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 t…

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 t…

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 conversat…

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, …

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 on…

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 p…

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 …

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 depl…

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, t…

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 t…

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…

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.…

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 ef…

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 constructionvetpodcas…

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 ave…

Send us a Message! Ever wondered how the towering skyscrapers and awe-inspiring bridges you pass by came to be? Join me, Scott Friend, as we uncover the remarkable stories of military veterans who traded in their uniforms for hard hats, chiseling their legacy into America's skyline. From the grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge to the monumental Hoov…

Send us a Message! Welcome back to the Construction Veteran Podcast, where Scott Friend, your host and fellow veteran, returns from a brief hiatus with renewed energy and valuable insights. Imagine stepping into a world where the camaraderie and discipline you learned in the military perfectly align with a thriving career path. That's precisely the…

Send us a Message! Join us as we sit side by side with Tim Welcher, a former Special Forces soldier who bravely navigated the world of military conflicts and has now carved out a significant niche as a safety savant in the construction industry. His story is not just about the change of uniform but a profound transformation of purpose, harnessing d…

Send us a Message! Embark on a visionary journey with me, your host Scott Friend, as we chart the course of the construction industry's future, where innovation and eco-consciousness are the new blueprints for our cities and homes. This episode is a tribute to the architects, engineers, and builders reshaping our world; it's a celebration of the te…

Send us a Message! Have you ever stood at a crossroads between your career and the call of duty? Our latest episode features Josh, an Army National Guard veteran whose journey echoes this familiar conundrum. From the hum of motor transport to the buzz of construction sites, Josh unveils the blueprint of his transition into a thriving career in cons…

Send us a Message! Unlock the potential of your construction team with the transformative power of delegation! Join me, Scott Friend, as we dissect the immense benefits of this crucial leadership skill that goes far beyond simply offloading tasks. In our latest episode, we share insights on how delegating effectively can skyrocket work efficiency, …

Send us a Message! Unlock the secrets behind marketing's transformative power in the construction industry with our esteemed guest Chelsea Roth, a marketing maven with an insider's perspective on branding, storytelling, and building client relationships. As Roth peels back the layers of this intricate field, we move past the notion that marketing i…

Send us a Message! Ready to amplify your technical prowess with some crucial soft skills? Promise yourself this: by the time you finish listening to this episode of the Construction Veteran with Scott Friend, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of five essential skills that can significantly elevate your career in the dynamic construction ind…

Send us a Message! What if you could harness your military training and skills to thrive in a completely different field? Well, our guest for this episode, Lou Gomez, did just that. Lou, a retired Green Beret, regales us with his intriguing journey from being a human resources specialist to a Special Forces engineer and the challenges he faced in h…

Send us a Message! Ready to unlock the potential of networking and relationship building in the construction and design industry? This episode of Construction Veteran is your golden ticket! Your host, Scott Friend shares how cultivating meaningful relationships and expanding your network can catalyze collaboration, inspire innovation, and open up o…

Send us a Message! Picture this: you've just completed your service in the Marine Corps, where your specialized role as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense specialist has given you invaluable skills and unique experiences. What's the next step? For Luke Hill, it was a transition into the construction industry, a field often mi…

Send us a Message! Join us as we share a remarkable conversation with our special guest, Christian Gournay, a well-known supporter of the veteran community. Christian brings his unique viewpoint, influenced by his family's strong military background, to our podcast. His tales of growing up with a respected grandfather who served in World War II, an…

Send us a Message! Are you just starting out in the construction industry and wondering what's more important: education or experience? Brace yourself for a deep-dive into the controversial topic. We'll explore the value of both, unearthing the truth about what it takes to get your foot in the door and rise through the ranks. From the essential cer…

Send us a Message! Today, we're proud to be joined by the inspirational Trevor Murray, a former Special Forces medic who's not just building houses, but building bridges for veterans into the construction industry. Trevor regales us with stories from his service in the 10th Special Forces Group, his deployments to Afghanistan and Eastern Europe, an…

Send us a Message! Ever dreamt of building something beautiful, but feel lost in the construction industry's labyrinth of education and certifications? That's where Scott Friend, the Construction Veteran, steps in. In this engaging discussion, Scott breaks down the industry's complexities, offering crucial insights on why certain degrees or certifi…

Send us a Message! Ever wondered about the journey from a military service member to a civilian professional? In this engaging conversation, I sit down with Tony, an accomplished veteran who transitioned from the Navy into the civilian construction industry. We explore his fascinating career trajectory from his South Carolina roots in 2002 to his d…

Send us a Message! Have you ever considered the impact of poor work-life balance on your professional and personal life? Trying to juggle responsibilities can often lead to burnout, and I found this out the hard way. After a month-long hiatus from podcasting, I return to share my experiences and insights in setting boundaries between work and home …

