Hiring Veterans Feel – Good Lip Service or a True Call to Action?

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Many employers want to hire veterans, its a much smaller number that successfully employ veterans in meaningful careers.

Here at Forward March, Incorporated, we have seen the headlines among many media outlets that company XYZ has agreed to hire veterans. The stories provide captivating pictures of CEOs directing their hiring manager to bring veterans into the organization. These companies really and truly care about our nation’s veterans but, for many not much happens after the cameras are turned off.

After the dust of the media hype settles, human resource departments, for a variety of reasons, continue to pass over Resumes that indicate prior military service.   Those outstanding and more than qualified applicants are not even called in for an interview. The rate of veteran unemployment still hovers well above that of the civilian population.

One of the many reasons veteran hiring still remains low is the fact that misconception runs rampant across corporate America about our nation’s treasures. Many hiring managers have unfounded concerns about Post Traumatic Stress or other combat related injuries. There are concerns over skills translation and how an infantryman might fit into a management position. Many hiring managers feel that serving in the military makes one too rigid and unable to deal with change. The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is, today’s military is the most educated, technologically advanced, disciplined, and adaptable military in the world. The skills and attributes veterans bring to the table are immeasurable. All they need is the opportunity to shine.

Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans Military Families study, The Business Case for Hiring a Veteran, Beyond the Clichés, looks past the myths and lays out a compelling argument on why organizations should welcome veterans with open arms.   According to the study, “Academic research from the fields of business, psychology, sociology, and decision-making strongly links characteristics that are generally representative of military veterans to enhanced performance and organizational advantage in the context of a competitive and dynamic business environment”.   In other words, veterans bring an immeasurable value to an organization through the applied use of leadership, trust, adaptability, and an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit.

Another reason veteran hiring is falling behind, is that talk is really is cheap. It’s one thing to stand and proudly say, “We will hire veterans”; it’s another thing altogether to roll up the sleeves and work on a serious commitment to make it happen. The bottom line; it does not happen without a plan.   The plan starts at the top with the CEO’s vision for supporting veterans. From there, hiring managers must develop a specific, measurable, and achievable veteran hiring strategy. The third piece is to train and resource recruiters to go after the veteran population with managers tracking progress through various matrices and making adjustments every step of the way. The second and third pieces of this initiative are where many companies fail to meet their commitment. Developing a veteran hiring strategy and training resource recruiters is not a task which is easy for a company to do without outside help.

Veterans and military members say what they mean and mean what they say. Unfortunately, we can’t always expect the same from corporate America. Good intentions do not change anything, but a well-executed plan does. Fortunately Forward March Inc. can show your organization how to tackle negative misconceptions and how to execute a veteran hiring strategy. Through our Military Hiring 101 training, we will support your organization in developing a successul plan to find the right veterans, with the right skill sets, at the right time. With over 35 years of collective experience bringing veterans and companies together we can train your resource recruiters to find and engage the veteran population. We are in the business of building winning teams and we will do the same for you. Talk to us about our veteran talent pipeline services. We offer solutions that are customized to your company or organization and are scalable to ensure you meet your objectives.

~ Article written by Jason Caswell, Forward March Inc – Director of Training and Talent Pipeline Services

Franchising Workshop for Veterans

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Bring your lunch and learn the basics of franchising and other resources for veterans. SBA representative will provide information on how you can benefit from the SBA full range of programs and special initiatives designed to help local veterans.
When:    September 23, 2014
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Entrepreneurial Center – Training Room, Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 South Capital of Texas Highway #110, Austin, TX 78704
Fee: Free
For Information: 512-974-7800  MUST REGISTER!
Intro to Franchise
Want to be your own boss, but aren’t willing to take on the risk of starting your own business from scratch? Franchising may be an alternative if you are an entrepreneur with limited resources or business experience. Join this educational business seminar and know the facts about starting a franchise.
Instructor: Annie Hudspeth, SBA representative, Lender Relations Specialist U.S. SBA – San Antonio District Office
Date: 09/25/2014
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location:
                  BiGAUSTIN WBC Business and Technology Center
                  5407 North IH 35 Suite 200 Austin, TX 78723
Located in Capital Plaza shopping center – Chase Bank building – 2nd floor.

Leadership Training with a Military Flair!

Leaders create the standard, enforce and execute the standard - Lead by example.

Leaders create the standard, enforce and execute the standard – Lead by example.

Leadership Development

Leader development refers to enhancing leadership effectiveness, both at the individual and organization as a whole. Leadership development activities range from MBA style programs offered at university business schools to action learning, high-ropes courses and executive retreats.

