The Veterans Who Build Show

Hosted by Adam Stark

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Aug 2026

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Veterans in construction and real estate — telling the stories behind the build. The Veterans Who Build Show is hosted by Adam Stark, a Special Operations Veteran and construction tech founder. Every episode is an honest conversation with the Veterans designing, estimating, and delivering America's projects — Military stories, pre-cons, pivots, leadership, and craft. Service. Structure. Story. New episodes bi-weekly. Supported by, Jet.Build

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57 recent

August 24, 2026Episode 571 hr 55 min

57 Michael Maniaci - West Point Grad, Ranger School, Infantry Officer, Pella Owner Operator

Michael Maniaci went from West Point and Ranger School to leading Soldiers across Eastern Europe, investment banking on Wall Street, and eventually acquiring a building-products business of his own. In Episode 57 of The Veterans Who Build Show, Michael shares the parts of that path that rarely make the résumé: nearly leaving West Point, losing 35 pounds during Ranger School, operating on little sleep, making mistakes as a 23-year-old Infantry Officer leading experienced Soldiers, and learning to listen to NCOs with multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Michael later served with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany, supporting U.S. and NATO deterrence efforts across Eastern Europe. After leaving the Army, he earned his MBA from NYU Stern, entered investment banking at Credit Suisse and Raymond James, and eventually left the security of that career to pursue business ownership. In 2025, Michael and fellow former Army Officer Miles Kerwin acquired Pella Windows & Doors of Connecticut and New York after a self-funded search that included walking away from one deal, raising capital, securing financing, and completing multiple rounds of approval with Pella. This conversation is about what happens when leadership responsibility comes early, what the military can—and cannot—prepare you for, and how those experiences carried into entrepreneurship and the built environment. 🎖️ Guest: Michael Maniaci U.S. Army Veteran | West Point Graduate | Ranger School Graduate Owner & Operator, Pella Windows & Doors of Connecticut and New York 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark 🤝 Supported by Jet.Build Follow The Veterans Who Build Show: ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@veteranswhobuild ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc ➡︎ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ Support for The Veterans Who Build Show: ➡︎ Jet.Build: https://jet.build/ #Veterans #RangerSchool #WestPoint #Leadership #Construction ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:29 Bridging the Civilian-Military Gap 06:04 Life Story: Early Years and Inspiration 12:29 Applying to West Point 17:53 Experiences at West Point 29:00 Transition to the Army and Ranger School 38:34 The Mountain Phase Challenge 41:57 Leadership and Grit in Ranger School 43:49 Experiencing Hallucinations and Exhaustion 46:48 Preparing for Ranger School 48:11 Transitioning to Airborne School 49:02 Unique Assignment Journey 51:46 Mission Focus: Russian Deterrence Operations 55:58 Learning Leadership Lessons 61:03 The Role of a Platoon Leader 66:27 TAC PL Role and NATO Exercises 70:59 Deciding to Transition to Civilian Life 74:57 Transitioning from Military to Corporate Life 81:03 Navigating Investment Banking 95:46 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 109:33 Translatable Skills from Military to Business #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

August 4, 2026Episode 561 hr 52 min

56 Kevin Braziel - 20 Year US Navy Veteran, Chief Petty Officer, Project Executive

Kevin Braziel served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer after multiple combat deployments. In this episode, Kevin shares the leadership lessons that shaped him, the cost of putting the mission ahead of family for too long, his experience with PTSD and VA mental health care, and why Veterans can elevate the construction industry. Today, Kevin is a Project Executive at McGough Construction and an advocate for Veterans entering the trades and construction leadership. 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark · Supported by Jet.Build #Veterans #NavyVeteran #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #Construction ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Mentions in This Video Kevin's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-b-44a341102/ ➡︎ Non Profits: https://www.ntvrf.com/ Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:51 The Decision to Serve: A Father's Perspective 06:04 Cultural Gaps: Veterans in the Civilian Workforce 09:03 Childhood and Early Influences 11:57 Enlisting in the Navy: The Journey Begins 15:13 Life as a CB: Experiences and Lessons Learned 17:52 Leadership Lessons from the Military 21:09 Transitioning to EOD: New Challenges 23:59 Mentorship and Growth in Leadership 26:47 Comparing Military and Civilian Construction 30:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections 37:07 Overcoming Adversity in Leadership 40:45 Lessons from Military Experience 41:41 Empowering Teams in Combat 44:40 Transitioning to Civilian Life 50:12 The Importance of Mental Health 52:22 Navigating Post-Military Career Challenges 56:27 Finding Purpose in Manual Labor 60:08 Embracing New Roles in Pharmaceutical Construction 68:31 Key Takeaways for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life 78:13 Commitment and Accountability in Leadership 79:12 Navigating Challenges in Project Management 80:36 Turning Around Failing Projects 83:30 Military Principles Applied to Construction 86:36 Empowering Teams for Success 90:15 The Hidden Superpower of Veterans 92:08 Leadership and Adaptability in Uncertain Environments 95:34 Building Trust and Transparency in Teams 99:40 Translating Military Skills to Civilian Success 102:07 Valuing the Veteran Mindset in the Workplace #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

