In this episode, Ricot Aladin sits down with Hans Grafstrom, the CEO of Grafstrom Construction, to explore his unlikely journey from a turbulent early adulthood to leading a thriving construction company with over 50 employees. Hans shares how his business began as a way to make ends meet—and how grit, mistakes, and a deep belief in personal growth turned that hustle into a full-scale operation.
💥 Highlights include:
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Hans' raw and powerful reflection on going from defendant to courthouse builder 🏛️
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The unplanned origin story of Grafstrom Construction
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How to turn chance encounters into career-changing opportunities
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Why hiring for energy and positivity matters more than technical skill
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Honest insights into mentorship, learning from mistakes, and the messy business of leadership
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Real talk on firing, feedback, and building a values-based team
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The role books, bedtime, and golf play in Hans' personal growth routine
💡 "Never lose your curiosity." That’s Hans’ advice to every young professional—and he’s living proof that consistent growth and the willingness to ask questions can change everything.
🎯 Whether you’re launching your career, leading a team, or mentoring others, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart.
🔥 Plus: Learn how Professional Launch is building a new mentoring platform to connect students with local professionals. Sign up to volunteer at professionallaunch.org!