shannon Swanson-Arend, VP of Employee Services, shares insights she has learned along the way: from showing up consistently to actively listening so that employees can be their whole selves at work. She also reminisces about becoming the first female Vice President at APi Group headquarters and what that meant to both her and the organization.

2021-10-19

Episode 43 - Self Knowledge Leads to Successful Acquisitions

Featuring: Scott Hatfield

APi's Vice President of Acquisitions, Scott Hatfield, shares his insights on learning to know ones' company and using that knowledge of self to connect with others and successfully acquire new companies. Scott also walks us through his own personal journey with APi Group, reflecting on his many critical years with the company.

2021-11-02