“It’s a different uniform, but the mission feels pretty familiar.” Many veterans find themselves without a plan after their time with the military is over. For Jonathan A., an Army veteran, the yellow safety vest and helmet serve a similar purpose and offer the same benefits that the military once did.

Jonathan, a field engineer for Corbins, knew he wanted to work in construction before beginning his 9-year career in the United States Army. “What really pulled me toward construction was the sense of purpose,” Jonathan explained, “coming back to it after the military just felt natural”. The interest was there before, but a sense to serve our country felt like not only a purpose, but a “necessity”.

In 2013, Jonathan packed up, leaving his wife and 8-month-old son to head to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for 10 weeks of basic training. Jonathan’s motivator? Providing benefits and pay that could provide stability for his family. Even with good intentions, Jonathan confessed, “It was the hardest moment of my life. I remember getting on the plane to fly to Fort Sill with a churning in my stomach and a heart filled with pain.” After advice from leadership during his challenging training, Jonathan came to the realization that, “It wasn’t just about ‘doing my duty’, it was about providing and giving my family a better life.”

9 years, 3 tours, and 1 AIT Class Leadership Award later, Jonathan would leave the military with a career in construction in mind.

After hearing about the culture at Corbins from family and friends who worked at Corbins before his military career, Jonathan applied to join as a field engineer. After joining, his expectations were high. “Hearing about what Corbins was all about for years, the culture, the friendships, the way people have each other’s backs, I came in with some pretty high hopes. Honestly, it’s been everything I thought it would be”, he says. Jonathan’s reflection on his own journey gives him an appreciation for the community he has built with his Corbins teammates. Direction, team, and pride are all benefits he has received so far from getting involved in the trades.

Currently, Jonathan serves as a leader on-site, looking to provide the same leadership he once experienced to others. Drawing on his military experience, he learns to adapt to the construction industry. “All those years in the Army built a work ethic and mindset that fit right into this line of work. It’s not about barking orders, it’s about stepping up, taking care of your people, and getting the job done.” This mindset is what gives Jonathan a special value that we look for in our people at Corbins. Jonathan has been exposed to great leadership qualities that allow him to understand how he can best impact the people who make our projects come to life, embodying our “humanizing construction” culture.

For anyone looking to get into construction, the new technology, efficient processes, and innovative ways to build are constant reminders to Jonathan why our industry is a place where people from all walks of life can find success in their careers.

His message to others: “Go for it.” Whether you are missing the camaraderie, the purpose, or the instruction, construction can provide that to veterans who are looking to find a fulfilling career after serving.

“Every part of the job, no matter how small it seems, plays a role in building something bigger, and that gives the work real meaning.”

We build more than infrastructure; we build people. Build your career with Corbins by applying now at corbins.us/careers.