Life On The Racing SERKET Transportation Offers a Wide Open

Transcription

See featured transportation companies:
Pages 10-11
CivilianJOBS.com’s
The Essential Military-to-Civilian Transition Resource
N
E
W
S
March - April 2015
militarytransitionnews.com
Transportation Offers
a Wide Open Road for
Job Opportunities
by Heidi Lynn Russell
Contributing Editor
J
obs in the transportation industry
are so vast - for those in the
enlisted ranks, all the way up
to senior officers - that the only
place a job seeker can go wrong
is signing up with a company
that isn’t right for them, recruiters
say. This is especially true in the
trucking arena, which is grasping
for qualified candidates due to a
retiring workforce.
With many states greasing the
skids for veterans by waiving license
and certification requirements in
various transportation occupations,
it’s becoming easier than ever
for job seekers to land a lucrative
position.
In short, as a veteran, you’re a
hot commodity, says Dr. Laurence
Shatkin, author of 150 Best Jobs
Through Military Training.
“The military does a massive
amount of transportation, from
troops to materials, and it uses
many of the same modes of
transportation that the civilian
economy uses. Therefore, many
veterans enter the civilian job
market with valuable experience
and skills,” Shatkin says, adding
that the military is probably
the best place to learn skills for
transportation security.
Recruiters are attracted by your
work habits that are part of every
military job: teamwork and a
sense of responsibility; acceptance
of a chain of command; going
by the book and keeping proper
documentation; being able to
improvise when necessary to
accomplish the mission; and being
able to work in diverse locations
and with diverse populations.
“Also, many transportation jobs are
not sedentary and require physical
fitness,” Shatkin says.
Outlook for Transportation Jobs
Transportation is a major
segment of the economy and
includes the postal service,
warehousing and pipelines, as
well as the trucking, airline and
shipping industries.
“Like most industries, it suffered a
setback during the Great Recession,
as the dip in business activity
resulted in less need to move goods,
less business spending on out-oftown meetings and less consumer
spending on vacations. However,
it has bounced back from that
lull and is expected to continue
to grow. In the short run, the
low price of diesel and jet fuel
will contribute to large profits by
carriers,” Shatkin says.
One out of every seven jobs in
the United States is transportationrelated, according to the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
However, the outlook for different
transportation segments varies.
The railroads carry 40 percent of
the goods shipped in the United
Schneider’s Ride of Pride trucks and military veteran drivers
States, but the infrastructure is
suffering from years of neglect and
is holding back growth, even as it
strains under the demands of large
shipments of oil and crops, Shatkin
says. As stated earlier, the trucking
industry has an increasing shortage
of qualified drivers, so a wide swath
of jobs is available. And in the
airlines, “job growth has been held
back, as repeated mergers have
created redundancies. But the pace
of consolidation seems likely to
slow simply because there are so
few players left,” he says.
Some potential jobs for former
military officers include piloting an
aircraft or ship, managing a store
or warehouse, planning logistics
and managing maintenance of
transportation equipment. Former
enlisted personnel have possible
careers that include specialist
jobs working with cargo, logistics,
petroleum supply, preventive
maintenance, driving, navigating
and warehousing, Shatkin says.
Trucking: A Good Bet
for Job Seekers
There is currently a shortage in
the trucking industry for Class A
Commercial Drivers, according to
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s
Hiring Our Heroes Trucking Track
Program (called FASTPORT). The
trucking industry has committed
to hiring more than 100,000
continues page 4
Life On The Racing SERKET
by Janet Farley
Contributing Editor
H
urry up and wait. If you’ve
spent any amount of time
in uniform or are married to
a spouse in uniform, you can
relate to the concept. Now that
you’re transitioning out of the
camouflaged world and into a
civilian one, why not forget about all
that waiting and just hurry up?
A cool career in the fast lane of
the motorsports industry will do
that for you.
We recently checked in with
SERKET Racing driver Mark
Llano who races a Porsche GT3
Cup 911 in the Porsche GT3 Cup
Challenge USA by Yokohama,
the largest single-make racing
series in North America.
In the process, we learned
some important things from
this former U.S. Marine about
working and winning in the
career field, both on and off the
track.
It’s Not Your Average Day Job
Your desk has four wheels.
The elevator music consists of
the thundering roar of finely
tuned engines racing by at deathdefying speeds. Your spacious
and circular cubicle is crowded
with wildly cheering fans. You
care deeply about the quality
of work performed by your coworkers because it’s a matter of
your life and death, literally.
Everyone in this office watches
the clock.
It’s not ”9-to-5” and that could
work for you. After all, you’re
familiar with the concept of a
dangerous job, right?
“The motorsport industry is
a fast-paced environment. It’s
a different [kind of] adrenaline
where you’re not pulling the
trigger,” says Llano, who not only
drives SERKET’s car, but
is also the co-founder,
along with business
continues page 8
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Transition Talk:
Position or
Industry?
