Word On The Street

From Endurance Sports to Engineering Leadership: Verdantas CEO Jesse Kropelnicki

What does it take to scale an engineering firm from a few hundred to nearly 2,000 people—without losing culture, performance, or purpose? In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, we’re joined by Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas (ENR #73), one of the fastest‑growing environmental and infrastructure consulting firms in the U.S. Jesse shares his unique journey from structural engineer to elite endurance sports coach—and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. This wide‑ranging conversation explores how lessons from elite athletics apply directly to engineering leadership, including managing growth, building trust, giving effective feedback, navigating private equity, and preparing firms for AI and data transformation. Jesse also dives deep into culture, emotional intelligence, and why human skills—not technical knowledge alone—will define the future of AEC firms. Whether you’re leading a growing firm, managing teams, or thinking about the future of engineering work, this episode is packed with insight you can apply immediately.

Morrissey Goodale's Katharine Van Leer Joins The WOTS Podcast Team: M&A Trends, AI, & Leadership

In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, Mick Morrissey and Mark Goodale are joined by Katharine Van Leer, Senior Consultant at Morrissey Goodale, as she makes her debut as the newest member of the podcast team. Together, they discuss the forces shaping the AE industry today—from M&A activity and valuation trends to the growing influence of AI and private equity. The conversation explores market uncertainty, leadership transition, and why CEO‑only forums and peer connections are more important than ever as firms navigate rapid change.

Word on the Street Podcast: 2026 Kickoff

The podcast version of real-time market and industry intelligence from Morrissey Goodale firm leaders.

OHM Advisors President Jon Kramer

Mark and Mick welcome Jon Kramer, CEO of OHM Advisors. The discussion covers a range of topics including OHM's growth trajectory, Kramer's personal journey from intern to CEO, the importance of culture, innovation, and AI in the architecture, engineering, and planning field. Kramer highlights OHM's recent acquisitions, strategies for managing hybrid work environments, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. The episode concludes with insights into Kramer's leadership philosophy and his vision for OHM Advisors' future.   Topics 01:04 Guest Introduction: Jon Kramer, CEO of OHM Advisors 02:35 Jon's Early Career and Intern Program 05:23 OHM's Growth and Culture 09:22 Challenges and Strategies in AE Industry 16:21 Acquisitions and Strategic Growth 21:59 Engineering vs. Architecture: A Complex Integration 22:13 Challenges of Leading a Multi-Disciplinary Firm 23:25 Personal Journey: From Engineer to CEO 24:12 Balancing Diverse Teams and Cultures 24:39 Learning from Peers and External Advisors 26:37 Daily Operations and Team Dynamics 29:15 Strategic Growth and Future Plans 30:58 Artificial Intelligence and Innovation 40:21 Leadership Advice and Reflections 43:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jim Stamatis, CEO of True Environmental

Jim Stamatis, CEO of True Environmental Mark and Mick welcome Jim Stamatis, CEO of True Environmental. Jim shares insights from his varied career, including his professional soccer background, his leadership roles at Louis Berger, and the launch of True Environmental. He emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, culture, and adaptability in business, drawing parallels from his sports experience. Jim also discusses the rapid growth of True Environmental, the significance of trust and communication in successful integrations, and the evolving impact of technology and private equity in the environmental industry. Throughout the conversation, Jim advocates for a culture of resilience, transparency, and continuous improvement, highlighting the critical role of leadership in navigating industry challenges and opportunities.   Topics 00:48 Welcome to Morrissey Goodell's Podcast 01:45 Introducing Jim Stamatis and His Accomplishments 02:46 Jim's Soccer Career Highlights 05:41 Transition from Soccer to Professional Career 08:22 Building True Environmental 09:44 Lessons from Leading Louis Berger 16:40 Importance of Teamwork and Trust 21:40 Vision and Philosophy Behind True Environmental 24:14 The Story Behind True Environmental 25:03 Key Ingredients for Successful Integration 27:20 Maintaining Entrepreneurial Spirit 28:53 Successful Acquisition of Sundance Consulting 31:48 The Role of Private Equity in the Industry 32:50 Using AI in Daily Work 34:13 Growing the Next Generation of Leaders 36:29 Executing Strategic Plans 38:31 Environmental and Infrastructure Trends 44:08 Reflections on the Industry and Career 48:44 Word to the Wise: Success and Culture