CT EP 9 | Collaborative Leadership, Politics & Building Influence

CT EP 12 | Building with Purpose: Ben Harries on Leadership, Construction & Long-Term Relationships

In Episode 12 of Coffee Talk, Justin Mullen sits down with Ben Harries, Owner of BuilderGuru Contracting and Gardiner & Gardiner Contracting, to discuss leadership that starts outside the office, commercial construction, business relationships, and what it takes to grow a company with intention. Ben shares how the company grew through acquisition and expanded from tenant fit-outs into larger ground-up construction work. He reflects on the relationships that helped shape the business, from clients and employees to referral partners who trusted him as a first phone call for construction guidance. The conversation also explores Ben's leadership style, which is rooted in leading by example, accountability, and being present for the people around him. He shares how prioritizing family, personal discipline, and a strong support system has influenced the way he leads inside and outside the office. Justin and Ben reflect on their long-standing relationship, shared connection through lacrosse, the role mentorship has played in both of their careers, and how they have supported each other over the years. They also discuss how lessons from coaching, construction, and business ownership carry into leadership, team building, and long-term decision-making. This episode touches on the realities of commercial construction, including permitting challenges, early contractor involvement, and helping business owners better understand costs, timelines, and the process of opening their doors. Justin also shares how similar values show up at Hyatt Commercial through broker support, internal structure, and building a team where people feel ownership in the work. From construction and coaching to family, accountability, and business growth, this episode offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, operators, and leaders who are building with purpose. Grab your coffee and let's talk business!

CT EP 11 | Building Zentility: Ryan Peusch on Leadership, Energy Decisions & Zentility

In Episode 11 of Coffee Talk, Justin Mullen sits down with Ryan Peusch, CEO of Zentility, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges businesses face when navigating today's energy market. Ryan shares his journey from working at Constellation to launching Zentility, a technology platform built to simplify energy procurement for businesses, brokers, and property owners. What started as industry experience evolved into a mission to make comparing suppliers, understanding contracts, and managing energy costs more transparent and accessible. Justin and Ryan explore the realities of building a company from the ground up, from early startup challenges and technical problem-solving to hiring, leadership, and scaling a growing team. Ryan reflects on his leadership style as more of a builder than a traditional manager, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and giving people the tools to succeed. The conversation also breaks down how deregulated energy markets work and the roles suppliers, utilities, brokers, and business owners play within them. Ryan explains why budget certainty matters and how the right energy strategy can help companies reduce stress, control costs, and make smarter long-term decisions.

CT EP 10 | Building from the Ground Up: Jim Schaefer on Leadership, Service & Long-Term Vision

In Episode 10 of Coffee Talk, Justin Mullen sits down with Jim Schaefer, CEO of Schaefer Homes, to discuss leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Jim shares his path from leaving a career in finance to starting over in construction, taking on hands-on work and learning every part of the building process. He reflects on early challenges, setbacks, and the role his family and support system played in helping him reset and move forward. Justin and Jim explore how those experiences shaped his leadership style — grounded in accountability, service, and leading by example. Jim emphasizes the importance of showing up in the community, including schools and local spaces, where being physically present allows him to connect with and inspire future leaders in a way that can't be replicated from a distance. The conversation also highlights the foundation of his business: serving people first and creating opportunities that elevate their lives. Jim shares how this mindset has guided the growth of Schaefer Homes, where financial success is a byproduct of delivering value, not the primary driver. From building his first homes by hand to scaling a team and refining his role as a leader, Jim offers a candid look at the realities of growth, responsibility, and long-term thinking. He also shares his vision for the future, including the goal of growing Schaefer Homes into one of the top 100 homebuilders in the world. This episode offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders focused on building with purpose, leading with intention, and creating lasting impact.

CT EP 9 | Collaborative Leadership, Politics & Building Influence

In Episode 9 of Coffee Talk, Justin Mullen sits down with Hannah to explore leadership, relationship-building, and what it takes to navigate the world of politics and advocacy. Hannah shares her journey from growing up around politics to building her own firm, Compass Advocacy. She reflects on her collaborative leadership style, the importance of trust within a team, and how strong relationships drive success in both business and government. The conversation dives into the realities of legislative session, balancing competing interests, and how meaningful change often happens behind the scenes. Hannah also offers insight into entrepreneurship, growing a business, and managing the demands of leadership alongside family life. From navigating complex industries to building a people-first culture, this episode highlights the power of collaboration, resilience, and long-term thinking.

CT EP 8 | Experimental Leadership and Community Building with Bailey Feldman

In Episode 8 of Coffee Talk, Justin Mullen of Hyatt Commercial Real Estate sits down with Bailey Feldman, founder of Fount and Flourish, a women-focused social community and coworking space in Annapolis. Bailey shares the story behind building a community designed to bring women together across careers, life stages, and backgrounds. What began as an idea has grown into a thriving network of more than 150 members who gather for professional collaboration, personal growth, and meaningful connection. During the conversation, Bailey discusses her "experimental" leadership style, the lessons she learned moving from nonprofit and consulting work into entrepreneurship, and how intentional spaces can foster stronger communities. She also reflects on balancing business ownership with family life, building a mission-driven organization, and creating a legacy that empowers the next generation of women. From leadership and entrepreneurship to community building and personal purpose, this episode explores what it takes to turn a vision into something that truly brings people together.