July 14, 2026Episode 551 hr 54 min

55 Luke Dressman — West Point Graduate, Army Veteran, 101st Airborne Division, Construction Owner

Army Veteran, West Point graduate, Iraq Veteran, and construction owner Luke Dressman shares his path from the 101st Airborne Division to Building & Repair Systems LLC. In Episode 55 of The Veterans Who Build Show, Luke discusses West Point, combat engineering, his deployment to Iraq, serving with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the early years of building a construction company. He also shares what military leadership taught him about deliberate decision-making, supporting commanders, managing pressure, and keeping an organization moving. Full episode: https://linktr.ee/vwbshow Luke Dressman on The Veterans Who Build Show Ep. 55. Hosted by Adam Stark. Supported by Jet.Build. #Veterans #Construction #Shorts Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 04:38 Growing Up in Kentucky and Inspiration to Join West Point 08:50 Application Process and First Impressions of West Point 17:01 First Year Challenges and Learning Curve 22:01 Choosing Engineering and Summer Opportunities 26:41 Understanding Military Branch and Career Decisions 27:13 Graduation Day and Emotions 32:00 Post-Graduation and Basic Officer Training 35:50 Deployment to Iraq and Operational Environment 44:01 Leadership and Decision-Making in Combat 51:58 Returning Home and Transitioning to Civilian Life 56:54 Military service and transition to civilian career 01:00:25 Navigating the civilian construction industry 01:07:07 Identifying opportunities for young engineers and builders 01:11:21 Transition advice for service members 01:14:26 Starting the entrepreneurial journey 01:22:13 Securing initial projects and overcoming challenges 01:34:09 Key lessons from business successes and failures 01:38:48 Current business focus and growth strategies 01:44:08 Translatable skills from military to construction 01:50:53 Wellness practices for high-stress entrepreneurs 01:52:50 Closing remarks and future outlook #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

June 24, 2026Episode 541 hr 58 min

54 James Morgan - US Naval Special Warfare Commander, Desert Shield, Desert Storm Deployments, CEO

🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark · Supported by Jet.Build ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Jim Morgan Served 15 years in the U.S. Navy—both active and reserve duty. During his service, Jim held a range of leadership roles including, Junior Officer aboard the USS Thomas C Hart during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Communications Officer with Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 112. Patrol Officer with Detachment Golf of Special Boat Unit 22. Commanding Officer of Inshore Boat Unit 22. And Executive Officer of Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 112. In 2004, Jim Separated from the reserves as a Navy Commander Today, Jim is the President and CEO of Subsurface Constructors Mentions in This Video Jim's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-morgan-132a853/ ➡︎ Business: https://www.subsurfaceconstructors.com/ Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cultural Gaps 03:30 Jim Morgan's Military Journey Begins 06:40 Family Influence and Early Decisions 09:40 Joining ROTC and Initial Training 12:38 Transitioning to Active Duty 15:21 Experiences on the USS Thomas C. Hart 18:24 Deployment and Operations in the Middle East 21:31 End of Active Duty and Transition to Reserves 24:20 Life After Military Service 42:02 Navigating Early Career Choices 45:01 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 47:00 Special Boat Unit Experience 50:16 The Journey into Special Warfare 52:50 Training and Challenges in Special Boat Unit 55:59 Establishing Inshore Boat Units 01:01:39 Balancing Military and Civilian Responsibilities 01:02:46 Leadership in Inshore Boat Units 01:07:05 Reflections on Service and Transitioning Out 01:19:39 The Formation of SWIC and Its Impact 01:23:18 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 01:27:54 Growth and Expansion of the Company 01:38:31 Personal Growth and Balancing Family Life 01:48:19 Translatable Skills from Military to Civilian Profession 01:51:38 Book Recommendations and Their Relevance 01:56:16 Wellness Practices for a Balanced Life 01:58:26 Jet.Build Sponsor #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans Go from nobody to operator with these raw military special operations stories. We break down the intense reality of life in the special boat service and the challenges of military transition after leaving the uniform. Hear directly from those who served about what it truly takes to succeed in high-stakes environments. Watch The Veterans Who Build America Show for more veteran stories.

