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May Is Military Appreciation Month

How Home Builders Institute (HBI) Empowers Service Members and Veterans 

May is Military Appreciation Month – a time to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who serve. It is also an opportunity to highlight meaningful pathways that help service members successfully transition into civilian careers.

One of the most impactful workforce solutions in the country is the work of the Home Builders Institute (HBI) – especially through its Military Services Program. In 2025, HBI expanded its reach and impact through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and community-driven initiatives that are transforming lives.

A Powerful Partnership: HBI + Habitat for Humanity

In 2025, HBI Military Services students partnered with Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide – creating a unique model where career training meets community impact.

2025 National Impact Highlights:

  • 37+ construction projects completed nationwide
  • 20+ new home builds underway or completed
  • 16+ home rehabilitation and repair projects
  • 9+ accessibility modifications for disabled residents
  • 4 major workforce training and construction camp initiatives
  • Projects completed across 8+ states

These efforts didn’t just build homes – they built real-world experience in:

  • Residential construction
  • Electrical installation
  • Structural framing
  • ADA-compliant modifications
  • Jobsite safety and teamwork

👉 Learn more about HBI’s military programs:
HBI Military Services

Military Veteran Success Stories – Real People, Real Careers

Behind every statistic is a story – and HBI’s Military Services Program is filled with service members who have successfully transitioned into meaningful, high-growth careers in the construction industry. These stories highlight not just career outcomes, but leadership, purpose, and continued service.

Bryan Albarado – From Soldier to Community Leader

After nearly four years in the U.S. Army, Bryan Albarado entered Home Builders Institute’s SkillBridge Program at Fort Liberty with a clear mission: build a career in construction.

He did exactly that.

Today, Bryan works with Habitat for Humanity, where he’s doing more than building homes – he’s building futures. He has stepped into leadership roles, earned his OSHA 30 Certification, and continues to give back by mentoring HBI students and leading community projects.

Bryan’s journey shows how the right training and opportunity can turn military experience into long-term career success and community impact.

Charles Records – Turning Passion Into a Profession

Originally from Pennsylvania, Charles Records joined the U.S. Army at just 18. As he transitioned to civilian life at Fort Hood, Texas, he discovered HBI’s electrical training program – and it changed his path.

After graduating, Charles launched his career with a local electrical company in Central Texas, where he continues to grow his skills and experience.

“HBI gave me the opportunity to follow my passion and build a career I love.”

With a long-term goal of teaching or starting his own business, Charles represents the next generation of skilled trades professionals – driven, entrepreneurial, and passionate about their craft.

Daniya Jones – Building a Future in the Trades

Daniya Jones, a graduate of HBI’s Military Services pre-apprenticeship program in Norfolk, Virginia, found her inspiration close to home. Her father, a Navy veteran and skilled craftsman, introduced her to hands-on work through DIY projects – sparking a passion that would shape her future.

While she initially explored carpentry, Daniya discovered her true calling in electrical work during her HBI training.

Just one month after graduating, she secured a position with Brite Electric, where her strong work ethic and technical skills quickly earned the trust of her team.

Daniya’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance, mentorship, and opportunity – and she is proudly helping pave the way for more women in the skilled trades.

“I want to help the program anyway I can by giving my knowledge and guidance to incoming students… I hope to show the next group of HBI students that hard work and dedication can open many doors as long as we continue to press forward and never settle for less.”

These stories reflect the true impact of HBI’s Military Services Program – helping veterans not just find jobs, but build careers, lead in their communities, and inspire the next generation.

From Service to Skilled Careers

HBI’s Military Services Program is designed specifically for:

  • Active-duty service members transitioning to civilian life
  • Veterans seeking stable, high-growth careers
  • Military spouses and dependents

Through programs like DoD SkillBridge, participants can gain:

  • Hands-on construction training (typically 12 weeks)
  • Industry-recognized certifications
  • Direct connections to employers
  • Job placement support (with placement rates often exceeding 90%)

All 10 Department of Defense SkillBridge HBI sites offer a 12-week carpentry/electrical program.

