uct at the end of the day.” While his military career did not provide direct training for his construction career, “the training I received in the Navy gave me a solid leadership foundation as well as confidence in making quick/high-risk decisions,” he noted. Albright joined Sacramento-based
Evan Albright,
them a number of skills and attributes that are well suited to careers in construction – leadership, teamwork, a collaborative mindset and strong work ethic, to name just a few. In recognition of Veterans Day and
the important role that veterans play in the construction industry, we spotlight two AGC of California members: Evan Albright, project manager at Royal Elec- tric Company, and Wendy Montgomery, talent management director, Southland Industries. Tey share their journeys, chal- lenges to entry, how they think veterans are well suited to construction careers, and why bringing more veterans into the industry is a win-win proposition.
Royal Electric Although Albright started college right out of high school, he quickly discovered that he wasn’t sure what career path he wanted to pursue. When a close friend let him know that he planned to enlist in the Navy, Albright decided to join him. “Tis afforded me some time to truly understand what I wanted to pursue as a career as well as assist in covering some of the cost of a college education,” Albright noted. He joined the Navy in 2007 as an AW (Naval Aircrewman/ Aviation Rescue Swimmer) and served six years in active duty, mostly stationed in San Diego, before being honorably discharged in 2013. That’s when he discovered the construction manage- ment program at Sacramento State and pursued that degree. Albright received an AGC Construc-
tion Education Foundation (CEF) schol- arship while he was in college. Today, he is involved with the AGC of California Emerging Leaders program.
A Natural Fit Choosing a career in construction was a natural fit for him, Albright said. “I always enjoyed working with my hands and to be able to have a tangible prod-
CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022
17
Royal Electric as an intern while pursuing his education and has been there ever since. Now marking nine years with the company, he is currently a project manager overseeing six projects for the company. Tey include a 358-unit com- plex, Waymark Walnut Creek, slated for completion after 2.5 years this Fall. He is also managing the San Joaquin Public Health Services Building, Placer High School Earl Crabbe Gym renovation, two senior living projects in San Ramon and Auburn, and Atria Cupertino, a de- sign-build, 158-unit care facility project in Cupertino.
A Team Effort “Every project is a team effort” in con- struction, Albright said. “Coming out of the military, a lot of veterans are looking for a career that they can have a sense of camaraderie similar to their military experience. (Veterans) typically can plug into a project team and get up to speed very quickly.” As far as challenges to entry after
military service, “most veterans that I have interviewed or persuaded to join the construction industry are worried about their lack of knowledge,” Albright said. “As long as they show up ready to learn, all the training/knowledge will come while on the job!”
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