Built to Serve Podcast

What do footballs, telephone poles, and Fanta sodas have in common? For Marine Corps Veteran Richard Riddle, they’re all part of the story. In this episode of Built to Serve, Richard takes us through the experiences that shaped his journey—from choosing the Marine Corps over the other branches of the military to becoming a “pole monkey,” passing footballs from pole to pole during his time in the service. He also shares a memorable story from Thailand, where something as simple as buying local children Fanta sodas led to lasting friendships. But Richard’s story goes far beyond the funny moments. He opens up about the people who have shaped his life, including his mother, whom he calls the strongest mentor he’s ever had, and the lessons he carried from military service into his career. Richard also shares his deep appreciation for Performance Contractors and the company’s commitment to Veterans and their families—and what it means to be part of a company that truly cares about those who have served. It’s a conversation about service, mentorship, friendship, and the people who make a lasting impact long after the uniform comes off.

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 remain some of the most beautiful he’s ever seen. He also opens up about the dangers his convoy faced after running over three IEDs in a single week — earning him the nickname “bad luck guy.” After continuing his service in the Guard for four years following deployment, Eric took a completely different path and chased a lifelong passion for music, making it through four rounds of auditions for NBC’s The Voice in Los Angeles. Now part of Performance’s EHS Next program, Eric discusses his longtime interest in safety and how the program gave him the opportunity to build a career in the field. It’s a conversation filled with resilience, humor, purpose, and the unexpected paths that shape a life built to serve.

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 brings plenty of humor along the way, joking about life as a “diet recruit” in boot camp and insisting the best part of Okinawa was the food. Gunny also opens up about the harder chapters of his transition, sharing how he struggled with drinking after leaving the military and how his daughter helped him quit, refocus, and rediscover his identity beyond the uniform. Today, Gunny works in the EHS department at Performance Contractors, where he’s found fulfillment mentoring younger craft professionals and continuing his mission of service—just in a different way.

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 work while carrying a 1A draft status. He shares how growing up as one of nine children under the watchful eye of a strict mother gave him an early understanding of discipline—and what a real drill sergeant looks like. From the highs and lows of his professional journey, including crossing picket lines and navigating intense workplace pressure, Julius opens up about experiencing extreme burnout and how it ultimately reshaped his approach to leadership, people, and purpose. He also discusses how his time at Performance Contractors taught him that it’s okay to have some fun along the way. This episode is an honest look at hard lessons learned, personal evolution, and what it truly means to be Built to Serve.

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 getting caught stealing MREs from the supply closet, the lessons he learned during deployment in the heart of the Sunni Triangle, and the unlikely friendship he formed with an internet café owner amid the chaos of war. Mike doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments—sharing his firsthand experience with the trauma of combat and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.Ultimately, Mike’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and faith. He talks about how trusting in a higher power guided him from the battlefield to his calling at Performance Contractors, where he now helps fellow veterans find purpose and opportunity in the workforce.Tune in for an inspiring, heartfelt conversation about service, second chances, and the strength it takes to rebuild.

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 powerful perspective on the realities of military family life, the importance of mental health, and how to keep your emotional tank full even in the hardest seasons. Through her story, Vickie reminds us that perseverance isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s about holding on to hope, leaning on faith, and fighting for the strength of your family.

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 the Air Force safety department and later his transition to religious affairs, reflecting on the profound impact of both.John also shares insights into his current role in environmental health and safety at Performance Contractors, revealing how a shared lunch with “a chicken wing prophet” unexpectedly steered him towards his current path. Join us as John Ables explores the twists and turns of his career, highlighting the profound connections and unexpected opportunities that have shaped his journey of service and leadership.

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's deep-rooted belief in always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, inspires us all to embody integrity in everything we do. Tune in for a conversation filled with heart, wisdom, and the true spirit of service.

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 dream of joining the military, pushing him to live with no regrets and instilling that same mindset in his children. Join us as Toby reflects on his journey, the sacrifices he's made, and how he strives to lead a life of purpose and fulfillment, both as a soldier and a father.

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 shared experiences during Daniel's first deployment to Iraq. They dive into the lighter side of military life, including Daniel's unexpected mastery of ping pong at the MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities and talk through Daniel's interactions with local children during his multiple deployments. He shares heartfelt memories that highlight the profound impact these moments had on him, painting a vivid picture of the human side of service.   Join us for an episode filled with courage, laughter, and poignant reflections, showcasing the resilience and heart of those who serve. Don't miss this intimate conversation between two veterans who have shared the battlefield and built a lifelong bond.