U.S. Navy Veteran to Engineer

HOW A U.S. NAVY VETERAN TRANSITIONED FROM THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM TO A SUCCESSFUL ENGINEERING CAREER, Published by FourBlock

November 15, 2023 - In the 11/13 episode of the FourBlock Podcast hosted by Mike Abrams and Lindsey Pollak, Tom Croff, Manager of Matern Professional Engineering’s Aviation Department, shared stories about his grandfather’s time in the Navy and then following in his footsteps. Croff discussed how he was mentored in civilian life after exiting the Navy—and now seeks to extend that assistance to others.

“When you’re getting out, you actually have an advantage,” Croff said on the podcast. There are thousands of companies looking to hire a veteran, and Croff said it’s less about the individual field you were trained in versus your ability to work hard and learn new skills in any sector. “Pick the job that you really want and go for that. Don’t settle,” Croff said.

Croff’s work at Matern Professional Engineering entails a rather sizable project at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, where he and the firm have been engineering the power components to deliver electricity for additional HVAC, retail, and TSA needs—in addition to problem-solving additional electricity generation for the airport’s projected increase in EV car rentals. Croff continues to emphasize the necessity of training younger engineers as an older generation retires—whether they are retired military personnel or from the civilian sector.

Croff mentioned on the podcast that government support exists for veterans starting their own businesses. He also touted the support network that exists in civilian life, especially for individuals who also served in uniform. Veterans can thrive particularly in the construction sector.

“The military training is just so much better. … You’re kind of cross-trained [and] have to know how the whole thing works,” he said. “Those people just naturally excel in the construction industry.”

Listen to the full episode;  click here.