The Veterans Who Build Show

Hosted by Adam Stark

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

53 recent

June 14, 2026Episode 531 hr 24 min

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

🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark · Supported by Jet.BuildFor 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:39 Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life06:36 Childhood and Early Life Experiences12:23 Joining the Marine Corps17:31 Boot Camp Experience24:40 Deployment and Initial Experiences26:39 Reflections on Training and Relationships27:59 Transitioning to Deployment Preparation34:33 First Impressions of Afghanistan37:55 Daily Life and Operations in Helmand43:28 Reflections on the First Deployment44:50 The Second Deployment Experience49:13 Returning Home and Adjusting to Civilian Life56:55 From Military to Construction: A Personal Journey01:00:57 The Importance of Planning and Mentorship01:04:17 Embracing Humility in Transition01:07:24 Joining the Best: The Kikosin Experience01:11:27 Building Bridges: The Brent Spence Project01:13:01 Translatable Skills: Military to Civilian Life01:17:12 Wellness Practices and Personal Growth01:19:26 A Story of Valor: The Purple Heart Experience01:23:55 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 VideoKirk'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 ThielSubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:24 Recruiting and Retaining Veterans12:45 Childhood and Family Influence18:24 Military Training and Basic Training24:31 Submarine Pipeline and Roles31:51 The Journey of Growth and Adaptation38:03 Deployment Experiences and Learning46:22 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life56:24 Advice for Aspiring Submariners01:02:08 Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life01:08:12 Creating a Growth-Oriented Environment01:16:00 Blessed with Cancer: A Life-Altering Perspective01:23:12 Leveraging Military Skills in Civilian Careers01:34:57 The Evolution of Safety in Industry01:40:42 Transforming Lives: The Mission to Help Veterans01:50:20 Scaling for Growth: Infrastructure and Leadership01:55:47 Creating a Skilled Workforce for the Future02:01:37 Translatable Skills from Military to Industry02:10:24 The Impact of Data Centers on the Economy02:16:04 Transforming Community Perceptions of Data Centers02:23:16 The Future of Energy: Nuclear Power and Data Centers02:36:02 Recommended Reads for Entrepreneurs02:38:45 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 LonggrearU.S. Marine Corps | 1st Battalion 23rd Marines | Helmand Province, AfghanistanVice 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 VideoMark'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 SinekSubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Landon's Recent Achievement01:03 Landon's Military Service and the Battle for Sangen04:05 The Emotional Impact of Writing a War Memoir08:14 The Significance of Sharing Veteran Experiences10:09 Veteran Support and the Hunter 7 Foundation12:58 Childhood in Texas and Early Influences23:52 How Landon Chose the Marine Corps32:51 Bootcamp Experience and Lessons Learned37:49 MOS Training and Deployment Preparation48:58 Deployment to Afghanistan and Initial Impressions59:48 The Battle of Sangen: Challenges and Casualties01:09:59 Reflections on Service, Sacrifice, and Healing02:28 Initial deployment and expectations07:45 Challenges faced during deployment and morale shifts15:00 Transition from military to civilian life20:01 Leveraging project management skills in real estate24:57 Building relationships and networking in new industries29:47 The importance of humility, service, and soft skills34:49 Faith and purpose as guiding principles39:56 Practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers44:53 Landon's current role and future outlook50:04 Wellness practices and maintaining mental health54:51 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 30thFor 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 QualifiedManaging 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 VideoMark'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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:19 Bridging the Civilian-Military Gap05:46 Childhood and Early Influences11:54 West Point Experience17:48 Transition to Active Duty23:56 Training and Early Assignments29:55 Experiences in Diverse Environments33:48 Military Life at Fort Bragg37:39 Transitioning Roles and Responsibilities39:16 Learning Dynamics in the Military42:15 The Stress of Military Life43:25 Planning for the Future47:17 Transitioning to Civilian Life56:25 Advice for Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life01:04:14 Creating Your Own Luck01:04:36 The Importance of Preparation01:06:04 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship01:08:07 Naivety in Business Ventures01:10:10 Innovative Solutions in Business01:12:39 Building Relationships and Trust01:16:00 Adapting Skills from Military to Civilian Life01:18:19 The Shift to a Structured Organization01:20:54 The Evolution of Design-Build01:24:00 Translatable Skills from Military to Construction01:29:09 Mentorship and Leadership in Business01:31:20 Advice for Career Growth01:32:04 Wellness and Work-Life Balance01:33:18 Recommended Reads for Inspiration01:35:49 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 2He 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 MedicSeptember 11th Survivor & Rescue WorkerHost & 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 VideoDave'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 PapasanSubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:18 Cultural Gaps Between Veterans and Civilians06:19 Dave's Military Journey Begins09:44 Combat Medic Training and Experiences12:28 Deployment Experiences and Challenges15:24 Life After Military Service18:18 Reflections on Military Life and Lessons Learned21:27 Top Combat Medic Competition24:37 Final Thoughts and Advice35:52 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life41:02 Navigating Career Choices and Opportunities45:02 The Impact of September 11th57:44 Building a New Path in Construction01:10:47 The Search and Rescue Experience01:11:56 Transitioning to Home Building01:13:25 Lessons from Early Projects01:15:25 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis01:19:00 Building a Successful Business01:22:10 The Importance of Systems and Processes01:24:41 The Rise of Mass Timber01:28:51 Translating Military Skills to Construction01:29:58 The Birth of a Podcast01:35:42 Life on the Road During COVID01:37:50 Returning to Pittsburgh and Family Life01:41:42 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 9Construction 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 Winningham3rd 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 VideoBrian'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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:30 Veterans and Civilian Workforce Dynamics06:40 Brian's Life Story and Early Influences09:32 Military Service Decision and Enlistment12:32 Basic Training and Ranger Selection15:35 Deployment Experiences and Training18:38 Transitioning to Mortars and Unit Life34:23 Mortar Training and Early Experiences36:01 Close Calls and Cultural Experiences in Puerto Rico38:18 Deployment to Panama: Training and Local Interactions39:54 Operation Just Cause: The Panama Invasion50:39 Reflections on the Impact of the Panama Operation51:59 Life After Deployment: Transitioning Back Home53:33 Ranger School: Challenges and Lessons Learned59:33 Becoming a Jump Master: Training and Experiences01:05:06 The Decision to Transition Out of the Military01:09:22 Struggles of Transitioning to Civilian Life01:13:25 Finding Purpose in a New Career01:16:36 Mental Health Awareness in Construction01:57:26 Jet.Build Sponsor#veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