....................page 3
Spouse Series:
The Results
Are In
........... page 5
Career Coach’s Corner:
Finance:
Job Fairs:
Is Sales Your
Next Career?
..... page 15
Tax Season
Tips
.............page 16
Coming to
Your Area
................page 18
2
NEWS
Mar/Apr 2015
Mar/Apr 2015
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Managing Editor
Art Director
Associate Editor
Contributing Editors
Director of Technology
Executive Consultant
Senior Consultant
Consultant
Account Representative
NEWS
Jake Hutchings
Kathy Scott
Alec Trapheagen
Anthony Morris
Janet Farley
Heidi Lynn Russell
Tom Wolfe
Don Nowak
Marla Smith
Brett Comerford
Tucker Harrell
Stephanie Brinkley
Brad Cibrin
Kyle Friend
Rob Hawley
Jim Irwin
Doug McDowell
Garrett Reed
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©2007-2015 Civilian Jobs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Military Transition News and CivilianJobs.com are
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI),
the largest military-focused placement firm in the U.S.
Photo credit: Army Sgt. Julia Fadell; photo by Sgt. Major
Larry Stevens, U.S. Army
Transition Talk
by Mike Arsenault
Vice President of Candidate Services
Bradley-Morris answers questions from
transitioning military job seekers.
Q:
I’ve been working on my transition plan and trying
to zero in on companies that I think are a good fit for
me. A friend says that I shouldn’t ignore a job if it’s a
good fit just because I don’t like a particular company
or industry. For instance, I really don’t want to work in
the manufacturing sector because it doesn’t seem like a
progressive industry. What do you think? Am I limiting
myself? I just don’t want to waste anyone’s time.
A:Your friend is giving you good advice. Let me explain.
Many of the opportunities that military-experienced job
seekers are candidates for transcend industries. This issue
of Military Transition News is focused on transportation,
but you can be a driver, technician or a warehouse manager
in many different industries. The job function is largely the
same, but the specifics of the industry are what changes and
are what you potentially would need to be trained on. Your
basic role would be similar. So his advice to focus on the fit
of the position is sound.
The second point here is that it’s difficult to understand
the full potential or ins-and-outs of an industry from the
vantage point of an active duty service member. Yes, you
should research as much as you can, but nothing can beat
talking to other veterans who are in that specific industry.
This might happen as part of the interview process, or prior
to your transition as you network via sites such as LinkedIn.
Reading business magazines such as Forbes and Fortune
can also increase your knowledge base.
You should also consider a particular company or
industry’s culture. If a company has a casual company
attitude and dress code, but you’ve
always pictured your professional career
to be more suit and tie, the job might
not be a good fit for you whether or not
your research has suggested that the
company/industry is a “hot” one to be in.
Finally, the one big piece of advice that we give to job
seekers is “Win The Interview” even if you aren’t sure about
a particular aspect (job responsibilities, company, location,
industry, etc.) of the position. Why?
Because at Bradley-Morris, we’ve found a fifth of the
successful placements we make are for unadvertised
positions. Something is revealed in the interview process
that sparks a hiring manager’s interest in the job seeker for
a different role than what they were initially interviewing for.
That role could be with a subsidiary company in another
industry and exactly the type of challenge for which you
were looking. You can’t turn down what you aren’t offered,
so first win the interview and then see if any doubts can be
addressed before you make a final decision.
P.S. A note about manufacturing: You will find many of
the most progressive companies in the world are part of
the manufacturing sector. For instance, Bradley-Morris is
helping many veterans find positions with Tesla, the
electric car manufacturer. It is for initial roles within a
high-tech and cutting edge facility with a progressive
culture and audacious goals within this market. The idea
of manufacturing as a big window-less building topped
with smokestacks producing endless widgets certainly
does not apply here.
Mike Arsenault is Vice President of Candidate Services at
military placement firm Bradley-Morris, Inc. He can be
reached at (800) 330-4950 ext. 2105 or by email at marsenault
(at) bradley-morris.com.
GREAT JOBS
THOUSANDS OF INTERVIEWS
If you are a transitioning junior officer or enlisted technical candidate,
contact us to take advantage of our free military-to-civilian placement service.
www.Bradley-Morris.com/Apply
800-330-4950 ext. 2105
3
4
NEWS
Veteran drivers at
TMC drive late model Peterbilts.
“Transportation Offers a Wide Open
Road for Job Opportunities” continued
from page 1
veterans during the next two years, as it faces
an estimated shortage of 235,000 drivers.
Truck driving jobs of today are not like
they were 10 or even five years ago, says Rob
Reich, Senior Vice President, Equipment,
Maintenance & Driver Recruiting at
Schneider National Inc. Today, more than 75
percent of Schneider’s drivers get home on a
weekly basis or more, he says.
