From Service to Sites: Ben and Court's Construction Journeys

The Construction Veteran Podcast

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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 legacy of service, with deployments to Afghanistan, and their shared experiences at NMCB 5.
Uncover the key elements that facilitated their successful switch from military service to thriving careers in commercial construction. Listen to Ben’s narrative of his career evolution post-2013, from working with a small contractor to leading the federal contracting division at Harkins, eventually becoming CEO. The episode highlights the crucial role of mentorship, the Skillbridge program, and the alignment between military skills and construction demands, emphasizing the significance of operational experience and continuous improvement in this journey.
Join us as we address the pressing issue of veterans' mental health and career transitions. Ben and Court stress the importance of seeking help, leveraging VA resources, and maintaining a balanced life. They share practical strategies for managing mental well-being and discuss the value of peer support on job sites. Explore opportunities for veterans in construction through programs like Skill Bridge and the power of networking on LinkedIn. This heartfelt episode celebrates the resilience, camaraderie, and mutual respect within the veteran community in the construction industry.

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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 [e-mail] , or send me a message on LinkedIn. You can find me there at Scott Friend. Let's share the stories and motivate others!

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Chapter

1. From Service to Sites: Ben and Court's Construction Journeys (00:00:00)

2. Veterans in Construction (00:00:01)

3. Transitioning From Military to Commercial Construction (00:11:40)

4. Life After Service (00:24:53)

5. Supporting Veterans in Construction (00:32:53)

6. Connecting With Veterans on LinkedIn (00:40:48)