Traditionally, leadership development has focused on developing the leadership abilities and attitudes of individuals. Just as people are not all born with the ability or desire to play sports, not all people are natural born leaders. Different personal traits and characteristics can help or hinder a person’s leadership effectiveness and require formalized programs for developing leadership competencies. Everyone can develop his or her leadership effectiveness which takes focus, practice and persistence more akin to learning a musical instrument than reading a book.

Classroom-style training and associated reading is effective in helping leaders to know more about what is involved in leading well. However, knowing what to do and doing what you know are two very different outcomes. It is estimated that as little as 15% of learning from traditional classroom style training results in sustained behavioral change within the workplace.

Training For Results

Changing the behavior for maximum performance. We work collaboratively with your management team to increase your bottom line by increasing productivity while building an environment, beginning with a mindset which flows to an organizational mindset to set a new standard of excellence. Our team has extensive experience in training and development, workflow analysis, change management, leadership, and performance management. We’re ready to assist your organization in assessing goals and aligning behaviors to meet those goals.

We offer varied types of training courses tailored around your needs, ranging from one-on-one professional coaching to on-site group training, some that bring a “boot-camp” level of training style with a fun flair. Please refer to our program page to find out the best program for you.

Transformation

Developing a mission-focused mindset at all levels beginning with Leadership of team and the members of the team, aligning its energy to work together. Transformation of a team involves re-energized sense of purpose, identify, and performance of team members through a variety of proven mechanisms. These include aligning a team member’s identity (self) to the mission and the collective identity of the organization. Leaders serve as role models and catalysts for change, challenging members to take greater ownership for their work, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the team to better align efforts, tasks, and enhance operational performance.

Performance

Out performing your competitor while increasing the bottom line profit! Your team will out perform by its more effective leadership and teams who execute with precision, understanding their role and that of the team. We will change your organization’s mindset to work smarter and by leveraging the strengths (both seen and yet to be seen) of their team. An organization often has the skills, talents, and competencies it needs to push a higher lever of performance, and doesn’t have to look outside its walls to get what it already has within them.

Execution

Learn how to execute the mission effectively while building team cohesiveness and assigning tasks with clarity of role and expectation, including overcoming unexpected obstacles. Making the decision to execute and the act of execution itself is where most companies lose its competitive edge (and sliding profit margin). Turn your business intentions into action — the right action! This business essential concept is the way that increases your bottom line — it‘s completing the mission!

Motivation

Starts from the top of the organization! The mindset to change and develop your team will be the driving force to complete the mission. How do you get your team rallied around your mission and have the right attitude to embrace your new motivation and renewed commitment? Create the higher standard of excellence while changing the lives of your team and those they come into contact with, most often their colleagues and customers/clients.

Values

Core values are the guiding principles of your organization and its leaders which become a visible part of how you operate and are interwoven throughout every interaction and every member of your team. Teams with operating values and those that do not will both have visible signs of this within their organization.

We want to help find out the values of your organization to help facilitate incorporating these into your team’s foundation — your culture. Too often, companies do not spend enough time setting their values in motion, which become the influencing “force” behind all of its dealings and relationships. Values (or lack thereof) may be the root cause behind employees and organizations not reaching their full potential.

We grow leaders, organizations and bottom line like no other!

Contact Forward March Inc today!

 

Talent Pipeline Vs. Staffing

Forward March Inc Military Talent Pipeline Services - Affordable, Customized, Scalable

Forward March Inc Military Talent Pipeline Services – Affordable, Customized, Scalable

America’s military is the most educated, best trained, and highly motivated fighting force the world has ever seen. Those men and women transitioning from the military are a great national resource who can make a huge difference to any organization that has dedicated itself to hiring outstanding military veterans.

At Forward March Incorporated, we understand the true value of those who have served and we are dedicated to teaching companies how to attract, hire, and retain high quality veteran employees. While we are not a staffing company, one of the many ways we accomplish this is through military pipeline development.

So what’s the difference between staffing and a talent pipeline?

Staffing is the process of recruiting and hiring personnel with a specific set of skill sets, for a specific position within an organization. Doing this requires a dedicated team of recruiters and hiring managers who understand the exact and immediate hiring needs of the company.

For the most part, organizations do a good job of filling positions as new requirements open up, but forecasting staffing requirements proves far more difficult. It’s not always clear what future staffing requirements will be down the road. Predicting future staffing requirements requires forward thinking on behalf of hiring managers. They must account for turnover, promotions, expansions, reductions, and a myriad of other factors that impact staffing needs.

Talent pipeline, on the other hand, provides companies with a pool of qualified candidates ready to fill critical positions as they become available. A robust talent pipeline ensures the right person is placed in the right position at the right time.

Utilizing a talent pipeline is a great way for organizations to adapt to changing staff needs. A talent pipeline allows recruiters to focus on the here and now, while giving hiring managers the peace of mind knowing that the candidate pool can be turned off and on as personnel needs evolve.