Send us a Message! Discover the power of resilience and the beauty of transition in our latest conversation with Tony Alvarez, a former Marine Corps Reserves member turned construction industry veteran. As he spins a tale of grit right from his high school years in the Marine Corps Reserves to his transition into the construction industry, Tony's s…

Send us a Message! Meet Jared DeRuby, a former Marine and present CEO of a prominent talent staffing agency, as he takes us through his remarkable transition from the battlefield to the boardroom. Having served as a wireman in an artillery unit, Jared's journey saw him become a fourth-generation electrician, using the discipline and focus honed in …

Send us a Message! Picture a young man with a passion for service, held back by past mistakes, and then moved to action by the devastating events of 9/11. Meet Brad Borders, an aspirational youth who beat the odds to become a respected officer in the Chaplain Corps and a beacon of hope for transitioning veterans. Brad's captivating journey encompas…

Send us a Message! Ever caught yourself belittling a co-worker, or perhaps, been at the receiving end of such treatment? It happens more than we'd like to admit, especially in our industry. In this candid conversation, we dig deep into the uncomfortable realities of how people in the building industry treat each other - and it's not always pretty. …

Send us a Message! We're doing something a little bit different this episode. Hop on over to the "On Grade" podcast and take a listen to Episode 16! 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 construct…

Send us a Message! Imagine a path paved with practical insights and motivational tips, guiding you towards a successful career in the construction industry. That's what you'll find in today's episode as we demystify the significance of education and certifications in this sector. Your career aspirations will influence the type of education and cert…

Send us a Message! Imagine a battlefield training and a construction site. Seem worlds apart? Not quite. In the latest episode, we welcome Ryan Brence, a West Point grad, former Army Special Operations officer, and currently, a safety crusader in the construction industry. A man with a mission, Ryan shares how his military training has honed his sk…

Send us a Message! Ever wondered about the intricate dance between project managers and superintendents in the construction industry? Brace yourselves as your host, Scott Friend, delves into the nitty-gritty, sharing personal anecdotes from his time as a project manager in El Paso, Texas. He unpacks the complexities of these essential roles, sheddi…

Send us a Message! Ever wondered how the discipline and structure of the Marines can create a successful career in the industrial real estate sector? Calvin, a Marine Corps veteran, walked me through his unique journey from the military to the construction industry. Fueled by the transformation of his experience in service after the 9/11 events, he…

Send us a Message! Listen up, folks! Ever wonder how a building site manages to deliver a quality product to a client? We're going behind the scenes of quality management in construction on the Construction Veteran Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Friend, and I'm here to guide you through the maze of what quality managers do in this challenging indust…

Send us a Message! Ever wonder how a naval background can shape success in the construction industry? This intriguing episode brings together two former naval officers turned tech entrepreneurs, Zach and Drew, to shed light on their innovative labor tracking platform for the construction industry. Built on their experiences in the US Navy Civil Eng…

Send us a Message! Strap in, because we're about to take you on an exhilarating journey through the world of field management in the construction industry. From the nitty-gritty tasks of a laborer to the encompassing responsibilities of a superintendent, this episode is a goldmine of insights for every construction industry enthusiast. We delve int…

Send us a Message! Join us for an insightful conversation with Angie Martinez, a former Navy civil engineer corps officer who's paved her way into a successful career in the federal construction industry. From her unique military background to her transition into the business of building, Angie's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Drawing from …

Send us a Message! What if I told you that the essential factor in the construction industry isn't the finished building, but the safety of the people who build it? Tune in as I, Scott Friend, passionately advocate for a reimagined perspective on safety – where it's not an obligation, but a personal commitment to make sure that everyone goes home j…

Send us a Message! How much do we really know about the behind-the-scenes happenings in the construction industry? It’s time to take off our hard hats, pull up a chair, and listen to the riveting insights of our special guest, Brian Winningham. A former Army Ranger turned construction industry expert, Brian takes us on an intriguing journey of his …

Send us a Message! Ladies and gents, prepare to have your minds blown by the unprecedented advancements in construction technology. Imagine being able to 'walk' through your new building before it's even built! We're taking a deep look at the mesmerizing world of drones, 3D cameras, document management, scheduling, and much more. And let's not forg…

Send us a Message! What does it take to transition smoothly from military life to the civilian working world, you ask? Naz, our first non-veteran guest, draws on her extensive HR experience and her work with transitioning military personnel to shed light on this complex journey. As an HR professional who's worked with a defense contractor, Naz brin…

Send us a Message! Imagine being the only degreed engineer in Kandahar, Afghanistan, shortly after the devastating events of September 11th. That's the reality our guest, Lisa Jaster, lived through, serving seven years of active duty and transitioning into a reservist role, all while building a civilian career in engineering, project management, an…