Veterans belong in the trades—and the trades need them. That sentiment was front and center during our recent Veterans Build the Future webinar, which brought together workforce leaders, employers, and veterans themselves to explore one powerful idea: From structured leadership to mission-first mindsets, veterans already have the skills that the construction industry is looking for….
Veterans belong in the trades—and the trades need them.
That sentiment was front and center during our recent Veterans Build the Future webinar, which brought together workforce leaders, employers, and veterans themselves to explore one powerful idea:
From structured leadership to mission-first mindsets, veterans already have the skills that the construction industry is looking for. But bridging that gap takes more than just posting a job or translating a resume. It takes understanding, investment, and community. Here’s what we learned.
Veterans bring something unique to the table: the ability to stay calm under pressure, lead with discipline, follow protocol, and think strategically while working as part of a team. As Lavan Konshak, Program Director at the OSHA Education Center, shared:
“Veterans know how to get the job done. They’ve worked in high-stress environments and bring a mission-first mindset. You can’t teach that in a classroom.”
Chris Eccleston, Navy veteran and founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders, knows this firsthand. After struggling to get a foot in the door post-service, he started by picking up trash on job sites—then built a multimillion-dollar construction company focused on hiring fellow veterans.
“I couldn’t even get interviews. People said I was ‘overqualified’ because they didn’t understand my military experience.”
That’s why he built a company that doesn’t just hire veterans—it invests in them. From career pathways to community service, Chris’s team fosters belonging and growth, something many veterans crave after transitioning out of service.
Veterans face significant obstacles when re-entering the civilian workforce:
Stephanie Banat and Valerie Pena of Tunnel to Towers work closely with veterans every day, helping them navigate those challenges. Their advice to employers?
“It’s not just about hiring. It’s about showing up with empathy, flexibility, and a plan for support,” Stephanie explained.
One major takeaway from the conversation? Employers also need coaching.
Michael Piper, who leads veteran hiring strategy at Lowe’s, shared that the burden of translation shouldn’t fall solely on the veteran.
“Veterans don’t need fixing. Hiring managers need educating.”
At Lowe’s, every store that employs veterans uses camo vests as a visual badge of service. That small detail helps foster camaraderie, builds retention, and empowers veterans to recruit peers through word-of-mouth.
Employers were encouraged to start small but stay strategic:
“This isn’t charity,” Michael said. “Veterans are good business.”
At the core of Trade Scouts is a belief that traditional resumes don’t tell the whole story.
Shaun Merrell, Trade Scouts founder, built the platform to give veterans the tools to show their value through dynamic digital portfolios. These portfolios let job seekers upload photos of their work, showcase certifications, and even include video intros that explain what drives them.
“A digital portfolio is more than a resume. It’s proof of skill, proof of work ethic, and proof of readiness.”
Employers can post jobs and browse the site and find candidates whose stories and skills go beyond bullet points.
At the end of the webinar, panelists shared one piece of advice for veterans and employers alike:
Whether you’re a veteran exploring what’s next or an employer ready to take action, Trade Scouts is here to help. Build your digital portfolio. Launch a talent board for your chapter. Create space for more stories to be seen, heard, and hired.
Because the future of our workforce isn’t just about filling jobs.
It’s about recognizing the people who are ready to build.