“Schneider provides drivers with an array
of driving opportunities that meet personal
and time-at-home needs including Tanker,
Regional, Intermodal and Dedicated options.
For drivers looking for more traditional
driving positions, Schneider also still offers
long-haul roles,” Reich says.
Trucking companies like Crete Carrier
Corp. are fiercely competing for your
attention, says Judi Shoup, Corporate
Recruiter. The company’s two corporate
divisions - Crete and Shaffer Trucking estimate hiring a minimum of 3,000 new
drivers during the fiscal year, which goes
from October 2014 to October 2015.
Your biggest problem in your job hunt isn’t
finding employment. It’s making sure you’ll
be working for the company that best suits
your needs, Shoup says.
“Drivers have told me one of the reasons
they decided to go with us was how I treated
them during the recruiting process. I’m
thorough and patient with their questions.
This is a whole new world for veterans. I’ve
done the transition myself and understand
how important it is to have the information.
My husband is a veteran as well,” Shoup says.
“If a company isn’t willing to answer your
questions, it’s a red flag. If they do a tap dance
on the phone, it’s a red flag. Their job is to field
questions.”
Start your search by researching companies
long before you exit the military. Call
recruiting hotlines, check corporate websites
and apply for a position if it interests you. “It’s
important as you’re looking to find out what
kind of driving they have available for you,”
Shoup says. For example, find out what kind
of freight they have, how long you would be
on the road (distance and work schedule) and
what works best for your family.
Veterans make up 35 percent of the
employment force at TMC Transportation,
says Cheryl Freauff, Driver Recruiting
Manager. Freauff is also a former U.S. Marine.
When seeking a company, look for those
that have made veterans a priority, she says.
Last year, TMC hired 500 military veterans
as drivers, and it expects to hire the same
number in 2015.
“We have been hiring veterans for some
time now - before it was fashionable to do so,
and before there were incentives and pushes
to do so,” Freauff says. Her advice to find
the best fit for you? Be engaged in the hiring
process.
“In this industry, companies are receiving
hundreds of applications on a daily basis, and
it’s difficult to get through all of them. If you
miss a call or don’t connect with someone,
circle around and make the phone call again,”
Freauff says. “If you’re a passive applicant,
you’re not going to get the same attention.”
Last year, Schneider hired 2,704 veterans,
and 25 percent of employees are veterans,
Reich says. “We have hundreds of jobs
available throughout the country for drivers,
mechanics and office associates,” Reich says.
One way to find military-friendly companies
is to look into the Military Apprenticeship
Program and learn about the companies
that are members, he says. Former
military members who are enrolled in the
program and are employed at participating
companies earn a weekly paycheck from
the VA in addition to their regular paycheck.
Complete details can be found here: http://
schneiderjobs.com/company-drivers/
military/apprenticeship-program.
Also seek out companies with strong
support programs for employees who are
veterans, Reich says. For example, Schneider
offers the Vet to Vet Training Program.
Launched in January 2013, it matches newly
hired driving school graduates coming out of
the military with “driving-training engineers”
who also have a military background.
Other Job Options
And remember that the transportation
industry is about more than driving. Freauff
has hired veterans to fill her sales force
(selling actual freight). She also needs fleet
managers. They work with drivers every day.
“It takes a lot of coordination,” she says.
“This job does fit in well with the military side
of things. Fleet managers who are veterans
are able to manage different personality
styles in different parts of the country.”
There are also job opportunities in
information technology, accounting,
administration, and, because of a fleet of
trucks - mechanics and shop work.
Aside from trucking, you might want to
check into public transportation if you live
in a large metropolitan area. The American
Public Transportation Association says
there is an array of career opportunities
for veterans, including vehicle operations;
vehicle maintenance; facilities, track and
road maintenance; safety and security; and
clerical, telecommunications, administrative
Mar/Apr 2015
and managerial staff. If you have a
background in transportation, logistics,
finance, management, data systems,
architecture, engineering, information
technology, procurement, or project
development and planning, you’re in high
demand.
License Waivers
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is
for truck drivers who go across state lines
and operate any type of vehicle that has a
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more
than 26,000 pounds, or any single vehicle
with a gross weight of at least that much for
commercial use. You may qualify for the
Military Skills Test Waiver if you have at least
two years of safe driving experience in a large
truck or bus during your military service.
Check with your state’s licensing agency for
its allowances (http://www.cdldigest.com/
cdl/state_cdl_licensing_agencies.html).
Companies have varying hiring requirements
when it comes to licensing and training.
They will usually accept the license waiver
but may suggest that you go through their
training or apprenticeship courses. For
example, at TMC, veterans get the CDL
waiver and are not required to go through
a driving school, but they go through an
apprenticeship program, Freauff says. And at
Crete, although veterans are not required to
go through Crete’s school, many volunteer to
do it, anyway, Shoup says.