June 14, 2026Episode 531 hr 24 min

53 Jake Wilson - Marine Corps, Purple Heart, Construction PM, Father

🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark · Supported by Jet.Build For Jake Wilson, joining the Marine Corps was a way out. The infantry and going to war felt safer than staying home — and that is where his story begins. #Shorts #Veterans #MarineCorps ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ ➡︎ Website: https://veteranswhobuild.com/ Experience the profound impact of joining a scout sniper platoon, where seasoned marines with extensive military deployment shaped the narrator's understanding of war. This video highlights the intense warrior culture and true military stories of individuals who made the serious nature of their mission clear through sheer force of will, leaving a lasting impression on a young veteran. The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:39 Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life 06:36 Childhood and Early Life Experiences 12:23 Joining the Marine Corps 17:31 Boot Camp Experience 24:40 Deployment and Initial Experiences 26:39 Reflections on Training and Relationships 27:59 Transitioning to Deployment Preparation 34:33 First Impressions of Afghanistan 37:55 Daily Life and Operations in Helmand 43:28 Reflections on the First Deployment 44:50 The Second Deployment Experience 49:13 Returning Home and Adjusting to Civilian Life 56:55 From Military to Construction: A Personal Journey 01:00:57 The Importance of Planning and Mentorship 01:04:17 Embracing Humility in Transition 01:07:24 Joining the Best: The Kikosin Experience 01:11:27 Building Bridges: The Brent Spence Project 01:13:01 Translatable Skills: Military to Civilian Life 01:17:12 Wellness Practices and Personal Growth 01:19:26 A Story of Valor: The Purple Heart Experience 01:23:55 Jet.Build Sponsor #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark · Supported by Jet.Build

May 21, 2026Episode 522 hr 39 min

52 Kirk Offel - US Navy Submariner, Cancer Survivor, Overwatch CEO, Podcast Host

⚓ Episode 52 — from a nuclear submarine to the front lines of AI infrastructure. Kirk Offel served aboard the USS Memphis, survived cancer, and built a 400-person company on one mission: stop the cycle of Veteran suicide. Dropping Memorial Day weekend feels right. 🎖️ Guest: Kirk Offel U.S. Navy | Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine, USS Memphis SSN-691 Founder & CEO, OVERWATCH Mission Critical | Host, Data Center Revolution Podcast 🎙️ The Veterans Who Build Show: Ep 52 📆 Releases May 21st 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark 🏗️ Sponsored by Jet.Build ---- #veterans #leadership #construction #cre #service ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Mentions in This Video Kirk's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkoffel/ ➡︎ Business: https://weareoverwatch.com/ ➡︎ Books: - "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek - "Grit" by Angela Duckworth - "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:24 Recruiting and Retaining Veterans 12:45 Childhood and Family Influence 18:24 Military Training and Basic Training 24:31 Submarine Pipeline and Roles 31:51 The Journey of Growth and Adaptation 38:03 Deployment Experiences and Learning 46:22 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 56:24 Advice for Aspiring Submariners 01:02:08 Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life 01:08:12 Creating a Growth-Oriented Environment 01:16:00 Blessed with Cancer: A Life-Altering Perspective 01:23:12 Leveraging Military Skills in Civilian Careers 01:34:57 The Evolution of Safety in Industry 01:40:42 Transforming Lives: The Mission to Help Veterans 01:50:20 Scaling for Growth: Infrastructure and Leadership 01:55:47 Creating a Skilled Workforce for the Future 02:01:37 Translatable Skills from Military to Industry 02:10:24 The Impact of Data Centers on the Economy 02:16:04 Transforming Community Perceptions of Data Centers 02:23:16 The Future of Energy: Nuclear Power and Data Centers 02:36:02 Recommended Reads for Entrepreneurs 02:38:45 Jet.Build Sponsor #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

