Built to Serve Podcast

Season 2, Episode 5 – Derrick “Gunny” Eddie

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.

Season 2, Episode 4 - with Julius Mabile

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.

Season 2, Episode 3 – From the Battlefield to Building Futures — with Michael Farve

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.

Season 2, Episode 2 – Perseverance, Faith, and Family with Vickie Hall

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.

Season 2, Episode 1 - John Ables

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.