“One thing you can’t learn on the fly is how
to shift these trucks. I want my drivers to be
confident,” Shoup says. “So if they’re more
comfortable after a three-week or an eightweek school, I want them to go through the
school. It will make them a better driver.”
Heidi Lynn Russell writes about employment
and business issues.
Ride of Pride truck with its driver, Randy Twine
Need a resume?
Make sure you stand out from your peers
Get a resume that best translates your military experience for civilian
hiring authorities. Backed by 20 years of military placement experience Companies have told us what they want to see on an ex-military resume.
Call 1-877-641-8318
to get started.
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Spouse Series:
The Survey Says …
by Janet Farley
Contributing Editor
Y
our spouse’s time in the military
is coming to a close. If you’ve been
planning things correctly, you may have
your next bill-paying job lined up or you at
least have a couple of promising leads.
You can now focus on checking items off
your ever growing to-do list:
• Clean out the garage and attic
• Schedule pickup of donations and/or
have a yard sale
• Notify the utilities to stop services
• Notify the utilities to start
services elsewhere
• Schedule pickup and delivery dates
with the movers
• Turn in a change of address card at
the post office
• Invest in a new civilian job wardrobe
So much to do. So little time. So much stress.
No worries. You have it all under control.
This isn’t your first rodeo, after all. This is,
however, your first military-to-civilian career
transition.
Like it or not, it will be different from past
PCS moves on many different levels.
How exactly will it be different?
Lucky for us, there’s a survey that gives us
all the answers.
What the Survey Says
According to the 2014 Military Spouse
Transition Survey (http://www.militaryfamily.
org/assets/pdf/TRANSITION-SurveyPresentation-Version.pdf) conducted by the
National Military Family Association (NMFA),
the military-to-civilian transition is a stressful
one, not just for service members, but also for
families in general.
Certainly, that statement isn’t a great
revelation in itself. The survey does, however,
shed significant light on the specifics that
concern soon-to-be-civilian military spouses.
The 427 spouses, who were either about to
face a transition or who had experienced one
in the past two years, said that these were the
issues they were most concerned about:
% of spouses Concerned about…
81%
Finding employment for
the service member
80%
Being financially
prepared for transition
74%
Understanding VA
benefits and services
70%
Replacing Tricare
57%
Relocating
53%
Finding employment
for self (the spouse)
36%
Educational opportunities
for the service member
31%
Finding behavioral
health care
26%
Educational opportunities
for self (the spouse)
And that’s not all.
Almost half the spouses surveyed said
they anticipated that they would experience
emotional difficulty in the process of
transitioning out.
More specifically, they were concerned
about losing the military family identity and
about fitting into the civilian community.
The survey suggested that more transitionrelated information is needed for spouses in
these areas:
• Financial preparation
• Finding employment
• Health insurance
• Department of Veterans Affairs
Join the Lynden Team!
Lynden is hiring drivers! Climb behind the wheel of delivery
vans, tankers, step-down trailers, low-boys or refrigerated
containers to transport milk, chemicals, general or
oversized freight. No other company offers you so many
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or keep you close to home – the choice is yours.
Spouses surveyed also reported an interest
in peer support, stating that they felt those
with a similar background could provide
them with the most information.
Finally, spouses noted that it was important
to manage expectations during the militaryto-civilian transition. Those who had been
through the transition reported that they did
not have any idea how difficult it would be.
And This Helps You How?
Knowledge, my friend, is power. The
abstract concept of getting out will one day
become an all-too-concrete reality. It will be
to your and your family’s distinct advantage
to anticipate these common pitfalls before
they become your very own pitfalls.
In other words, ask the questions now.
Get the answers now. When that DD-214
is in your spouse’s hand, it’s too late to start
the thoughtful, less-stressful process of
understanding how things work.
By proactively thinking through these
topics, you avoid future information overload
and you help to make the transition smoother
for everyone in your family.
Maybe the next survey someone conducts
on this topic will show that spousal transition
stress levels have dramatically decreased.
Now that’s one abstract concept I’d like to
see become a concrete reality.
About the Author: Janet Farley is a job
search and workplace issues expert and the
author of “The Military Spouse’s Guide to
Employment: Smart Job Choices for Mobile
Lifestyles” (Impact Pubs, 2013) and “Quick
Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to
Landing a Civilian Job” (Jist, Inc., 2013).
www.lynden.com/drive [email protected]
5
6
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Q&A with Jerry Flanagan, JDog Junk Removal
Provided by our sponsor
J
erry Flanagan is the creator of JDog Junk
Removal. He is a U.S. Army veteran and
served from 1987 to 1989. He did basic
training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. and then went on
to Ft. Gordon, Ga. for Advanced Individual
Training as a cable assembler and finished
as a Distinguished Honor Graduate. He was
later stationed at Ft. Stewart, Ga. and achieved
the rank of E-4 Specialist. After the Army,
Flanagan attended college and technical
school on the GI bill before starting his career
and several entrepreneurial endeavors. JDog
Junk Removal is a full-service junk removal
franchise offered exclusively to armed
service veterans, active-duty members of
the United States Military and their family
members. The company is the only U.S.
franchise business devoted solely to military
veterans and their families.
