BFS SPOTLIGHT: MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH 2025

Updated 6/25/26

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Builders FirstSource recognizes the critical contributions of veterans and actively celebrates and supports military service members within its workforce.
Military experience provides valuable transferable skills—such as leadership, discipline, and adaptability—that translate effectively into roles across the homebuilding industry.
Programs like SkillBridge and TAP help veterans successfully transition into civilian careers, enabling them to grow and thrive within organizations like BFS.

At Builders FirstSource, veterans play a vital role in our organization. We are honored to work alongside individuals from the military community across all levels of our company. In recognition of Military Appreciation Month this May, we’re taking time to celebrate, honor and remember the courageous individuals who have served, or are currently serving, our nation. We’re also committed to welcoming more veterans into our workforce. In that spirit, we’re excited to share some of their incredible stories.

ERICA GONZALES (ROSE)

Estimating Department in Southern California

Erica has been with Builders FirstSource for five years. She was a bulk fuel specialist in the Marine Corps where she shaped her ethical perspective and professionalism, and applies them today in being a reliable teammate at BFS. Her experience in the military has given her a great appreciation of life and she is thankful for the opportunities our country provides.

EDWARD HINOJOSA

Assistant General Manager in Colorado Springs, CO

Edward has been with Builders FirstSource for over six years. He was a fire support specialist in the Army and his experience and comfort with daily operations was a catalyst for his decision to join BFS. From his start as a truck driver to his current managerial role, he has applied those daily operations skills with positive results. He is motivated by his family at home, his BFS team and the customers he provides with high-level service. Edward believes military veterans have exceptional skill sets that can be applied successfully to our industry even without a background in lumber.

JOHNATHAN MARKER

READY-FRAME® Production Manager in Orem, Utah

Johnathan has been with Builders FirstSource for over a year. He was in both the Navy and Air Force for a total of 25 years of military service. Much of his military experience involved being a team leader, which came into play when BFS offered him a position as a production manager. He enjoys being a leader because it allows him the opportunity to guide and mentor. Johnathan credits the TAP and BFS SkillBridge programs for preparing him to start his new professional life.

EMARIELI PASSALACQUA

Human Resource Manager in Oklahoma City, OK

Emarieli has been with Builders FirstSource for over a year. She served in the Army as an HR specialist for about 11 years. She enjoyed her responsibilities because they included helping people beyond paperwork. She took that passion to BFS where she helps people grow and develop. She credits the military for teaching her discipline, adaptability and leadership–skills she uses today. Emarieli also credits BFS's participation in the SkillBridge Program for providing her with real world experience while still being on active duty to help her transition to civilian life.

TELLY SPARKS

Assistant General Manager in Cedar Park, Texas

Telly has been with Builders FirstSource for over three years. He served in the Army for 21 years and was an ADA Mike (Motor Transport Operator Distribution Platoon Sergeant). In that role, he acquired many of the leadership skills he employs today as a general manager. In his path to that role, he started as a manager-in-training where he learned all about BFS products. SFL-TAP and Hired Heroes helped him with his transition to civilian life. Telly is a self-claimed introvert who grew to love being around people due to his military experiences and new life at BFS.

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