Growing up in Massachusetts, Seth’s formative years were anything but ordinary. “My parents were entrepreneurs. They owned multiple companies between social media, fitness, and martial arts,” he recalls. Immersed in this entrepreneurial environment, Seth discovered his knack for business early on. At just 14 years old, he started a soap and cosmetics company focused on creating products for sensitive skin.

“I got to learn a lot more about finance and money,” Seth shared. With grit and determination, he even traveled to places like Belize and Bermuda through his small business ventures. While challenges like the high cost of insurance led him to close the company later, the experience instilled in Seth a deeper understanding of hard work, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

By age 20, Seth faced the financial challenges of living independently in Massachusetts. With limited options, he chose to enlist in the Navy. “I really wanted to travel,” he explained. “The military wasn’t a long-term idea for me but more for resumes, free schooling, and to figure out what I could do in the future.”

Joining the Navy

Over his nearly five years in the Navy, Seth discovered what it meant to take on new roles and responsibilities. From being a cook to working in quality assurance and even launching fighter jets at midnight, his military career was rich with diverse experiences. “I got a little full-rounded career,” Seth noted. “I could pretty much give you an aspect of everyone’s job.”

While stationed in Japan for three and a half years, Seth’s dedication as an integral part of the ship’s operations was unwavering, even in the face of adversity. One incident left a lasting impact when he suffered a severe back injury. “I lifted 100 pounds of meatloaf onto a bottom shelf and fell off a ladder,” he recalled. Despite the pain, Seth relied on sheer determination and completed his service.

After retiring from the Navy and navigating the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, Seth began seeking a career that would offer stability and purpose. It was during his time in Japan that he first heard about Workshops for Warriors. “One of the welders in the Navy mentioned there was a school in San Diego that taught wounded veterans,” shared Seth.

Finding Workshops for Warriors

That chance discovery eventually led Seth to enroll at WFW, where he has since immersed himself in the world of machining. Over the course of the 16- week program, he earned nationally recognized certifications in CNC machining, G-code programming, and more.

“At first, I didn’t think I was going to understand it or perform well,” Seth admitted. “I thought it was going to be a really difficult course.” But those doubts quickly transformed into triumphs. Within weeks, Seth was programming and running advanced machines with ease. “Once I learned G-code, I could run all my programs,” he said proudly.

Workshops for Warriors hasn’t only equipped Seth with technical skills; it’s also helped him rebuild his confidence and prepare for the future. “I’ve gotten more certifications here in four months than I did in my entire Navy career,” Seth shared. The camaraderie and hands-on training he’s received have inspired him to pursue opportunities in aerospace, automotive, and other industries when he relocates to Thailand, where his wife resides. Reflecting on his experience, Seth summed up his time at WFW as “incredibly helpful.” Beyond the certifications, the program’s staff and fellow students have played a crucial role in his transformation. “Everyone (WFW staff) here has stopped what they’re doing at any moment to help me, even if it was something trivial at any given moment,” he said.

Seth’s story illustrates the profound impact of Workshops for Warriors in empowering veterans to succeed beyond military life. His perseverance, curiosity, and drive to build a meaningful career are testaments to the program’s mission to rebuild American manufacturing one veteran at a time.

If you’ve been inspired by Seth’s remarkable journey, consider your own opportunity to transform your future. Apply to Workshops for Warriors today and gain the skills, support, and confidence to chart your own course toward success.