  • Camp Pendleton, CA
  • Ft. Carson, CO
  • Ft. Bliss, TX
  • Ft. Hood, TX
  • Ft. Riley, KS
  • Ft. Campbell, TN
  • Ft. Bragg, NC
  • Ft. Stewart, GA
  • Norfolk Career Center
  • Jacksonville Career Center (JAX also a 12 week HVAC program).

This is not theoretical learning – it’s real jobsite experience that leads directly to employment.

Building More Than Homes – Building Purpose

The HBI + Habitat for Humanity partnership reflects something deeper than workforce training.

In 2025, service members:

  • Built homes for families in need
  • Completed accessibility upgrades for disabled veterans
  • Supported youth construction camps and mentorship programs
  • Contributed to disaster recovery and community rebuilding

This creates a powerful cycle:


Veterans continue serving – while building careers for their future.

Why Construction Is a Natural Fit for Veterans

Military experience translates seamlessly into the construction industry:

  • Discipline and work ethic
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Problem-solving under pressure
  • Technical and mechanical aptitude

HBI helps bridge that transition by providing:

  • Structured training pathways
  • Supportive instructors and mentors
  • Employer connections ready to hire

Expanding Opportunities in 2026

Looking ahead, in 2026 HBI plans to:

  • Expand construction training participation nationwide
  • Increase accessibility and aging-in-place home modifications
  • Grow workforce training camps
  • Strengthen veteran-focused housing initiatives

This continued growth ensures that more service members can access stable, meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBI and Military Members

1. What is HBI’s Military Services Program?

HBI’s Military Services Program provides free construction training, certifications, and job placement support for transitioning service members and veterans.

2. Do participants need prior construction experience?

No. HBI programs are designed for beginners and career changers. Many participants have no prior construction background.

3. How long is the training program?

Most programs run about 9 to 12 weeks, depending on the location and track, with hands-on, real-world instruction.

4. Is there job placement assistance after training?

Yes. HBI has strong employer partnerships and consistently achieves high job placement rates, often over 90%.

5. How does HBI support military members beyond training?

HBI supports military members through:

  • Career counseling
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Employer connections
  • Continued mentorship and career growth opportunities

Get Involved 

Military Appreciation Month is more than recognition – it’s a call to action.

If you are:

  • A service member preparing for transition
  • A veteran seeking a new career path
  • An employer looking for skilled, motivated talent
  • A community leader wanting to support workforce development

👉 Take the next step today:

HBI is not just training workers – it is building futures.

This May, honor those who served by supporting pathways that help them thrive long after their military service ends

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MARIO GONZALEZ

Vice President of Workforce Training & Employment

Mario joined HBI as a Regional Career Development Coordinator of HBI’s Military Services in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Vice President of WTE Community & Corrections Programs in 2022.
Now serving as Vice president of WTE (2024), he oversees the daily operations of HBI’s WTE Community & Corrections, Military Services, & Academies programs, working with partners to advance HBI’s expansion and enhance job placement opportunities for graduates. Mario serves as the liaison between HBI and external stakeholders to include military installations. He ensures successful outcomes for HBI graduates from transitioning service members & veterans to justice involved adults & youths. Internally, he provides strategic operational perspective to HBI’s senior leadership team. Prior to joining HBI, Mario served for 21 years in the U.S. Army across multiple locations globally & nationally and has an MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Mario resides in Tennessee with his wife and children and spends time in Texas where his mother, adult children, and grandchildren reside. He enjoys the outdoors and serving in his community. 
JOSEPH F. LANDERS

Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Joseph F. Landers, 71, is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts having assumed that role in 2018 with a mandate from the Board of Directors to harmonize the five MA local associations, increase communications from the state to the membership, increase the public profile of the association,

create a path to financial stability and elevate the states lobbying efforts. Prior to taking on the challenging state association role, Joe was Chief Executive Officer and founder of Customized Structures Inc., a custom manufacturer of single-family, multi-family and commercial modular and panelized structures which began operations in 1984. Joe has been involved in the building industry, both site-built and factory-built, since 1973 and has worked in all phases of construction from development through design and production including on site management and sales. Customized Structures produced on average 330 single family homes per year, had an employee base as high as 180 and was known as the innovator in the production and design of modular components.