January 16, 2026Episode 471 hr 48 min

47 Brent Wadas - US Army Special Operations Officer, BotBuilt CEO, Husband and Father

Brent served in the US Army as an Officer, deploying with Special Operations units for over a decade, working across a range of commands and missions. Brent is proud to have been around the bravest and best the world had to offer.Today, Brent is the CEO of BotBuilt, a company dedicated to creating novel robotic construction techniques that uses proprietary software to turn any custom plan into easy to assemble panels with automated robotic code and patented tooling systems. Most importantly, Brent is a Husband, and father.➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/Mentions in This VideoBrent's Info:➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentwadas/➡︎ Business: www.botbuilt.com➡︎ Books:- Ghost Warriors- Donovan: America's Master SpySubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:31 Parenting and Military Service06:39 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life09:32 Childhood Influences and Family Background12:43 Career Path and Joining the Army20:32 Family Influence and Military Decisions23:43 Grandfather's War Stories and Lessons Learned29:34 Navigating Civilian Life as a Veteran30:47 The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care32:08 Understanding Global Conflicts and Their Impact33:31 The True Cost of War and Its Aftermath34:34 Bridging the Civilian-Military Divide36:09 The Unique Challenges of Law Enforcement37:33 The Journey Through Basic Training39:14 Experiences in Officer Candidate School40:38 Life Lessons from Military Leadership43:04 Navigating the Complexities of Military Assignments45:25 The Role of Values in Military Service48:16 The Importance of Psychological Preparedness57:40 The Liaison Role: Bridging Military and Politics01:06:54 Navigating Military Life: From Operations to Leadership01:14:09 Transitioning to Civilian Life: Challenges and Reflections01:21:22 Finding Purpose After Service: A New Journey01:24:45 Navigating Personal Growth and Reflection01:26:44 Transitioning from Military to Robotics01:29:33 Innovating Construction with Robotics01:33:16 Safety and Efficiency in Home Building01:35:17 Building Integrity in Robotics01:36:54 Expanding Reach and Impact01:38:23 Empowering the Next Generation in Trades01:39:47 Wellness Practices and Accountability01:47:29 Jet.Build Sponsor#veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

