For many people leaving the Armed Forces, stepping into civilian life can feel uncertain. The structure, camaraderie and purpose that once shaped daily life can suddenly feel distant. At Paragon Traffic Management, we meet individuals at that crossroads every year and we’ve seen first hand how the right support and opportunity can help them drastically.

Gary Hodgkiss is one of those stories.

His journey is one of resilience, humour, and determination, it shows why veterans bring immense value to the workplace.

A Challenging Start That Built Inner Strength

Gary’s early years weren’t straightforward. Family change, emotional upheaval and a difficult relationship with school left him feeling disconnected from the world around him. School just wasn’t a place he felt he belonged, and like many young people searching for direction, he drifted while trying to find purpose.

A turning point came when he moved in with his Nan at 14. With his older brother providing guidance and stability, Gary began to find direction and a sense of belonging.

Finding Purpose in the Army

Joining the Army was something Gary had always wanted to do. With both grandfathers having served, military life felt like a natural path and quickly became the place where everything clicked.

The Army gave Gary discipline, structure and responsibility. It gave him the camaraderie and trust he had long searched for. It taught him resilience and empathy through demanding training and peacekeeping deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Operating in extreme environments and high-pressure situations taught him adaptability and problem solving skills that still shape his life today.

These are the qualities that veterans bring into civilian roles, calm thinking, teamwork, leadership and the ability to perform under pressure.

Transitioning to Civilian Life

After leaving the Army, Gary explored different roles, including bus driving and running a successful plastering business. Yet he found himself missing the teamwork, structure and pace of military life.

That changed when a childhood friend introduced him to traffic management.

The role immediately resonated. It offered teamwork, responsibility, structure and purpose, all the elements that had driven him into the military in the firsrt place.

Later, he joined Paragon Traffic Management.

From day one, he settled right in.

Building a Life With Purpose

Today, Gary brings the same professionalism, humour and reliability to his work that defined his Army service.

Away from work, he is a devoted father of four and enjoys an active life with his partner Danielle, gym sessions, long walks in any weather and time spent with family.

His story is a powerful reminder of where you begin does not define where you can go!

Veterans can Thrive in Traffic Management

Traffic management offers a natural transition for many service leavers.

Veterans often excel because they bring:

  • reliability and strong work ethic
  • leadership and teamwork
  • resilience and adaptability
  • clear communication and quick thinking

We recognise these strengths and provide support to help veterans settle into civilian careers.

This includes mentoring, wellbeing support, access to professional guidance and a workplace culture built on respect and camaraderie.

Supporting Veterans Beyond Recruitment

Our commitment to the Armed Forces community goes beyond hiring. We attend Armed Forces career events, support reservists and cadets, and work with organisations helping service leavers transition into civilian employment.

We believe providing opportunity, stability and support is not just good practice.

Your Next Chapter Could Start Here

If you’re leaving the Armed Forces or adjusting to civilian life and wondering what comes next, you are not alone.

There are companies ready to support you, value your experience and help you build a future.

Gary’s journey shows what is possible when the right person finds the right place.

If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re ready to talk.

📩 Contact Shirley: shirley.y@paragontm.co.uk


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