April 20, 2026Episode 512 hr 29 min

51 Landon Longgrear - Marine Corps Veteran, Battle of Sangin, Author, VP of Development

Landon Longgrear served eight years in the Marine Corps, deployed to Helmand Province in 2011, and fought in the Battle for Sangin — one of the bloodiest battles of the war. He came home, built a career in commercial real estate, and recently did something most Veterans never do. He wrote it all down. U.S. Marines at the Battle for Sangin is his firsthand account of Operation Enduring Freedom — the good, the bad, and nothing held back. It just released. A portion of every sale goes to Hunter 7 Foundation, supporting Veterans fighting cancer from burn pit exposure. This episode is his story — from Helmand Province to Vice President of Development. 🎖️ Guest: Landon Longgrear U.S. Marine Corps | 1st Battalion 23rd Marines | Helmand Province, Afghanistan Vice President of Development | Author, U.S. Marines at the Battle for Sangin 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Mentions in This Video Mark's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonlonggrear ➡︎ Landon's book - https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781036116774/u-s-marines-at-the-battle-for-sangin/ ➡︎ Landon's book - https://www.amazon.com/U-S-Marines-Battle-Sangin-Operation/dp/1036116778 ➡︎ Veteran Charity Supported - https://www.hunterseven.org/ ➡︎ Landon's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/landonlonggrear/?hl=en ➡︎ Landon's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/landon.longgrear/ ➡︎ Book Recs: "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Landon's Recent Achievement 01:03 Landon's Military Service and the Battle for Sangen 04:05 The Emotional Impact of Writing a War Memoir 08:14 The Significance of Sharing Veteran Experiences 10:09 Veteran Support and the Hunter 7 Foundation 12:58 Childhood in Texas and Early Influences 23:52 How Landon Chose the Marine Corps 32:51 Bootcamp Experience and Lessons Learned 37:49 MOS Training and Deployment Preparation 48:58 Deployment to Afghanistan and Initial Impressions 59:48 The Battle of Sangen: Challenges and Casualties 01:09:59 Reflections on Service, Sacrifice, and Healing 02:28 Initial deployment and expectations 07:45 Challenges faced during deployment and morale shifts 15:00 Transition from military to civilian life 20:01 Leveraging project management skills in real estate 24:57 Building relationships and networking in new industries 29:47 The importance of humility, service, and soft skills 34:49 Faith and purpose as guiding principles 39:56 Practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers 44:53 Landon's current role and future outlook 50:04 Wellness practices and maintaining mental health 54:51 Book recommendations and final thoughts #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

March 30, 2026Episode 501 hr 36 min

50 Mark House - 82nd Airborne Officer, West Point Grad, Ranger Qualified, Managing Director at Beck

🎖️ Episode 50 — let's go! 🎙️ The Veterans Who Build Show: Episode 50 📆 Releases March 30th For this milestone, it was important to feature someone still connected to Service and the Veteran community. West Point graduate, six years on active duty as a Field Artillery Officer and Firing Battery Commander. Mark then transitioned into construction and architecture. 40+ years later, he's the Managing Director at Beck, one of the most respected integrated design-build firms in the country. Today, Mark also serves as a Board Member for the Association of Graduates at West Point. 🎖️ Guest: Mark House West Point Graduate | U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division | Master Parachutist | Ranger Qualified Managing Director, The Beck Group | Board Member, Association of Graduates, United States Military Academy at West Point 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Mentions in This Video Mark's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-house-597aa07/ ➡︎ Business: www.beckgroup.com ➡︎ Books: - "The Road Ahead" by Bill Gates - The biography of Warren Buffett Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:19 Bridging the Civilian-Military Gap 05:46 Childhood and Early Influences 11:54 West Point Experience 17:48 Transition to Active Duty 23:56 Training and Early Assignments 29:55 Experiences in Diverse Environments 33:48 Military Life at Fort Bragg 37:39 Transitioning Roles and Responsibilities 39:16 Learning Dynamics in the Military 42:15 The Stress of Military Life 43:25 Planning for the Future 47:17 Transitioning to Civilian Life 56:25 Advice for Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life 01:04:14 Creating Your Own Luck 01:04:36 The Importance of Preparation 01:06:04 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 01:08:07 Naivety in Business Ventures 01:10:10 Innovative Solutions in Business 01:12:39 Building Relationships and Trust 01:16:00 Adapting Skills from Military to Civilian Life 01:18:19 The Shift to a Structured Organization 01:20:54 The Evolution of Design-Build 01:24:00 Translatable Skills from Military to Construction 01:29:09 Mentorship and Leadership in Business 01:31:20 Advice for Career Growth 01:32:04 Wellness and Work-Life Balance 01:33:18 Recommended Reads for Inspiration 01:35:49 Jet.Build Sponsor #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

