Builders FirstSource (BFS) is dedicated to significantly impacting the lives of veterans, active-duty service members transitioning out of the military and military spouses. Celia Croff, the Military & Early Careers Programs Manager at BFS, leads these efforts, leveraging her nearly 10 years of experience in developing strategic hiring initiatives. Through innovative recruiting programs, community involvement and support for veteran employees, BFS has built a strong foundation of support for those who have served our country.
A Natural Fit: Veterans in the Construction Industry
Croff emphasizes that the construction and building materials industry offers a unique opportunity for veterans to translate their military skills into rewarding careers. Veterans bring leadership, strength, loyalty and a drive for continuous improvement—qualities that align well with BFS’s mission to transform the home building and construction industry through innovation, automation and technology.
BFS offers a diverse array of career paths, from entry-level positions to roles in IT, operations management, supply chain and project management. The company’s approach to hiring is not just about filling positions; it’s about creating upward mobility and long-term career growth for veterans.
Strategic Military Hiring Initiatives
One of the key initiatives at BFS is their participation in the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program. This program allows transitioning service members to work at BFS in internship roles during the last six months of their service contracts. Croff proudly notes that over 200 service members have been hired through the SkillBridge program in the past three years alone.
In addition to the DoD SkillBridge program, BFS collaborates with organizations such as Hiring Our Heroes, The Home Builders Institute and The Manufacturing Institute. These partnerships provide veterans with additional training and direct-hire opportunities, ensuring they have the support needed to transition into the civilian workforce.
BFS also actively participates in various recruiting events and maintains strong relationships with veteran service organizations to engage and recruit military talent continuously. They regularly post information about recruiting events on their LinkedIn page.
Ensuring Success for Veteran Employees
BFS is committed to hiring veterans and ensuring their success within the company. Croff stresses the importance of tailoring resumes to specific roles and avoiding military jargon that might not be familiar to civilian hiring managers. The focus is on showcasing veterans’ skills and experiences in a way that highlights their value in the civilian workforce.
A shining example of veteran success at BFS is Rodney Hatch, (pictured above) who started his career building trusses and quickly rose through the ranks to become a market safety coordinator overseeing five locations across two states. Today, Hatch leads the DoD SkillBridge program, helping other transitioning service members find meaningful careers at BFS. His journey underscores the potential for veterans to excel and grow within the company, thanks to their military backgrounds and the support systems in place at BFS.
Honoring Veterans: Community Engagement and Partnerships
BFS’s commitment to veterans extends beyond the workplace. The company actively engages in community service and partnerships that honor and support the military community. In May 2023, BFS leaders and local veterans participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, kicking off Military Appreciation Month. This event underscored the company’s respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and highlighted the value BFS places on hiring veterans who continue to seek ways to serve.
BFS’s community involvement includes partnerships with organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation’s RISE program, which builds mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans. The company donates building materials and supports these life-changing projects, demonstrating a deep commitment to empowering veterans.
Another key partnership is with Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, Georgia, which offers three veteran programs: Warrior PATHH, Warrior Week and Warrior Family Camp. BFS contributes building materials and participates in business panels to support the camp’s mission of helping veterans and their families navigate the unique challenges they face.
BFS also supports Carry The Load, a nonprofit that exists to preserve the sanctity of Memorial Day through community gatherings and storytelling to unite Americans in appreciation for the sacrifices made by a few who carried the load for all. In May, BFS employees participated in Carry The Load’s National Relay and fundraising efforts, honoring loved ones lost in the line of duty.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Support for Veterans
Looking to the future, BFS aims to expand its SkillBridge program to offer more internship opportunities and develop cohort-style programs for succession planning in operations leadership. The company is also working on launching a military spouse hiring initiative and relaunching its military-connected Employee Resource Group, Proud to Serve, which offers mentorship, professional development and volunteer opportunities for military-connected team members.
Additionally, BFS focuses on employment opportunities for Guard and Reserve members who may be unemployed or underemployed. By actively engaging with Guard and Reserve units, BFS demonstrates its commitment to supporting the military community.
BFS’s comprehensive approach to hiring, supporting and honoring veterans and military families sets it apart as a veteran-employer leader. Through strategic initiatives, community partnerships and a dedication to fostering a culture of service, BFS is making a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served our nation.
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