FMI’s unique approach to a military talent pipeline allows us to continuously sell your organization as a great place for veterans to work. Most important of all, FMI is committed to providing our talent services free of charge to the veteran work force. Regardless of your manpower needs, let FMI fill your organization with hard working, loyal, and well trained American veterans.

To learn more visit our website and contact us today! www.forwardmarchinc.com 

~ Article written by Jason Caswell, Forward March Inc – Director of Training and Talent Pipeline Services

Happy Labor Day!

All of us here at Forward March Inc want to wish you all a happy and safe Labor Day!

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” – US Department of Labor 

What better way to celebrate the labor of this great nation than by adding our nation’s heroes to your company labor mix? Veterans bring a wealth of benefits to any organization. Check out our earlier post to learn more. 


It has been an outstanding week here at Forward March Inc! We are very proud and honored to have the opportunity to do real and meaningful work helping veterans find great careers. When you bring that aspect of our work together with employers that are genuinely excited about learning how to hire veterans and build a vibrant veteran culture within their organizations, then you get the real magic that keeps us all very excited and motivated each and every day.

We have been helping companies hire veterans for over 35 years!

We have been helping companies hire veterans for over 35 years!

Hiring Veterans is not an easy task; if it were, there would not be so many different companies and institutions offering such a wide array of services and systems for how to go about doing it. What separates our company from 99% of the rest of the pack is that we have over 35 years of experience working with companies, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, transitioning military, and veterans. We are a company of veterans committed to helping veterans, and we never get tired of pointing that simple fact out.

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We here at Forward March Inc want to take the time to salute anyone who is committed to hiring veterans.

It’s an easy thing for companies to tout that they are veteran friendly, or that they have a veteran hiring plan, but it really is quite shocking just how many companies actually use this as a simple marketing ploy but actually do very little to deliver real and meaningful employment to veterans. For those companies who actually stand by their public campaigns of commitment to our nation’s heroes, we salute you! For those companies and organizations who want to be in that group of companies who want to help our nation’s heroes we are here to help you. Our solutions are unique in the industry. Our solutions are scalable, customizable, and flexible. Contact us today to find out more.

We’ve just added a Tools & Resources page to our website which we will be growing and updating continuously. We hope that the information provided on this page is useful to employers, veterans, and transitioning military personnel. If you have links that you think we should add that would provide useful information, feel free to let us know. We love to hear feedback from you, so don’t be a stranger.

USAA and Disney Veterans Institute Workshop Recap

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Forward March Inc, was proud to attend the USAA the Veterans Institute Workshop with Disney to encourage businesses to hire military veterans. The event was held Tuesday the 19th at the USAA headquarters campus and featured a variety of presentations focused on the subject of veteran hiring. The day was filled with opportunities for networking with companies truly committed to finding ways to hire veterans. Many outstanding speakers were present to include USAA CEO retired Army Maj. Gen. Joe Robles Jr., ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and James Schmeling, co-founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.  Bob Woodruff gave an inspiring talk about his experiences with the US military and shared his passion wanting to see our nation’s finest get hired. You can read more about what he is doing with the Bob Woodruff Foundation here. 

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Bob Woodruff giving a powerful talk at the Disney Veterans Institute / USAA Workshop

 

The folks here at Forward March Inc were glad to be able to attend and meet so many company representatives dedicated to hiring veterans. Forward March Inc is a company of veterans committed to helping veterans.

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Surprise guest speaker!

If you know the Forward March team then you know that the guys also enjoyed their time with “The Mouse”.

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Team FMI and Mickey

Team FMI

Jason of Team FMI with Mickey.

Many companies want to hire veterans but just do not know where to begin, or they are stuck somewhere in the process. Forward March Inc can help solve your military hiring issues no matter how large or small. It is not too late to sign up for the Military Hiring 101 event Forward March Inc will be conducting at our offices.

Military Hiring 101 Event

 

Register today online (click here), space is limited and almost full!

 

Forward March Inc Wants You!

 

www.forwardmarchinc.com

Its Wednesday, the day when most folks start thinking about the weekend. Today, we would like to challenge you to think about a new career. Forward March Inc is looking for veterans and transitioning military men and women to embark on outstanding career opportunities with a number of companies.

If you are a veteran, or are a transitioning military service person, who is looking to start a new career come to our website and see the opportunities we have available today. Make sure you fill out our contact form as we get new positions in regularly. You should also bookmark this site and check back often as we have a number of events coming up in the future as well.

Forward March Inc is a company of veterans committed to helping veterans, come check us out and let us get you started in a new career.  As always, feel free to share our information with others.

