Seth Voigt’s journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. After graduating from Maumee High School in 2017, he found himself in a place many young people do—uncertain about the future. Following in his family’s footsteps—one uncle was a Marine and another in the Army—he decided to join the United States Marine Corps, leaving for boot camp just four days after graduation. That decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey.

Military Service

Boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina became a pivotal moment for Seth. “It’s more of a mental challenge than a physical one,” he reflects, recalling the intense 13-week experience that forged his character. The discipline and camaraderie he found there would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.

After completing boot camp, Seth continued his training at Camp Geiger in North Carolina, where he eventually became a Bulk Fuel Specialist. In that role, he demonstrated strong leadership and technical abilities, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. As a Marine Corporal, Seth played a key role in various military operations, including setting up refueling points for aircraft. His hard work led to the distribution of 130,000 gallons of jet fuel and the supervision of new refueling systems, culminating in a well-deserved promotion to Sergeant.

Seth’s military experiences profoundly shaped his outlook on life. He appreciates the opportunities the Marines provided, stating, “The military allowed me to see the world and meet people from different backgrounds, all working toward the same goal.” He believes that the military experience serves as an excellent transition into adulthood and is particularly grateful for how it helped pay for his college education.

Academic and Professional Success

Transitioning from military life, Seth embraced new challenges at the University of Toledo from 2021 to 2025. Despite having struggled academically in high school, the discipline instilled in him by the Marines empowered him to thrive in college, where he achieved straight As and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technologies. His story serves as a potent reminder that it’s never too late to reach your potential.

From April 2023 to May 2024, Seth worked as a Quality Intern/Co-Op at Kuhlman Corporation. Soon after, he joined Gerken Paving, Inc. as an assistant project manager and became a project manager in May 2025.

In his current position, Seth manages multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating logistics such as transportation and workforce. Although the work can be fast-paced and challenging, he finds joy in the day-to-day diversity of tasks.“You can plan a lot, but unexpected things will always happen,” he notes, emphasizing the value of staying calm and adaptable, much like he learned in the military.

What truly warms Seth’s heart is the sense of camaraderie he finds within Gerken’s construction teams, reminiscent of the strong bonds he cherished in his Marine platoon. Every project he oversees impacts the community, and knowing he’s contributing to something greater fills him with pride. “What we do really matters,” he affirms.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Originally from Maumee, Ohio, Seth grew up with an older brother and a younger sister and currently resides in downtown Toledo. His personal life also took a positive turn when he reconnected with his girlfriend, who he knew from high school, just before leaving the military.

When not immersed in his work, Seth enjoys watching sports, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He keeps his engineering skills sharp by practicing 3-D modeling, blending leisure with continuous learning.

Seth holds a brown belt in martial arts and aspires to pursue a Master’s Degree and obtain a Professional Engineering license. He dreams of sharing his knowledge by teaching classes in the future, aiming to inspire the next generation.

At the heart of Seth’s journey is a guiding philosophy: with determination, nearly anything is possible. He has continuously challenged himself, whether enlisting in the Marines, navigating college, or advancing in his career at Gerken. With a heart full of hope, he eagerly looks forward to climbing even higher, proving that with hard work and resilience, dreams can become reality.