Changing careers takes courage, especially when it means walking away from comfort or a lifelong dream you were lucky enough to pursue. For many who step into the construction industry, the decision comes down to purpose. There’s nothing like seeing the results of your effort while building something tangible, and working alongside people who take pride in what they do.

For two of our teammates at Corbins, taking that leap meant leaving behind very different worlds of insurance and firefighting. But both found the same thing waiting for them in the trades: fulfillment. 

From Desk to Duct Bank: John Rodriguez, Electrical Apprentice

Before joining Corbins, John Rodriguez had what most would consider a “dream job.”

“Working as an insurance agent, I had great pay, an office, benefits, holiday parties… what most people think of as a great career,” he says. “Although I was helping people, I ended every day unfulfilled and anxious.”

Even with financial security, something was missing. “Having such a great opportunity and still being unhappy, I knew it wasn’t right for me.”

After trying a few different jobs, John discovered how much he enjoyed working with his hands. “So to do that and still make a great life for myself, I chose to enter the electrical field.”

It was a transition that didn’t come without challenges, as you can imagine. “The toughest part was definitely the lack of air conditioning,” he laughs. “I went from having my own office with a break room to a lunch tent shared by the whole site. There are, of course, tough days in the southwest heat, but if we can work construction in this heat, we can do anything.” 

John knew right away he’d made the right move. “Literally on my first day, I went from being nervous and worried to feeling proud of what I accomplished. And it’s a feeling I’ll always chase. Here you can have fun while getting stuff done.”

For John, the best part of working in construction is, without a doubt, the people. “We’re all problem solvers. In so many jobs, there’s a script for everything. In construction, you have to stay flexible. The only thing better than finishing your work is finishing it knowing all the challenges you overcame to get there.”

On the Fireline to the Field: Robert Leslie, Foreman

Robert Leslie’s path to the trades came during years of serving as a wildland firefighter on a hotshot crew. A job defined by grit, teamwork, and sacrifice.

“I was doing off-and-on electrical work during my time as a fireman in the offseason,” Robert says. “I enjoy working outside and having purpose in what I do.”

When he decided to transition full-time into electrical work, the toughest part was leaving the people. “I worked with some of the best individuals I’ve ever met.”

Now, as a Foreman at Corbins, he’s found a new kind of camaraderie.

“Many of the individuals I’ve become friends with here are dedicated to the grind. You will never find success without like-minded people around you.”

There was a specific moment when he knew he’d made the right call to do electrical work full-time. “When I got to come home every night and see my family,” he answers, “Firefighting took me all over the U.S., but the trades brought me consistency. That means everything.”

More Than a Job

John and Robert came from completely different worlds, but their stories share the same foundation. Fulfillment doesn’t come from titles or perks. It comes from purpose, people, and pride in what you build.

At Corbins, that shared mindset of teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous growth is what makes career changers not just fit in but find their calling. 

If you are interested in making the switch yourself, check out some of our open positions on our careers page. 

Electrical work not your thing? Look at our Nox Group careers for other trade jobs available within our enterprise.