Justin Schnadelbach spent four years in the Marine Corps as an engineering assistant, working with combat engineers in drafting, surveying, construction, minesweeping and demolition.

He has parlayed that experience into a job with Gulf Power as a Mapping specialist in Geographic Information Systems. That involves drafting, surveying, mapping and working with engineers.

“I took that knowledge from the Marines and was able to get on at Gulf Power,” said Schnadelbach, 31.

After working as a contractor with the company, he was hired at Gulf Power full-time in December 2013. He is one of more than 200 veterans who currently work at the company.

“Gulf Power has all the finer qualities of the military,” Schnadelbach said.

On Veterans Day, Gulf Power salutes its employees who are veterans, as well as all American veterans. 

Earlier this year, Gulf Power’s parent company, Southern Company was recognized as the top-ranked energy company and No. 3 overall in the 2014 DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Veterans. In addition, the company is the top-ranked energy company and No. 13 overall in the Military Times EDGE Best for Vets: Employers 2014 survey and has been named to the Most Valuable Employers for Military® winners by CivilianJobs.com for the fifth consecutive year.

“Veterans from all branches of the military bring skill sets that match up well with Gulf Power,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power President and CEO. “We are committed to bringing in veterans into our workforce.” 
Schnadelbach spent four years with the Marine Corps, stationed in various locations, including Japan and North Carolina. Once he left the military, he worked through the recession until he landed a job with Gulf Power.

“It took perseverance and the one thing I learned in the Marine Corps is to adapt,” he said. “That training helped me power through the obstacles of different jobs leading up to Gulf Power.”

It was an honor to serve in the Marines and I’m happy to be a part of Gulf Power.”

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 436,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

###