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:
Hans' raw and powerful reflection on going from defendant to courthouse builder
The unplanned origin story of Grafstrom Construction
How to turn chance encounters into career-changing opportunities
Why hiring for energy and positivity matters more than technical skill
Honest insights into mentorship, learning from mistakes, and the messy business of leadership
Real talk on firing, feedback, and building a values-based team
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!
