Bryan Martinez of Mister Sparky Electric Helps Veterans Transition to Civilian Careers

After joining Mister Sparky Electric in San Antonio nearly 11 years ago, Bryan Martinez worked his way into a leadership role. San Antonio Magazine recently profiled Martinez and his efforts to help other veterans transition into civilian careers.

Martinez served more than five years in the U.S. Air Force as a security forces member and deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his second deployment in 2012, an accident during a patrol outside Bagram Air Base left him with serious injuries, including torn rotator cuffs, a torn ACL and a traumatic brain injury. After follow-up treatment in Germany, he was medically discharged at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene.

“I couldn’t finish my duty I signed up to do,” Martinez said. “That’s ultimately how my career ended.”

Returning home to San Antonio proved difficult. Martinez had planned to make the military his career and suddenly found himself adjusting to civilian life while managing PTSD and ongoing medical appointments. His father-in-law, George Saldana, offered him a position at the family’s Mister Sparky Electric franchise, creating an opportunity for Martinez to rebuild his sense of purpose.

Over nearly 11 years with the company, Martinez worked his way from apprentice to technician to vice president. He said the discipline, accountability and attention to detail he learned in the Air Force translated naturally into the skilled trades and customer service work.

“I was lucky to find that with Mister Sparky Electric,” Martinez said. “Being able to service our customers and provide top-notch electrical experiences and really take care of them, that was such a blessing for me.”

Martinez has also focused on helping other veterans find stability and direction after military service. One example involved helping his brother-in-law, Marcus Saldana, another Air Force veteran, apply his military logistics experience to a role within the company.

“It fills my heart and soul,” Martinez said. “Giving back to veterans just hits differently than anything else because it’s so close to my heart.”