The JDog movement is currently in six
states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas,
Montana and Tennessee, and is actively
looking to expand across the country.
What are your organization’s main
products and/or services?
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling sells junk
removal and hauling franchises exclusively
to military veterans and military family
members. JDog is the first company ever to
have built a national military veteran brand
that can dominate the retail segments it
enters. The business thesis is predicated
on the notion that when given the choice,
Americans will almost always select a veteran-
backed business to provide service. Franchisees
operate camouflage themed vehicles and
trailers, don military style uniforms, and
work to sort, recycle, discard and transport
items between locations for homeowners,
commercial business and government offices.
JDog franchisees all work with the
priority of hiring other veterans to work in
their business. The opportunity to create
significant equity value leveraging their
military service in an exclusively militarythemed business is very compelling
to veterans. Additionally, the ethos of
brotherhood among veterans resonates with
those who become franchisees and defines
the operating environment of the company.
JDog likens its business to a movement
among veterans – Join the JDog Movement
is our call to action, working to engage and
support fellow veterans and help them
realize the American dream of owning their
own business.
Where are your headquarters and other
principal locations?
JDog is headquartered in Philadelphia,
currently operates locations in four states
(Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Tennessee),
and is actively looking for franchisees to
bring the movement nationwide.
In which metro areas, states, countries,
and/or parts of the world do you conduct
business?
See above.
How large is your organization –
dollar volume of business and number
of employees?
There are 10-12 employees who work at
JDog Junk Removal.
What are the main opportunities at your
organization?
The primary opportunities for veterans
and military family members at JDog include:
Business ownership that provides a
significant income opportunity as well as
huge potential for equity value appreciation;
The opportunity to work among others
who, like them, have served their country;
The ability and capacity to hire other
veterans to work in their franchises. For
example, working with local Veterans Affairs
organizations to support the rehabilitation of
veterans through JDog’s Compensated Work
Therapy program;
Participation in JDog’s support of other
veteran organizations through JDog’s
donation program, which involves donating
10 percent of the company’s net income
to a veteran charity as determined by the
franchisees.
What are your organization’s biggest
HR needs?
JDog is seeking veterans and military
family members to purchase franchises and
also to work in the franchises.
What is your organization’s experience
in recruiting veterans?
We have a JDog Joint Chiefs Advisory
Board made up of highly placed military
veterans, including a two-star marine general
who advises the company and coaches
franchisees. JDog is a veteran branded
company, owned and operated exclusively
by veterans. There is no other organization in
the U.S. that operates in this manner.
Why do veterans make good employees?
JDog’s exclusive military veteran strategy
recognizes the assets and attributes of
military veterans. Our leadership team is
stellar at ensuring veterans are successful
employees in our system when they operate
in accordance with the play book.
In what ways is your organization a good
fit for veterans?
No other business offers veterans the
opportunity provided by the JDog system. We
are the only franchise opportunity available
to military veterans and military family
members that understands the concept of
service to our country and the concept of
personal sacrifice.
If you are interested in learning more about
a JDog Junk Removal franchise, contact
Wayne Turner at (844) GET-JDOG, (844) 4385364, or go to www.jdogjunkremoval.com.
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Mar/Apr 2015
7
NEWS
OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS
EXCLUSIVELY OWNED BY
Military Veterans
& Family
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Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com
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Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Types of Jobs in the
Motorsports Industry
While drivers often get the
headlines, they wouldn’t shine
without a solid team behind
them or without the business
activities that promote the
races. Types of jobs you will
find on the track and in the
workshop include:
“Life On The Racing SERKET”
continued from page 1
partner Randy Webb, of SERKET Racing.
Llano says there’s a strong sense of
teamwork and camaraderie in auto racing.
“Veterans look for that. Here, you’ve got a
great group of guys working together and
you’re meeting some amazing people in
the process,” he says.
Teamwork and camaraderie aside, Llano
sees veterans as being a good fit for jobs in
motorsports for other key reasons, too.
“Veterans can multitask without
panicking, and they are used to operating
at high stress levels,” he says. That’s good
advice, but how did Llano get here?
From Then to Now
In 2012, as a guest at the 24 Hours of
Daytona, an annual endurance race held
at Daytona International Speedway, Llano
observed his surroundings closely and
realized something was missing. “I’m
standing up against the fence, and as I’m
looking around, I saw all the fans rooting
for the cars,” he says. “I’m looking around
at the cars and I don’t see an American
flag on the cars. I don’t see anyone doing
anything for veterans.”