December 29, 2025Episode 463 hr 54 min

46 Dash Wong - Naval Special Warfare, SWCC, Tier 1 Special Operations, Husband and Father

🎖️ From Naval Special Warfare to Construction Leadership➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/🎙️ The Veterans Who Build Show: Episode 46📅 Releases December 29Dash Wong spent 15 years in Naval Special Warfare — first as a SWCC operator, then serving with a Tier 1 Special Operations unit executing high-risk maritime reconnaissance, insertions/extractions, and direct action missions. Today, Dash brings that same focus and discipline to the built environment as a project manager at Aspen Development Company and as a public speaker. Most importantly, he’s a husband and father of three boys.🎖️ Guest: Dash Duong WongU.S. Navy Veteran – SWCC / Tier 1 Special OperationsConstruction Project Manager🎙️ Hosted by Adam Stark🏗️ Sponsored by Jet.BuildMentions in This VideoDash's Info:➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dash-duong-wong-14b8b779/➡︎ Books:- "Never Eat Alone" by Keith FerrazziSubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:29 Bridging the Civilian-Military Gap12:35 Adoption and Family Dynamics18:31 Transition to the Navy24:38 The Importance of Teamwork and Resilience39:33 Building Team Dynamics and Personal Resilience45:47 The Selection Process: Breaking Limits52:03 The Importance of Mindset in Special Operations01:00:54 The Challenges of New Guy Status01:07:29 Graduation and the Reality Check01:12:38 The Journey of Specialization and Leadership01:19:00 The Responsibility of Knowledge01:25:19 The Call to Tier One01:30:38 The Decision to Re-enlist01:39:17 The Burden of Service01:45:44 Facing Health Challenges01:52:26 The Struggle with Identity01:57:28 Confronting Reality: The Call to Action02:04:01 Building a Brand: The Power of Storytelling02:13:06 The Importance of Relationships in Career Moves02:20:14 Finding Purpose: The Role of Identity in Transition02:28:45 Embracing Challenges: The Path to Personal Growth02:39:33 The Power of Giving and Authenticity02:50:36 Reflections on Military Service and Growth02:58:04 Transitioning to Project Management: Skills and Insights03:13:54 Navigating Professional Relationships03:31:43 The Power of Networking and Relationships03:39:39 Embracing Change and Personal Growth03:53:43 Jet.Build Sponsor#veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

