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 Hoover Dam, we celebrat…

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 journey we explore…

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 discipline and leade…

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 technological wonders…

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 construction management…

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, improve time manage…

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 is confined to socia…

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 industry. This isn't a…

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 his transition to th…

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 opportunities you ne…

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 misunderstood as sole…

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, and the invaluable li…

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 certifications for beg…

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, and how those experie…

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 certifications might be es…

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 deployments in Kuwai…

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 life. The struggles…

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 story is sure to ins…

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 the military to exc…

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 encompasses the highs and l…

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. We talk about the h…

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! Support the Show. TCV Email: constructionvetpodcast@gmail.com TCV YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@constructionvet/featured TCV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constructionvetpodcast/…

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 certifications you need…

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 skills to tackle safe…

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, shedding light on the uni…

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 reflects on how hi…

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 industry. We're busting t…

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 Engineer Corps and the…

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 into the importance of…

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 personal experience…

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 just as they came in…

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 experiences in the …

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 forget about Building I…

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 brings a deeply insight…

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, and leadership develo…

Are you ready to uncover pathways into the construction industry? Here's a promise - by the end of our conversation, you'll be armed with a wealth of knowledge to jumpstart your career in building trades. We chat about everything from apprenticeships that lead to journeyman status to directly working with a firm to gain practical, hands-on experien…

Journey with us as we sit down with Darrell Utt, Chief of Business Operations for the National Medal of Honor Museum, and retired special forces soldier. His tale unfolds from humble beginnings in small-town West Virginia to the hallowed halls of the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. We peel back the layers of Darrell's military experience…

Get ready for an insider's guide to the world of military engineering and a look at how these skills can be transitioned into the construction industry. As someone who's walked this path, I offer firsthand insights into the vital roles within military engineering, highlighting the Navy Construction Battalion's incredible ability to construct mini c…

Ever wondered how a military veteran transitions to the civilian world, specifically the pharmaceutical construction industry? Meet Marc Blackwelder, an Army Ranger, 82nd Airborne, and Special Forces vet who's done just that. After bidding the military goodbye, Marc found himself navigating the uncharted territory of civilian life. His journey took…

Do you ever feel like you're chasing a paycheck instead of a fulfilling career? If so, our conversation with Air Force veteran and Chairman of the One Tribe Foundation, Dan Lombardo, might provide a fresh perspective. We discuss Dan's extraordinary journey from experiencing a tragic accident during his service, learning to cope, and ultimately tran…

What happens when you combine a veteran's service background, a transition to the construction industry, and the power of humility? You get an intriguing conversation with Dan Bradley, the CEO of CATI Striping and Coating. Our chat covers Dan's Air Force history as a Tactical Air Control Party liaison, his unique bond with service members, and even…

What happens when a military Veteran transitions to a Construction Superintendent? This week's episode captures my journey of doing just that, along with the highs and lows of climbing the ladder in the construction industry. From running job sites to overseas travel, I recount my experiences and the pivotal role my military background played in sh…