Finding Purpose After Service: A Skillbridge Success Story

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After 21 years in the Army, Master Sergeant Karl Muller faced a crossroads common to many veterans—how to transition from the structured military environment to a fulfilling civilian career. The decision to retire wasn't made lightly. Despite earning a spot on the promotion list to Sergeant Major, Carl recognized that another series of moves would take a toll on his family. "I looked at my wife, Maria, and she just wasn't happy," Karl reflects. "Those weren't tears that were celebratory. It was pain because I was dragging my kids from school to school."
Enter the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, a powerful but underutilized resource that connects transitioning service members with civilian employers for internships during their final months of service—all while maintaining their military salary and benefits. For Karl, this opportunity led to Builders First Source, a national distributor of construction materials, where he now manages multi-family construction projects in Lubbock, Texas.
What makes Karl's story particularly compelling is that he had zero construction experience. Yet the leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and disciplined approach he developed through multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan made him an ideal candidate. "Your skills in the military will have you learn faster than ever," Karl explains, having mastered complex aspects of construction project management in just four months that might take others years to grasp.
The parallels between military service and construction run deep. Both require precise teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt when plans go sideways. As Karl puts it, "We don't just build projects, we build teams, communities and a future worth fighting for, just on a different battlefield." For veterans seeking a tangible way to apply their skills, construction offers the satisfaction of creating something visible and lasting—a stark contrast to the often intangible nature of military achievements.
Want to support veterans in your community? Consider participating in the SkillBridge program at your company. As Karl powerfully states, "

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This episode is brought to you by Memorial Ranch; A place where for our veterans and first responders to find rest and relaxation while they prepare for their next mission: LIFE
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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 [email protected] , 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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فصول

1. Introduction to Carl's Military Journey (00:00:00)

2. Combat Experience and Military Career (00:10:48)

3. Difficult Decisions and Family Balance (00:22:19)

4. Discovering the SkillBridge Program (00:33:34)

5. Working at Builders First Source (00:41:37)

6. Construction Project Management Insights (00:51:42)

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Plans (01:00:46)