December 5, 2025Episode 451 hr 57 min

45 Rafael Ortega - US Naval Academy, F/A-18 Aviator, 7 Deployments, Tech Founder, Father

From F/A-18 fighter jet cockpits to AI-driven construction innovation, Rafael Ortega’s story is epic.Rafael - a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent 10 years as a Navy F/A-18 aviator — completing seven overseas deployments, leading advanced training and operational squadrons, and earning West Coast F/A-18 Instructor of the Year (2021). He was also selected for the elite F/A-18 Demonstration Team.Today, he’s the CEO & co-founder of RAKE ML, building category-defining technology and solving massive challenges at the intersection of machine learning and construction.Most importantly, Rafael is a husband and father.➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/Mentions in This VideoRafael's Info:➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-ortega-736b1a222/➡︎ Business: https://www.rakeml.com/➡︎ Books:- "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir- "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah HarariSubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:35 Cultural Transition from Military to Civilian Life12:39 Path to the Naval Academy18:34 Aviation Aspirations and Flight School21:33 Flight School Experience and Challenges30:13 Navigating Flight School Challenges33:20 The Journey Through Flight Training40:05 Understanding the Rigorous Training Process41:59 Transitioning to the Fleet Replacement Squadron46:46 The Reality of Deployment57:24 Experiencing Life in Japan58:26 Life in Japan: A Unique Experience01:00:39 Mission Objectives: Freedom Navigation and Force Presence01:02:02 Engagements with Foreign Aircraft: A Tactical Perspective01:03:36 Daily Operations: The Life of a Deployed Aviator01:05:09 The Ready Room: Bonds and Stories of Aviators01:06:58 Transitioning to Teaching: The Path to Instruction01:09:25 The FACA Course: A Challenging Journey01:10:33 The Role of a Combat Instructor01:14:03 Future Aspirations: Planning Beyond Deployment01:16:13 Final Days in Japan: Personal Milestones01:19:23 Returning to the U.S.: New Beginnings01:21:29 Managing Operations: The Role of an Ops Rep01:25:05 The West Coast Demo Team: A Rock Star Experience01:28:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life01:32:18 Navigating Business School as a Veteran01:36:59 Finding Purpose in Civilian Life01:39:42 Exploring Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition01:42:28 Launching a Startup in the Built Environment01:46:57 Understanding the Built Environment and Its Challenges01:51:43 Translatable Skills from Military to Civilian Life01:53:57 Book Recommendations and Wellness Practices01:56:53 Jet.Build Sponsor#veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans

November 18, 2025Episode 442 hr 22 min

44 Shiloh Rowe - US Army Veteran, Deployed to Desert Storm, Safety Director, CVRS Founder, Father

🪖 From Desert Storm to Building Safer Futures — The Story of Shiloh Rowe🎙️ The Veterans Who Build Show: Episode 44 📅 Releases November 18!From serving in Desert Storm as a U.S. Army Communications Specialist to leading construction safety initiatives across Texas, Shiloh Rowe’s journey is one of service, resilience, and impact.After an injury led to his medical retirement, Shiloh transitioned into the semiconductor industry, found his calling in safety leadership, and today serves as Safety Director for AGC Austin, where he leads the CVRS mental health and suicide prevention program.🎖️ Guest: Shiloh Rowe U.S. Army Veteran – Desert Shield / Desert Storm Safety Director, Austin AGC➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/Mentions in This VideoShiloh's Info:➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiloh-rowe-42155a43/➡︎ Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-veterans-reducing-suicide-cvrs/?viewAsMember=true➡︎ Books:- Perfectly Wounded by Mike Day- Tactics and Strategies by Jocko WillinkSubscribe 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 EnvironmentThe 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 buildTimecodes / Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:43 Military Service and Family Influence06:20 Bridging the Civilian-Military Gap09:31 Transitioning to Civilian Life12:42 Childhood and Early Influences15:23 Joining the Military18:33 Experiences in Basic Training21:29 Deployment and Family Dynamics24:30 Life in Turkey and Relationship Growth27:39 Injury and Medical Retirement30:39 Reflections on Military Service37:06 Desert Training and Deployment Challenges40:10 Experiencing Desert Warfare44:37 The Start of the Ground War49:40 Returning Home and Adjusting to Civilian Life50:55 Life in Turkey During NATO Deployment57:26 Navigating Multinational Military Dynamics01:01:42 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life01:15:46 Navigating the Job Market Post-Service01:21:17 The Importance of Safety in the Workplace01:25:28 Advice for Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life01:32:00 Building a Career in the Construction Industry01:38:46 The Role of AGC in Construction Safety01:44:57 Addressing Mental Health in Construction01:46:24 Understanding Veteran Mental Health Challenges01:51:43 Programs for Supporting Veterans in Construction01:56:42 The COVERS Program: A Path to Healing02:02:54 Translatable Skills from Military to Construction02:09:38 Wellness Practices for Veterans02:18:53 Book Recommendations for Personal Growth02:21:27 Jet.Build Sponsor#veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans