Compass Group is a veteran-owned business.

Ron and Lisa Flick founded Compass Group in 1999 and have been in the construction industry for more than 20 years. Before starting their company, they met while serving in the military.

The military teaches skills and values such as the ability to adapt, the importance of safety, and teamwork. For veterans transitioning into civilian life, these qualities lend themselves to successful careers in the construction industry.

1. Ability to adapt  

The old military saying “no plan survives first contact” means those in the armed forces must be able to quickly pivot with changing information and conditions. In extreme cases, adaptability can be the difference between life and death. Veterans can improvise at the drop of a hat — or a hammer. Construction projects often shift directions, making this quality highly valuable in the industry. With potentially dangerous tools and environments, it’s important to have a team that can think on its feet.

1. Importance of safety 

With the risks of serving in the military, safety must be prioritized. Thorough accident prevention measures increase team confidence in even the most difficult of situations. Construction workers face moving objects, heavy machinery, heights, and other conditions that could threaten their safety and the safety of the public around the site. Both environments require the highest standards of safety for success. 

1. Teamwork   

For many veterans, camaraderie within a team is the largest takeaway from their service time. Spending time in a group that works toward common goals is a theme in both the military and in construction. Construction projects involve the coordination of multiple professionals to turn a plan into reality. Workers need to be on time, organized, able to meet deadlines, and, most importantly, have a team they can rely on to do the same. For veterans looking for a sense of camaraderie in their careers again, construction is a fitting place to start.

The military sustains more than a million workers who take pride in what they do every day to build something much bigger than themselves. This dedicated, task-oriented, hands-on profile fits that of a construction worker you would want on your team.