Where Redemption Meets Opportunity: Landon Henley’s Journey

At Talos Engineered Products, our purpose is to show how business can improve lives and love others. Few stories reflect that mission more clearly than Landon Henley’s.

Landon joined Talos through our partnership with Men of Valor. Today, he is stepping into a new season — leaving Talos to work full-time with Men of Valor. His journey is one of redemption, growth, and purpose.

This is his story.

A Difficult Beginning

Landon was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. His early life was marked by instability.

“My parents divorced while I was still a baby. My father raised me. My mother struggled with addiction and mental illness, and my father was a functioning alcoholic. Growing up feeling torn back and forth and abandoned took a toll.”

By his teenage years, Landon began battling anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and eventually addiction. He entered rehab and youth development centers as a ward of the state between ages 15–18. Over the next 14 years, he cycled in and out of incarceration and the streets.

Then everything changed.

“Christ, in His love, radically set me free in my cell. In that moment, everything changed.”

After his release, Landon entered the Men of Valor program — a faith-based reentry program that would help him rebuild his life.

An Answered Prayer at Talos

When Landon interviewed at Talos, he knew the opportunity was different.

“My first impression was that this was truly the opportunity of a lifetime coming out of my circumstances. The team was so encouraging and supportive.”

He remembers sitting in the Men of Valor van before the interview, praying:

“God, this is the best job partner we could have. Would You open this door for us?”

The door opened.

Learning, Growing, and Staying Faithful

Landon joined Talos within his first-year home from incarceration. He had never held a job longer than 90 days.

“Coming into the workforce was challenging. I had very little experience. I had to ask for help constantly. It was humbling.”

Starting as a Tier 1 Technician, Landon quickly committed himself to growth. Within a year, he expanded his skillset into assembly, robot welding, and brake press operation on both Bystronic and Trump machines. He advanced to Tier 3 Technician and began training others.

But the growth wasn’t just technical.

“Talos allowed me to build people skills and learn consistency. This is the first place I’ve ever held employment for over a year.”

He also began helping lead a weekly prayer meeting, growing in public speaking and leadership.

For Landon, simply walking through the doors at Talos was the turning point.

“It laid the financial foundation for me to purchase a vehicle, pay off fines, restore my license, and move out of the Men of Valor program into my own apartment.”

A Culture That Lives Its Mission

When Landon graduated from Men of Valor and moved into his apartment, the Talos team showed up in tangible ways.

“People came up to me after morning meetings — ‘Do you need a TV?’ ‘What about pots and pans?’ ‘I brought you a rug for your living room.’ ‘Here’s $100 — get something for your apartment.’”

From technicians buying televisions, to supervisors bringing cookware, to engineers purchasing appliances, Landon experienced firsthand what it means to work in a culture of generosity.

“I’ll forever be grateful for the love and support.”

The partnership between Talos and Men of Valor created space for healing, accountability, and growth.

“To learn and grow in a workspace that was so encouraging with my journey and release from prison made a huge impact.”

Faith in Action

Throughout his time at Talos, Landon balanced demanding work weeks — often 60 hours — while pursuing a degree in Ministry Leadership at Williamson Christian College.

“My faith in Christ pushed me through. There were days I wanted to give up. Days I questioned everything. But I held on to the truth that ‘He knows the way that I take, and when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold.’

Landon believes this season at Talos was about learning faithfulness in small things.

“As we are faithful with the small things, God can give us more.”

Stepping Into a Calling

Now, Landon is answering a new call — joining Men of Valor full-time.

“Since Christ saved my life, He has step-by-step drawn me closer and given me a burden to see lives changed. To see the lost saved, healed, delivered, and made whole.”

When the opportunity arose, Landon felt it was clear.

“‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’

His work with Men of Valor aligns directly with his ministry studies and long-term goals.

“What excites me most is seeing men encounter Jesus and find freedom. To be reconciled to Christ and then reconciled to society — to find hope and a future.”

The Power of Second Chances

Landon has a message for businesses considering second-chance hiring programs:

“Statistics show recidivism drops with healthy employment — even more with opportunity for growth. It’s biblical. And God blesses it.”

He also encourages men walking through Men of Valor:

“Spend less time trying to do things for Jesus, and just be with Him. Sit at His feet. Learn of Him. Know Him.”

A Life Marked by Redemption

When asked how Talos’ mission has played out in his story, Landon doesn’t hesitate:

“I can wholeheartedly say Talos improved my life and loved me in the process. Talos took me in with little experience and allowed me to grow, stretch, and lay a foundation that has marked my life forever.”

As he leaves, the legacy he hopes to leave behind is simple:

“A testimony that Jesus Christ still saves, heals, and delivers. He takes broken people and loves them back together.”