Llano decided to walk into the Porsche
hospitality suite and talk to someone about
it. “I said, ‘What is it going to take to buy
one of these cars and learn how to race it?’
And the guy I asked looked at me like that
guy in the movie Taken, and he just said,
‘Good luck.’”
Llano was not discouraged, however.
“One of the worst things you can do is tell a
Marine ‘No,’” he says.
Within two weeks, he made his way
up the chain of command at Porsche
and finally had the right person on the
telephone. He explained how he wanted
to create a genuine awareness for military
veterans and their families, and he
convinced the person to part with one
of only 40 cars Porsche sell annually for
racing.
“Be careful what you wish for,” Llano says.
Llano, grateful for the car, now needed
to learn how to drive it and to drive it well
enough to compete professionally. The
instructors from NGT Motorsports helped.
“It was like drinking from a fire hose,”
Llano says. “We practiced and practiced
and practiced.”
All that practice paid off on the track.
Llano and the car raced for the first time
in 2013. In 2014, they experienced four
podium finishes and multiple top five and
top 10 finishes.
It’s Not Just About the Car
While racing and placing is thrilling, Llano
is quick to point out that it isn’t the main
thrust behind SERKET Racing. “SERKET
is a platform,” he says. “It’s about creating
awareness and support for military veterans
and their families. The motto for the car is
‘Warriors Live By A Code.’”
Llano and his team work closely with
a number of organizations to develop
and implement innovative programs.
To say they have been successful is an
understatement. “Last year, working with
Operation Homefront, we gave away three
$300,000 mortgage-free homes,” Llano
says. “You talk about changing lives. It is
such an incredible emotional feeling when
you give someone their first home.
“This year has been really amazing,” he
continues. “We had a big event with the
Boot Campaign where we brought five
service-disabled veterans to the track. We
raised money for them, and we were able
to write them a five-figure check. We also
gave them a two-day track experience.”
SERKET also hosted a tribute race in
support of veteran-owned business. The
organization partnered with the Navy Seal
Museum and had nine logos of companies
owned by Seals placed on the hood. That
hood was later given to the museum to
auction off. All proceeds from that auction
went back to the Navy Seal Museum itself.
And that’s not all.
SERKET recently joined forces to
promote higher education, as well. “In 2014,
we teamed up with the American Freedom
Foundation and with Kaplan University to
give away college scholarships to military
and veteran family members,” Llano says.
“Education changes lives and creates
opportunity,” says Patrick Milligan,
Assistant Vice President of Military Affairs
for Kaplan University “Mark Llano and
SERKET Racing believe in education
and are great partners in the mission to
support military family members who
are currently serving and have served our
great nation.”
As a result of this partnership, more
than 250 academic scholarships were
awarded between July to October 2014. The
partnership is expected to continue in 2015
as well.
“It’s amazing to be able to carry that
flag in a different way,” Llano says. “The
motorsports world is huge, but nobody
in motorsports is doing what we’re doing.
We’re looking at this as the American
car. It’s the people’s car. We are not
personally selling a product from our
racecar. This is really the platform to work
with corporations and our multiple car
sponsors [in support of military service
members veterans and their families].”
The team focuses on “giving back”,
literally, including donating 25% of every
dollar that comes in to one of the six
military organizations they work with and
contributing 100% of in-kind gifts.
“Every time I get in the race car, I’m
thinking about the veterans,” Llano says.
“I think about what I’m doing. At the end
of the day, whether we take first, second or
third, we really are getting a podium every
time because we are changing lives.”
Tips for Transitioners
The military-to-civilian career transition
can be challenging, and Llano understands
that well, having gone through one himself.
“Everybody deals with things differently,
but you’ve got to believe in yourself,” he
says.
Llano is certain that veterans have
what it takes to succeed post-uniform,
and he has a few tips for both wouldbe entrepreneurs and future potential
headliners in the world of motorsports. “In
this economy, it’s all about the gut check.
You have to be willing to take a risk and you
have to believe in yourself,” he says. “Take
the risk. Set up a business you can believe
in, and look to fellow veterans for support.
Many of them run Fortune 500 companies.
Veterans support veterans. That’s a fact.”
Having the right kind of people around
you is also critical. “Be around people who
are positive. Get rid of the negative energy
and the negative friends that bring you
down,” he says.
In addition, Llano is a strong advocate of
following your passion. “Find something
you’re truly passionate about and go 100
percent at it,” he says. “Don’t look back.
You’ve got to go forward.”
If you want to investigate the possibility
of working on a racing team, Llano has
some advice for you, too. “Reach out to the
International Motor Sports Association
(IMSA) and ask them for a list of the teams,”
he suggests. “If you contact a lot of these
different teams and tell them who you are
and what you’ve done, they’re going to love
it because they know that veterans work
their butt off. That’s just the way it is.”
