Built to Serve Podcast

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Built to Serve Podcast, we sit down with Army National Guard veteran Eric Welford to hear his incredible journey from Lucedale, Mississippi, to deployment in Afghanistan, and eventually into the world of safety at Performance Contractors. Eric shares what it was like deploying shortly after high school, including the breathtaking night skies over Afghanistan that rema...

In this episode of the Built to Serve Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Eddie, better known as “Gunny”, a Marine Corps veteran whose decision to enlist changed the entire trajectory of his life. Coming from a troubled past, Gunny found discipline, purpose, and opportunity in the Marines, including six years competing on the All-Marine Basketball Team and traveling the world through the sport. He b...

In this episode of Built to Serve, we sit down with Julius Mabile—a U.S. Army veteran, retired Performance Contractors executive, and proud resident of Pierre Part, Louisiana—for a candid and deeply personal conversation about service, resilience, and crawfishing.   Julius reflects on his family’s multiple generations of military service and the challenges he faced as a young man trying to find wo...

In this powerful episode of the Built to Serve Podcast, we sit down with Michael Farve, a U.S. Army veteran and the Military Workforce Development Coordinator at Performance Contractors. Mike opens up about the life-changing hospital visit that set him on the path to military service and the shocking news he received on his very first day of basic training. With honesty and humor, he recalls getti...

In this episode of Built to Serve, host Torrey Garrison sits down with Vickie Hall, our very first veteran spouse guest, to share her inspiring story of love, resilience, and faith. Vickie opens up about her whirlwind romance—meeting her husband, Jim, and marrying within six months—and the challenges they’ve faced together following his injuries from his time in the Air Force. She offers a powerfu...

Join us for Season 2 Episode 1 of Built to Serve with new host Torrey Garrison. In this episode, we sit down with Master Sergeant John Ables, a veteran of both the US Marine Corps and the Air Force Reserve. John shares his remarkable journey, describing how a chance encounter during a motorcycle trip with his wife led to a pivotal moment in his military career. He candidly discusses his role in th...

Join us on Episode 11 of the Built to Serve Podcast as we sit down with Marine Corps Veteran Modesto Martinez. Modesto shares his journey of service, emphasizing the critical role of a strong support system both during active duty and the challenging transition to civilian life. He opens up about his best friend, Cane, his loyal 6-year-old dog, and reflects on the profound bond they share. Modesto...

In this episode of the Built to Serve podcast, host Mike Farve sits down with Toby Hebert, a Sergeant (E-5) in the US Army, to discuss the delicate balance between family life and military aspirations. Toby shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination, driven by a life-altering truck accident in 2016 that nearly cost him everything. That near-death experience ignited his lifelong dre...

In this episode of the Built to Serve podcast, host Michael Farve welcomes a distinguished guest and old comrade, Rolan Daniel Wade, Sergeant 1st Class in the Army National Guard. Daniel takes us on a journey through his remarkable military career, starting with the awe-inspiring story of earning his combat action badge at the tender age of 18.   Listen as Daniel and Michael reminisce about their...

In this episode of the Built to Serve Podcast, we are honored to host Captain Steve "Shep" Shepard, a true American hero with a legacy of service spanning three generations. With 30 years in the U.S. Navy, Shep's journey from a young boy's awe at Pearl Harbor to becoming a respected leader is nothing short of inspirational. Join us as Shep shares his remarkable story, deeply root...

In Episode 7 of the Built to Serve podcast, we sit down with Casey Page, the HR Training Coordinator at Performance Contractors and a proud U.S. Navy Veteran. Hailing from South Mississippi, Casey takes us through his remarkable journey, from his military service to his insights on life and humanity.   Casey shares how his time in the Navy opened his eyes to a world of diversity, where despite dif...

We sit down with Benjamin Armstrong, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the Director of Strategic Partnerships & Outreach at NextOp, a groundbreaking non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the unique employment challenges and opportunities facing military members and veterans.   Benjamin shares his inspiring story, reflecting on the pivotal moment when he decided to trade in the football...

In Episode 5 of the Built to Serve podcast, we sit down with Robert "Wes" Ham, an E-5 Sergeant Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a skilled combo welder at Performance Contractors. Wes shares his compelling journey, from the challenges of military service to his success as a civilian. The episode explores Wes's military experiences, highlighting the discipline and resilien...

Welcome to another episode of the Built to Serve Podcast. In this episode we learn of the experiences of Marine Veteran Carlos Ruiz. Carlos shares his struggles and challenges that he faced in and after the service. Don't forget to share, like & subscribe!

Tune in to this compelling episode as we embark on a journey beneath the waves with Petty Officer Landon Fabre and uncover the profound meaning behind his commitment to service. Subscribe, listen, and be ready to be inspired by a story that encapsulates the very essence of being "Built to Serve."

Welcome to another episode of the Built to Serve Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Steve Theriot, who was an E5 crane operator that served in Afghanistan and played a role in the National Guard's response to Hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans are. Join us as Steve shares his journey, offering an insight look into his experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Don't miss out – hit...

We invite you to listen to our first episode where we talk with Army Staff Sergeant Kade Reich about his quick assent up the ranks and his time stationed overseas in Syria.