Calvin Taylor grew up surrounded by a sense of duty. Raised in Northern Virginia just outside of Washington, D.C., Calvin came of age in a family where service wasn't just respected, it was a way of life. His grandfather and great-uncle were both officers in the Marine Corps, and his uncle went on to commission as a Navy pilot, logging over 30 years of service with the Australian Air Force. But it was Calvin's parents who ultimately lit the spark for him to serve. Both spent more than three decades serving their country as FBI agents, and that steady example of dedication left a lasting impression. Growing up outside of the nation's capital in the post-9/11 era only deepened that sense of purpose, and in 2010, Calvin made his decision and enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard.
He completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, finishing his six-year contract as a Specialist/E-4. More than the rank, though, it was the relationships and the lessons that stayed with him. "I had really good leadership for the most part and was able to create lasting friendships and a support system that we all still have today. That camaraderie has been essential to where I am now."
The military gave Calvin a foundation, but it also gave him focus and purpose. Two principles, in particular, have followed him through every chapter of his career: take pride in your work no matter the circumstances, and show everyone respect. In his own words: "No matter what the circumstances, take pride in your work. Everything is finite, so ensure you give the task all you have with the time you have," and simply, "Show everyone respect. It's too easy."
After his time in the Guard, Calvin built a long career in the Defense sector as a contractor. It was meaningful work, but with a growing family, the demands of overseas assignments became harder to sustain. When a family member encouraged him to apply to Performance Contractors, he took the leap, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he's made. Today, Calvin works in Project Services, contributing to the operational backbone that keeps Performance's work running smoothly.
The transition into industrial construction felt natural, in large part because of the culture he found at Performance. "Coming from the Defense sector, a large portion of the staffing was composed of veterans and active members," Calvin notes. "So, transitioning to the construction field was very easy with Performance Contractors. Performance is a very welcoming organization as a whole."
For Calvin, one value anchors everything else: integrity. "Integrity has guided me through much of my career," he says, "and I think without that, nothing else falls into place."
When he's not at work, Calvin is most likely spending time with his family in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he now calls home. He enjoys reading when he can, and unwinds with a couple of hands-on hobbies: gardening, landscaping, and detailing cars—pursuits that, not coincidentally, reward patience, precision, and pride in the finished product.
To veterans considering a career at Performance, Calvin's message is straightforward: "I would tell veterans that they should highly consider Performance Contractors based on the positive experiences I have had with this company."