Janet Farley is a workplace and careers
strategist and the author of several job search
books, including Quick Military Transition
Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job
(Jist/EMC, 2013). Follow her on Twitter @
mil2civguide for news you can use in your own
transition.
•
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Crew chief
Pit coach
Gas person
Jack operator
Tire changer
Windshield cleaner
Mechanic
Scorer and spotter
Track service coordinator
Shop foreperson
Mechanical engineers
Mechanics
Fabricators
Body hangers
Painters
You don’t have to have the
need for speed or be technically
inclined to work in motorsports,
either. There are other jobs
within this industry that you
could do and still be close to the
smell of burning rubber:
•
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Sales executive
Marketer
Social media manager
Financial analyst
Ticket seller
Administrative support
Transport driver
The Military
Family Scholarship
Program
Kaplan University, one of
the nation’s top-ranked online
bachelor’s degree programs,
offers more than 180 programs
in the following areas:
•
•
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Business
Communications
Criminal justice
Fire science
Education
Health sciences
Nursing
Information technology
Legal studies
Psychology
To find out more about the
Military Family Scholarship
Program, visit www.serketracing.
kaplan.edu or call (855) 727-2604
for more information.
10.125 in.
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
13.5 in.
Look ahead at your finances
before you leave the military behind.
When you someday leave the military, most of your life will change — in particular,
your finances. How will your cost of living change? How far will your civilian pay go
in different locations? Our online Separation Assessment Tool can provide answers,
quickly showing you how leaving the military will likely affect your finances.
Use the Separation Assessment Tool
usaa.com/leavingthemilitary
Or call 800-531-8272 for more information.
Membership and product eligibility and underwriting restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. No Department of Defense
or government agency endorsement. © 2014 USAA. 205137-0514
9
10
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Transportation Issue
Featured Employers
Military Transition News is featuring eight military-friendly companies as part of the
2015 March/April Transportation Issue. Please see the companies’ profiles below.
C.R. England
4701 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84120
Year founded: 1920
Veteran Recruiting Contact:
Most Popular Jobs for Veterans: Nick Moss, Military Hiring Supervisor,
[email protected], 866-219-6080
Truck Drivers; Trainers; Dedicated,
Regional and National Fleet Drivers
Epes Transport Systems Inc.
3306 Edgefield Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27409
Year Founded: 1931
Melissa Nishan,
[email protected],
336-931-9782
Most Popular Jobs for Veterans: Drivers, Diesel Mechanics
C.R. England, the largest temperature-controlled carrier in the world, is dedicated
to providing a comprehensive range of transportation solutions to meet the
requirements of a rapidly evolving customer base. As a family-owned, customer and
employee focused corporation since 1920, we are driven to maintain our leadership
role through time-tested services, technology and processes. Our entrepreneurial
culture and values enable us to expand reliable services while keeping our
commitments to public safety, social responsibility and financial stability. Dan
England, Chairman at C.R. England, adds, “Your leadership and dedication to the
mission will be critical as you develop into trainers, team drivers, fleet and driver
managers, operations or any other positions throughout the company. You will be
the tip of the spear as we continue to grow this company over the years to come.”
Epes Transport was founded in 1931 in Blackstone, Va. Originally known as “The
Transport Company”, we began as a family owned business and continued that way
for over 55 years. We provide an environment where employees are team players
and treat each other with trust and respect. Integrity is never compromised. Mike
Hamilton, VP of Human Resources, understands that qualities like trust, respect and
integrity are prevalent among veterans. “Epes Transport is totally committed to the
military. The military produces high quality individuals with a strong work ethic, which
is an important trait to have in the transportation industry. We are always looking for
ways to support our military, including our provided transitional programs, which
allow veterans to obtain a quality position with a leading trucking company.”
“The military provided a good basis for operating a large commercial
vehicle; I learned basic skills that I still use today. I was able to easily
and directly transfer my military skills to a civilian occupation without
additional training on the civilian side.”
“After my retirement from the Army, I wanted to find a job that would fit a soldier like myself.
Epes prides itself on family, teamwork, a very high morale, integrity and selfless service
shown by the employees. These are all things that I was accustomed to in the Army so
naturally, it was a perfect fit.”
—Brent Sanger, National Truck Driver
and Safety Ambassador, U.S. Army
—Eddison Cyrus, Driver Recruiter
Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc.
881 Cockerill Rd.
Sumter, SC 29150
Year Founded: 1948
Estes Express Lines
3901 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230
Year founded: 1931
Headquartered in Richmond, Va., Estes is a leading, full-service freight
transportation provider offering a complete range of shipping solutions including
LTL, time critical, volume and truckload, global and custom solutions. Founded in
1931 by W.W. Estes and still owned by the Estes family, today’s Estes is the largest
privately held LTL carrier in the nation. With more than 200 terminals across the
country and a global service footprint, Estes has grown into one of the most
respected total-solutions providers in the industry.
