Beginnings
Wally Adamchik, the President of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, grew up in the construction industry. His father and brother were construction workers in New York City. The challenges and frustrations of the day were often dinner time conversation. During school breaks Wally worked as a helper on jobs across the metropolitan area. He easily relates to leaders at all levels because he has spent time with them his entire life.
Notre Dame
His parents stressed excellence and hard work and this approach helped Wally earned a Navy ROTC scholarship which enabled him to attend (that means afford!) the University of Notre Dame. While there he learned to be comfortable in front of big audiences as he was the mascot, The Leprechaun, in his senior year.
USMC
Upon Commissioning in the Marines, Wally was an Armor Officer serving as a platoon leader, battalion adjutant, and company executive officer. After his first tour of duty, he competed to attend flight school and was one of two people selected to transition that year. At Pensacola, where all Naval Aviators start training, he was the honor graduate in his class. He chose to fly AH-1W Cobra Attack helicopters and deployed a number of times with significant time in Somalia and Kuwait. He understands the challenges of leadership and is able to help your leaders grow.
Private Sector / MBA
After a decade in uniform Wally looked for new challenges in the private sector where he was first a Regional Manager for Arby’s restaurants. He chose this because it was a leadership job where he would he would have P&L responsibility. At the same time, he got his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He combines real world business with leadership experience with advanced research to bring you the most practical and effective solutions.
Construction Industry Consulting
With a new degree and real world business experience, Wally stepped into consulting with FMI, Management Consultants to the Construction Industry. In four highly successful years he established a strong reputation but the travel was a bit too much on a new family. He started FireStarter to gain some control of his life and schedule. It worked.
FireStarter Speaking
Established in 2003, FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, Veteran Owned Small Business, has emerged as a highly-respected consulting firm focused on leadership and productivity in the construction industry across North America. Wally collaborates with a team of professionals who also know the industry very well to be a full-service consulting and training firm focused on human capital. We know the difference between cement and ready mix!
Construction Leadership
From emerging contractors, looking to grow, to some of the Top ENR firms in the country, the team understands what it takes to lead in construction today. No interesting theories that are useless in the real world. The FireStarter knows the industry and has helped countless leaders and firms become better and more profitable. Improved productivity, increased retention, and better profitability are all the result of better leadership at all levels.
Wally is a Certified Speaking Professional CSP (the speaking kind, not the safety kind) with the National Speakers Association, a Certified Management Consultant with the Institute of Management Consultants and a Certified Virtual Presenter. These designations require annual continuing education and ethics requirements insuring you are working with a knowledgeable and trusted advisor to your business.