Nov 7, 2022
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Navy Veteran
Eric Quinn, the CEO of full-service construction consultancy KMI
International. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams,
Eric discusses his time in the Navy, sharing why he joined, how it
changed the trajectory of his career, and the leadership skills he
gained during his service. He takes us through his transition to
the business world, his move to the Architectural Engineering and
Construction (AEC) industry, and how he worked his way to where he
is today.
Throughout the episode, Eric provides invaluable insights on
leadership and building trust, sharing his personal experience from
his time in service military and his successful career. To close
out the episode, Mike asks Eric what advice he has for
transitioning service members as well as any veterans looking to
start a career in the AEC space.
Eric Quinn leads KMI as the company’s CEO. His leadership career
began at an early age while he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and
served his country as a Lieutenant in the Navy, learning quickly
the importance of having the right team in place to accomplish the
mission.
His focus is on having the best people, processes, and
organizational structure in place to deliver the highest quality of
services for KMI’s clients. Eric will tell you that one of his
primary focuses is maximizing the potential in people he leads to
ensure KMI is a distinct company with a stellar reputation, thus
becoming the most sought-after employer in the industry.
Eric held leadership positions in several organizations, including
Procter & Gamble, ES3, and President of GBI Tile and Stone, before
coming to KMI to serve as the company’s COO, later being promoted
to CEO. His background in mathematics gives him a strong
understanding of figures and analytics, but he also has extensive
experience in business development and generating revenue.
His proudest accomplishments included turning around a former company in order to save hundreds of jobs, as well as helping facilitate a partnership between his current company, KMI, and the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The partnership includes a student chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), and guest lectures by KMI to mentor the next generation of construction managers and give them the tools they need to succeed.
Eric has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.