PWVC Career Fair a Saturday Success!

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The Professional Womens Veterans Coalition held their first Career Fair this weekend!

On Saturday (August 16th) the Professional Womens Veterans Coalition (PWVC) held a career fair for veterans and their families at the San Antonio Technology Center. Employers were on hand for attendees to meet and interview with including Lowes, Amazon, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Via, and Troy University to name just a few.

PWVC Career Fair

The San Antonio Technology Center hall was filled with employers and attendees.

Attendees had the opportunity to network, attend workshops, get resume tips and even attend a fashion show. Dr. Sydney M. Savion, author of Camouflage to Pinstripes, was present to give attendees advice on transitioning from military to corporate career paths.

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The Texas Veterans Commission booth at the PWVC Career Fair

This event was an outstanding opportunity for veterans to get quality face-time with local employers and a great success for the first such event to be hosted by the Professional Womens Veterans Coalition

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Attendees were ready at the doors before the event opened, eager to get face-time with the variety of companies represented at the PWVC Career Fair.

Make sure you check back on our site often for the latest events from the Professional Womens Veterans Coalition. You can also follow them on Facebook and on their own website at http://www.pwvc-usa.com.

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The ladies of PWVC put on a fashion show to help attendees with making great selections for interviewing and for daily office attire.

The Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

The Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation was started by Farzad Azad working with local businesses around Lahaina, Maui. The mission of the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation is to thank veterans for their sacrifice and service to our nation by providing them a one week all expenses paid vacation. Farzad (pictured below) is arguably the most patriotic man on Maui and has made it his mission to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom.  Farzad is also the owner of Java Jazz and provides all the food and dining for the vacations.

Forward March Inc. and Farzad have formed a partnership to grow the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation program and increase its outreach.

Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation

Frazad Azad, J.P. Lane, and Paul Volpe on the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation 2014

The Java Jazz

The Java Jazz

Earlier this summer the vacation was taken by none other than our own Paul C. Volpe II USA (R) – Founder and President of Forward March Inc. Paul was joined by his friend J.P. Lane who is a US Army wounded warrior from Green Bay, Wisconsin. J.P. is also an amazing and up and coming musician so be sure to keep your eye on him in the future.  You can check him out on the web HERE.

For veterans such as J.P. this vacation gives a chance at rest and relaxation in an amazing location as only Maui can offer. J.P. took the opportunity to play his music while on the island in a variety of settings.

Paul and J.P. stayed at Napili Kai Beach Resort for the week enjoying the local sights and attractions.

Paul Volpe relaxing on Maui

Paul Volpe and Mark Smeltzer at Java Jazz

J.P. rocked the house at Java Jazz

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Who cannot resist live music?

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Paul and J.P. ran into Grammy Award winner George Kahumoku on their vacation, a legend in the world of Slack Key guitar and all around amazing musician.

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One thing that folks who know J.P. understand very quickly is that this young man is unstoppable. Being a double amputee does not stop him from hitting the waves for some quality surf action.

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The vacation would not be complete without an amazing day of relaxation provided by Spa Lelle. This program is an amazing opportunity for veterans to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Maui and get some well deserved time away.

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We hope you enjoyed this post of Paul and J.P.’s trip, check back often for more info on the Maui Warrior Appreciation Vacation.

Forward March Inc thanks Farzad Azad and all the local businesses for their outstanding support and for providing such a great opportunity for our veterans.

 

Career Opportunities!

Forward March Inc has a growing number of great career opportunities with a variety of companies. We are adding to the number of companies and the number of jobs available on our website so make sure you check back often.

Start your application process on our website today!  FMI guarantees you the peace of mind knowing that your resume will be delivered to and reviewed by our partner companies. Please make sure that if you find positions we list that you are interested in you contact us as soon as possible, we look forward to hearing from you!

This week we have great career opportunities with the following companies:

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Are you a motivated, athletic individual looking for a fast paced career? If so we are looking for dynamic career minded individuals who have superior customer service skills.

Nationwide Positions Available – Click here for more info!

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Tesoro has several exciting career opportunities in North Dakota to include drivers, a mechanical engineering supervisor, a project support administrator, and a project engineering manager. Tesoro has a veteran friendly workforce and outstanding benefits. Head over to our website to apply for these positions.  Click here for more info!

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Iron Horse Ranch has a rapidly growing number of outstanding career opportunities. The following positions are currently available:

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STARUS has a rapidly growing number of exciting medical career opportunities in many parts of the United States. Currently the following positions are available:

FMI guarantees you the peace of mind knowing that your resume will be delivered to and reviewed by our partner companies. Please make sure that if you find positions we list that you are interested in you contact us as soon as possible, we look forward to hearing from you!