March 2, 2026Episode 491 hr 42 min

49 Dave Cooper - Army Combat Medic, 9/11 First Responder, Construction Innovator

🎖️ From Combat Medic to Ground Zero to Building the Future 🎙️ The Veterans Who Build Show: Episode 49 📅 Releases March 2 He served 9 years as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. On September 11th, he ran toward the towers — not away. Now he’s one of the leading voices in industrialized construction, helping reshape how we build in America. 🎖️ Guest: Dave Cooper 🎥 U.S. Army Combat Medic September 11th Survivor & Rescue Worker Host & Founder, Dave Cooper LIVE: An Editorial Series on Construction Innovation 🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Mentions in This Video Dave's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecooperlive/ ➡︎ Business: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveCooperLive ➡︎ 9/11 Story: https://hereisnewyorkv911.org/david-r-cooper-ii/ ➡︎ Books: - The One Thing, by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:18 Cultural Gaps Between Veterans and Civilians 06:19 Dave's Military Journey Begins 09:44 Combat Medic Training and Experiences 12:28 Deployment Experiences and Challenges 15:24 Life After Military Service 18:18 Reflections on Military Life and Lessons Learned 21:27 Top Combat Medic Competition 24:37 Final Thoughts and Advice 35:52 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 41:02 Navigating Career Choices and Opportunities 45:02 The Impact of September 11th 57:44 Building a New Path in Construction 01:10:47 The Search and Rescue Experience 01:11:56 Transitioning to Home Building 01:13:25 Lessons from Early Projects 01:15:25 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis 01:19:00 Building a Successful Business 01:22:10 The Importance of Systems and Processes 01:24:41 The Rise of Mass Timber 01:28:51 Translating Military Skills to Construction 01:29:58 The Birth of a Podcast 01:35:42 Life on the Road During COVID 01:37:50 Returning to Pittsburgh and Family Life 01:41:42 Jet.Build Sponsor #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

February 9, 2026Episode 481 hr 57 min

48 Brian Winningham - 3rd Ranger Battalion, Op Just Cause, Lean Construction, Mental Health Leader

🎖️ The Battle That Doesn't End at the Jobsite 🎙️ The Veterans Who Build Show: Episode 48 - let's go! 📅 Releases February 9 Construction loses more workers to suicide than any other industry — nearly 5× the national average. Brian Winningham went from combat in Panama to building billion-dollar data centers. His hardest mission now is keeping the people around him alive. 🎖️ Guest: Brian Winningham 3rd Ranger Battalion, Mortars — Operation Just Cause (Panama) Lean Manager, Mortenson Construction Mental Health First Aid Instructor ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/ Mentions in This Video Brian's Info: ➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmwinningham/ ➡︎ Business: https://www.rangerwinnie.com/ Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui ➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292 ➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE ➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/ ➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/ ➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build ➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/ The Veterans Who Build Show ➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment The VWB Show Sponsors ➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild ➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build ➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build Timecodes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:30 Veterans and Civilian Workforce Dynamics 06:40 Brian's Life Story and Early Influences 09:32 Military Service Decision and Enlistment 12:32 Basic Training and Ranger Selection 15:35 Deployment Experiences and Training 18:38 Transitioning to Mortars and Unit Life 34:23 Mortar Training and Early Experiences 36:01 Close Calls and Cultural Experiences in Puerto Rico 38:18 Deployment to Panama: Training and Local Interactions 39:54 Operation Just Cause: The Panama Invasion 50:39 Reflections on the Impact of the Panama Operation 51:59 Life After Deployment: Transitioning Back Home 53:33 Ranger School: Challenges and Lessons Learned 59:33 Becoming a Jump Master: Training and Experiences 01:05:06 The Decision to Transition Out of the Military 01:09:22 Struggles of Transitioning to Civilian Life 01:13:25 Finding Purpose in a New Career 01:16:36 Mental Health Awareness in Construction 01:57:26 Jet.Build Sponsor #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans