Claim OwnershipThe Construction Veteran Podcast
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© 2025 The Construction Veteran Podcast
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Welcome to the Construction Veteran Podcast. This is a podcast connecting and celebrating veterans in construction, those who have the desire to be in the industry, and those who support them to create the built environment.
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62 Episodes
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Send us a Message! What happens when a Night Stalker trades flight ops for flat roofs—and still refuses to miss the mission? We sit down with Dylan Kirkpatrick, a former 160th SOAR crew chief, who rebuilt his sense of purpose by owning the full stack of commercial roofing: business development, estimating, and project management in the booming Dallas–Fort Worth market. Dylan walks us through the habits forged in special operations—meticulous planning, relentless tempo, and uncompromising int...
Send us a Message! After 21 years in the Army, Master Sergeant Karl Muller faced a crossroads common to many veterans—how to transition from the structured military environment to a fulfilling civilian career. The decision to retire wasn't made lightly. Despite earning a spot on the promotion list to Sergeant Major, Carl recognized that another series of moves would take a toll on his family. "I looked at my wife, Maria, and she just wasn't happy," Karl reflects. "Those weren't tears that wer...
Send us a Message! Ted Baumgardner's journey from Marine Corps intelligence officer to construction technology entrepreneur offers a compelling roadmap for veterans seeking meaningful work after service. Growing up in a South Jersey construction family with parents who ran union businesses in Atlantic City, Ted had building in his blood—but first answered the call to serve after 9/11, attending the Naval Academy and becoming a Ground Intelligence Officer. What makes Ted's story particularly ...
Send us a Message! Career transitions can feel like starting over, especially when you've invested years building your expertise and identity. In this deeply personal episode, Scott opens up about his journey from 14 years in construction to a new career in insurance—a shift that felt remarkably similar to leaving military service. For many veterans, construction offers familiar comfort: structure, discipline, physical challenges, and a daily mission. Scott shares how he progressed through v...
Send us a Message! What does it take to redefine success after three decades in military service? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bill McDonald, an Army Special Operations veteran who transitioned from a 31-year career to find new purpose in the construction industry. Bill offers a candid look at his diverse roles as a Special Forces medic, engineer, and civil affairs officer, highlighting the critical yet often overlooked field of civil affairs. His insights into building trust an...
Send us a Message! Ever wondered how a career shift from the military to the construction industry unfolds? Join us as Chris, a seasoned electrician and now superintendent, opens up about his transformative journey from serving on the USS Nimitz to leading teams in construction. His fascinating background, starting in East Texas and transitioning through active duty to the reserves, sets the stage for deep insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by veterans venturing into new car...
Send us a Message! Join us as we welcome Jason, a Marine Corps veteran and the inspiring leader of a welding school in Orlando, who takes us on a remarkable journey from military service to a dynamic career in construction. Jason shares his compelling decision to join the Marines, driven by the desire for challenge and the life-altering impact of the September 11th attacks. Discover how he reassured his worried mother by choosing a non-combat role and nurtured his welding skills from high sch...
Send us a Message! What if the pressure to be perfect is silently harming our best workers? Join us to uncover the hidden mental health crisis within the construction industry as we sit down with Thomas LeMay and Brian Winningham. Thomas, the child of a Navy veteran, and Brian, a former Ranger, bring their expert perspectives to a crucial conversation on leadership and mental health. They introduce their collaborative project—a book aimed at equipping foremen with essential leadership tools, ...
Send us a Message! Ever wondered how military leadership transitions into a civilian career? Former Marine Corps helicopter pilot Dan Sampson takes us on an inspiring journey from his roots in Dallas, Texas, through rigorous years at the Naval Academy and his decade-long service flying UH-1 Yankee helicopters. Now a project manager at Arco Murray, Dan navigates the complexities of managing contracts, supporting field operations, and ensuring client satisfaction. Tune in to hear Dan's reflecti...
Send us a Message! What does it take to transition from a military intelligence analyst to a leading figure in the welding industry? Stephanie Hoffman, a US Army veteran, shares her remarkable journey in our latest episode. From overcoming gender barriers to managing a welding application and training lab at Miller Electric, Stephanie's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking stereotypes. You’ll hear about her early struggles, including how she was initially rejected by a voca...
Send us a Message! Ever wondered how construction professionals navigate the labyrinth of technical constraints? You're in the right place. This episode promises to unveil the art of overcoming site limitations, structural complexities, and stringent regulatory requirements. We'll share firsthand insights on how advanced technologies and creative problem-solving can turn potential obstacles into stepping stones for success. Our discussion also highlights the vital role of collaboration with d...
Send us a Message! What if you could transform unexpected setbacks into seamless victories? Join Scott Friend on the latest episode of Construction Veteran as we uncover the secrets to handling unforeseen construction challenges with finesse. From last-minute design changes and budget hiccups to surprising site conditions, we guarantee you'll gain valuable strategies for maintaining project momentum. Learn why being proactive is essential and how clear, open communication can be your saving g...
Send us a Message! Discover the remarkable journeys of Ben Nichols, a former Marine Corps officer, and Court Sawyer, a retired Master Chief from the Navy Seabees, as they transition from distinguished military careers to impactful roles in the construction industry. Gain insights into Court's extensive 27-year career in the Navy, including his deployments and pivotal positions at the Naval Academy and NAVFAC headquarters. Ben shares his story as a Marine combat engineer deeply influenced by a...
Send us a Message! SUPPORT THE SHOW What happens when a West Point graduate transitions from military life to a career in commercial real estate? Join us as Scott Friend sits down with Jack Sipes, a former client and decorated veteran, to discuss his incredible journey. From growing up in Dayton, Ohio, shaped by his father's World War II service, to enduring the rigorous challenges of ranger school and a deployment to Korea, Jack's story is one of resilience and leadership. He shares poignan...
Send us a Message! What if mastering logistics could be the game-changer your construction project needs? Discover the secrets to overcoming transportation constraints and supply chain disruptions in our latest episode of the Construction Veteran Podcast. Today, we unpack the essential strategies for effective inventory management and explore how technology, like drones, can revolutionize material delivery routes. We're not just talking about moving materials; we're talking about moving proje...
Send us a Message! Max Nellis, a former Army military police officer who served in Afghanistan, reveals how he transformed his career into a thriving role as a construction superintendent. Max's journey from Washington DC to managing high-stakes construction projects is filled with unexpected twists and invaluable lessons. Listen as he recounts the challenges of finding suitable employment after his military service and how a stroke of luck led him back to the construction industry, where his...
Send us a Message! How do construction professionals outsmart Mother Nature's most ferocious moods? Discover the innovative strategies that keep construction projects on track even when facing hurricanes, snowstorms, and scorching heat waves. This episode is packed with invaluable insights on how to maintain safety and progress despite the weather. From securing materials to adapting schedules and making quick decisions, we cover how flexibility and adaptability are not just buzzwords but ess...
Send us a Message! Ready to unlock the keys to a thriving career in construction? This episode of the Construction Veteran Podcast is a must-listen if you're gearing up to enter the construction industry. Join me, Scott Friend, as I guide you through every essential step—from crafting a killer resume to nailing your first interview. Learn how to effectively list your contact information, write a compelling objective statement, and summarize your professional skills and experience. I'll share ...
Send us a Message! In this short episode, we break down a few reasons why the construction industry is such a great choice for a career. If you're a military veteran in the construction industry, or you're in the construction industry and support our military vets, and you'd like to be a guest on the podcast you can find me at constructionvetpodcast@gmail.com , or send me a message on LinkedIn. You can find me there at Scott Friend. Let's share the stories and motivate others! Aerial Resupply...
Send us a Message! What if you could turn military discipline and skills into a successful civilian career? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Josh McMahon, a former Navy Seabee and now Vice President of a custom home building company. Josh's unique background - shaped by frequent relocations with a stepfather in the Navy and an initial aversion to a military career - offers a compelling narrative of how unexpected decisions can lead to remarkable achievements. From his early days in ...
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