After the sale of Customized Structures Inc. to a private equity firm in 2003 Joe remained on the Board of Directors of the Company and functioned as a consultant to the CEO. He further took on the role of helping failing building systems companies return to profitability and successfully oversaw the sale of those companies. Mr. Landers has lectured frequently on the benefits and utilization of systems-built construction to building professionals around the country and has utilized his substantial professional and industry background to provide consultation services to both national and foreign companies interested in the processes and pitfalls of building and developing utilizing building systems components.

Joe attended Northeastern University and St. Anselm’s College graduating with a B.S. in 1972. 

Joe has been a member of the National Association of Home Builders since 1974. He is past president of two local Home Builders Associations and has served two terms as President of the  State of NH Home Builders Association. Joe is also a past president of the Modular Building  Systems Council of the NAHB, has been Chairman of the National Building Systems Council (BSC)  and has served five terms as a Trustee of the BSC during which time he created the BSC logo and  wrote the brochure “Most Frequently Asked Questions about Modular Homes”. 

In 1989, Joe received the National Pacesetter Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership  and contribution to the housing industry and in 1991 was awarded the title of Builder of the Year  by the Home Builders Association of N.H. In 1992 he was appointed by the Governor to the NH  Board of Fire Control within the Department of Safety and since then was reappointed three times.  He has served as a member on the State of New Hampshire Building Code Review Board and was  appointed by the Governor of NH to the Shore Land Protection Commission. Joe was selected to  receive the 2000 S. A. Walters Chairman’s Award, the premier award in the U.S. Systems Built  Housing Industry and was installed to the New Hampshire Housing Hall of Fame for his significant  and lasting contributions to the housing industry in the State of New Hampshire.  

Joe is a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders; he is served six terms on the NAHB Budget & Finance Committee serving as Vice Chair for four of those years, he has served  as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, the International Housing Committee and the Building  Products Issues Committee of NAHB serving on the NAHB Executive Committee multiple times. 

In 2001 Joe was elected an Area Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders  representing builders through out the northeast. 

Joe is active in his community having served as finance chairmen of his church, is a member of the  International Order of Odd Fellows, and has served on multiple boards and committees on a  volunteer basis.  

Joe and his wife, Denise, reside in Plymouth, MA, they have two children, Jessica and Brad and two  grandchildren, Lily and Jack ages 13 and 11. 

Seth Appleton

President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers

The Honorable Seth Appleton is President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers. In this role, he leads USMI’s efforts to enable sustainable access to affordable mortgage credit for borrowers while protecting taxpayers. Seth previously served as President of MISMO, the real estate finance industry’s standards organization. Prior to that, Seth served as the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
a position for which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In addition to his service as Assistant Secretary, Seth concurrently served as the Principal Executive Vice President of Ginnie Mae, a government corporation guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal and interest on more than $2 trillion in mortgage-backed securities.

Before joining HUD, Seth worked on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer for more than eight years. A native of Missouri, Seth is a graduate of Stanford University and is a co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Council. 

Zach Harris

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduate

Zach Harris is a native New Orleans resident, two-time graduate of Tulane University and a 27-year-old construction entrepreneur. Zach comes from a family of builders and grew up around real estate and residential construction. In fact, Zach enrolled in no-cost trades training at the BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans with his mother in 2022, followed by his father and two brothers in 2023.

Zach Harris - HBI Build Strong Academy New Orleans Graduate

His construction company, Zach the Builder, crafts safer New Orleans homes via reliable roofing services. “The Academy classes cater to different experience levels and different interests. I had the construction business experience but needed to understand the craft,” says Zach. “You can’t be a great coach if you haven’t played football before.”

Outside of running his company, Zach enjoys using his in-demand skill set to give back to the community. To commemorate Memorial Day 2023, Zach and other students and graduates from BSA Greater New Orleans volunteered to help build a home for a veteran in the Lower 9th Ward.

2023 MVP Class Schedule
2023 MVP Class Schedule - HVAC