Leaving the military wasn’t easy for Michael Favre Jr. Like many veterans, he faced a difficult transition – one that took time, support and reflection to navigate.

Today, he’s found renewed purpose with Performance Contractors, where his work keeps him closely connected to the military community he once served alongside.

“Performance charges me with making sure that our veterans and spouses have the support they need to succeed,” Favre says. “This gives me a sense of purpose and that mentality of service again. I may not get to wear the uniform anymore, but through Performance, I’m still able to serve our military and our great country.”

We asked Favre about his time in uniform, the challenges of transition and how he built a meaningful civilian career while continuing to serve others.

Please summarize your military job. Initially, it was just wheeled vehicle repairer. There was no designation between small or large for this MOS. My job was to cover maintenance and support on all wheeled vehicles as forward support for my brigade, which was the 155th BCT out of Mississippi.

What was your exit plan? I didn’t really have a plan at first. My wife and I talked briefly about it, and she told me that it was what I should do because we both decided it wasn’t healthy for me or our marriage. 

What was the biggest challenge transitioning from the military? This is actually difficult to say out loud or even type, but it’s knowing that you’re hanging up your uniform for the last time. Knowing that you’re going to lace up your boots for the last time, stand in formation one last time with your brothers and sisters. This part of transitioning is the most difficult part for me in particular.

Why did you choose this career field? I chose industrial construction because that’s what my dad and my father-in-law do, so it just fit and it was easy for me to learn because I had great teachers. 

Was it your first post-military job? It took about two years to find steady work to get my head right. After my deployment in 2005 it took somewhat of a toll on me and my family. It’s difficult leaving something like that and coming home to your family. 

Please summarize your current job. I currently represent 474 veterans within our company. I manage the welfare and stability of these veterans and spouses to ensure that they have all they need to be set up for success in this industry. I go from job sites to offices each chance I get to motivate, inspire and bond with all our veterans and spouses. I also treat our regions to veteran appreciation events such as luncheons, sporting events and other mass outings, i.e. axe throwing, etc.

I also go to all branches of military installations all over the country recruiting veterans and spouses into Performance, but to also introduce them to industrial construction. 

What do you love most about this career field? I love the fact that I’m still involved with the military in so many ways. I can say that not many companies take the time and funds to start a department that gives back to our military or veterans. 

What’s the biggest challenge? The biggest challenge for me would be that not all bases are easily accessible and therefore the bases and service members aren’t getting to know about our program at Performance. 

What are some of the best career options for veterans in the industry right now? We build and maintain any type of industrial facility. This can be a refinery, a power plant, chemical plant, Frito Lay potato chip plant, or even SpaceX launch facility pad. At each of these facilities, we need trades people and management. This stretches from helpers to welders to supervision to project controls to project managers. The point is, there are places for everyone with the right experience and the right training. 

What mistake would you advise service members or veterans interested in pursuing this career field to avoid? Not seeking help. We are mostly stubborn. I say that because I was and I thought that I was the one that was “OK” and that everyone else was always wrong. In this industry, times can be stressful. Don’t go a day without seeking the help that you need and deserve. We all have that someone we can reach out to when times get tough. Take that time and make the call, don’t make the mistake and go a second without making that call.

Tell us about your family. My family is my rock, heart and soul. Every breath I take is because my wife Jana, my son Dylan, and my daughter Kassidy are a part of my life. Through all the bad in my life, they have always been there for me. Without them, I truly don’t know where I’d be. I thank God every day for those three.

What about you would surprise most people? Since I was old enough to remember I’ve always been an Orioles fan, so when I was about 12 or 13 years old, my mom took me on a business trip to Baltimore, Md. On this trip, she was able to take me with her to eat at some fancy Italian restaurant. At this restaurant, while we were eating I noticed that there were some familiar faces sitting in the bar area. They were Baltimore Orioles baseball players. The waiter came and asked me if I’d like to meet some of them. Long story short, I got to meet several of the players, and one of the men sitting at the bar was the GM, and he asked if I’d like to go to a game. The next day I went and watched the O’s play. It was actually the game that Roberto Alomar spat on the umpire, which I still to this day remember like it happened five minutes ago.

Read more in the newest issue of GI Jobs Magazine here.