factory mode/ empty EFS folder

My Verizon GS3 was bricked. I flashed my phone with stock image I535VRUDNE1_I535VZWDNE1_I535VRUDNE1_HOME.tar and it boots up now in Factory Mode each time. There's nothing in my EFS folder. I've been slugging along with my old DroidX until I can fix this. Can anyone point me in the right direction to restore my GS3 to good working condition (out of factory mode)?

I would like to eventually load a custom ROM. But how do I get out of Factory Mode?

Thanks

Download from this link