The Blueprint: Success Built Through Perseverance

T.J. Crosby, owner and CEO of Concrete Careers and EBS HR Consulting, pulls back the curtain to learn how our guests have built success through perseverance.

Recent Episodes

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Sept. 1, 2026

Martin Willoughby: Building the Future, Respecting the Past

In this episode of The Blueprint, we sit down with Martin Willoughby, CEO of Command Alkon, to explore his unconventional journey from law, technology and cybersecurity into the concrete industry. Martin shares his perspective on leading a 50-year-old company, balancing the lessons of the past with the need to embrace change, and where technology and AI are taking the concrete industry next. We also dig into leadership, innovation, the challenges facing today’s industry, and what the next decade

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Aug. 7, 2026

Dr. Ryan Penlerick: Delivering Your Next Batch of Concrete Leaders

In this episode of The Blueprint Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ryan Penlerick, Program Director of the Concrete Industry Management program at Texas State University, to explore how CIM is helping build the next generation of concrete industry leaders. Ryan shares insights from his decades in construction, explains what makes CIM different from traditional construction management programs, and discusses the program's impact on workforce development, industry partnerships, and career opportunitie

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July 7, 2026

Wendy Wilson: Find Where You Belong

In this episode of The Blueprint, Wendy Wilson shares how unexpected career changes, personal loss, and major life transitions ultimately led her to a place of greater purpose, balance, and fulfillment. From rebuilding her career after leaving a company she had called home for more than a decade to discovering the importance of aligning your values with your work, Wendy offers powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and knowing who you are beyond your title. Along the way, she discusses men

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April 22, 2026

Chad Curtis: The Power of Authentic Leadership

Join us as Chad Curtis shares his inspiring journey from sports architecture to the concrete industry, emphasizing the importance of values, perseverance, and faith in career transitions. Discover practical insights on leadership, organizational culture, and personal growth in this engaging conversation.

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Feb. 19, 2026

Emily Branum: From Billable Hours to Building Culture

In this episode, T.J. Crosby and Emily Branham delve into the transformative power of self-awareness and courage in career advancement, exploring how these traits fuel successful pivots and leadership in uncertain times. Emily shares her journey from law to corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and investing in oneself. The discussion highlights practical frameworks like success sprints and profiles, and the role of AI in revolutionizing industri

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Jan. 6, 2026

Chad Arpe: From Oil & Gas to Precast

Summary In this conversation, T.J. Crosby and Chad Arpe discuss Chad's career journey from the oil and gas industry to construction, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, servant leadership, and perseverance through challenges. They explore the significance of company culture and the entrepreneurial mindset in leadership, as well as the pressing issues of talent acquisition and collaboration in the construction industry. Chad shares valuable insights and advice for building a successful c

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About the Hosts

T.J. Crosby

Host

T.J. Crosby is CEO of Concrete Careers and President of EBS Consulting. As a seasoned talent leader, he has experience establishing and scaling recruiting, HR, and overall company operations, and is passionate about fostering a strong team culture and attracting the best talent.

For the past 15 years, T.J. has held various HR leadership roles across startup, private-equity backed turnaround, and Fortune 500 organizations. Recently, T.J. was Chief Human Resources at Sylvan Road and prior to that, Head of Talent Experience at FirstKey Homes, where he implemented critical talent initiatives which enabled the organization to effectively scale from under 250 employees to over 1,000.

T.J. holds a BS in Business Management from Jacksonville State University and an MBA from Auburn University. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Valerie, and his two young children.

Joel Galloway

Co-Host / Producer

Joel Galloway is the Client Development Manager at Concrete Careers, where he leverages his background in staffing and project management to strengthen client relationships and drive successful outcomes. With over a decade of experience in banking, and additional expertise in the steel industry, Joel is known for his ability to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and collaborate seamlessly across teams. A natural relationship builder, he thrives on creating meaningful connections that support both clients and candidates.

Joel studied Music Education in college, reflecting his creativity and discipline as a gifted musician. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with his wife and two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys biking, auto racing, and sharing his love of music.