Estes has a large number of employees who are U.S. military veterans, including
some who will occasionally return to active duty or others serving in the national
guard or reserves. The company is proud that these honorable men and women
choose us as their place of employment after serving our country. Rob Estes,
President and CEO, adds, “At Estes Express Lines, we are dedicated to helping
veterans make the transition from military to civilian life. We actively recruit U.S.
military veterans not just to honor their service, but because they enter the civilian
workforce with an incredible level of technical training and proven skills. These
characteristics make for a good hiring candidate and an even better employee.”
“Estes has always worked with me when I have taken
military leave; they’ve always been very supportive.”
—Greg Oliver, P&D Driver
(pictured center)
Stephen Benjamin, Driver Recruiter,
Most Popular Jobs for Veterans: CDL Class A Truck Driver,
Fleet Diesel Mechanic
Beginning in 1948 with a single truck designed to haul gravel and pulpwood,
Delmont Hartt has directed the company’s growth to now include 400 tractors,
2000 dry vans and many dedicated employees. In a time of motor carrier
consolidations and corporate ownership, Hartt Transportation is extremely proud
of its family ownership and management. We’ve been recognized by the American
Trucking Association’s Safety Management Council, the Maine Motor Transport
Association and Reliance Insurance Company annually since 1991 for our superior
safety record.
Regarding their focus on military, Rick Parisien, Human Resource Director,
commented, “We’re proud to welcome home all returning veterans. Hartt would
further like to thank you and your families for your sacrifices to this great nation. We
hire veterans for various positions and we’re a great company to transition back into;
our many employed veterans can vouch for that.”
“I was hired straight out of the Military and put into an Apprenticeship Program. Hartt is an
excellent family operation to work for because they care about their employees.”
—Leonard Pinette Jr. Sumter, SC Shop Foreman, former
United States Marine Corps Transportation Division
Mar/Apr 2015
11
NEWS
Lynden Inc.
18000 Int’l. Blvd., Suite 800
Seattle, WA 98188
Year founded: 1906
Dorene Kolb, Marketing Project Manager,
Most Popular Jobs for Veterans: Drivers
Lynden began with a clear mission: put the customer first, deliver quality and
be the best at what you do. Today, our mission remains the same. We believe that
complex transportation problems can be solved in the hands of the right people,
with the right tools and the right experience.
Lynden is a family of transportation companies with the combined capabilities
of truckload and less-than-truckload transportation, scheduled and charter barges,
rail barges, intermodal bulk chemical hauls, scheduled and chartered air freighters,
freight forwarding, remote site construction, sanitary bulk commodities hauling and
multi-modal logistics.
Jason Jansen, President at LTI/Milky Way, explaining why veterans make great
employees said, “Veterans are a proven source of talent in a broad range of technical
skills and have a variety of desirable traits like leadership, reliability, dedication and
a team player mentality. Their skill set is a critical link in America’s supply chain and
we need them to help deliver the goods that keep our country running.”
The adventure starts at Lynden. Our projects and companies will take you all over
the country or keep you close to home - the choice is yours. No other company
offers so many driving options. We’re looking for mechanics, forklift drivers and
dispatchers, too!
“I have been with LTI/Milky Way since January 2007. During my
time there, I was gone for two years due to deployments and
other military obligations. I never lost benefits or seniority and
LTI/Milky Way was very supportive. Lynden is very dedicated
and committed to supporting our military and hiring veterans.”
Pratt Logistics, LLC
a subsidiary of Pratt Industries, Inc.
2004 Eastview Pkwy., Suite 500
Conyers, GA 30013
Year founded: 2010
Scott Belt, Recruiting,
Most Popular Jobs for Veterans: Dispatch, Logistics Management,
CDL Class A Truck Drivers;
Full and Part-Time Positions Available
Pratt’s corrugated logistics subsidiary, Pratt Logistics, LLC, was formed in 2005
to develop and operate an independent trucking company and to better serve the
internal needs of other Pratt divisions and subsidiaries and as well as those of Pratt’s
customers. Our goal is to run a safe, modern and compliant fleet with continued high
customer service and delivery standards.
Like Pratt’s other divisions and subsidiaries, we’re also dedicated to protecting the
environment. We help Pratt reduce harmful emissions by backhauling waste paper to
Pratt’s three-mill containerboard system, as well as materials used to fuel Pratt’s clean
energy facility at the Conyers Campus in Georgia.
Pratt Logistics, LLC operates one of the most modern transport fleets in the country.
The average age of our 250-strong power unit fleet, which includes both day and
sleeper cabs, is less than three years old. We also operate a large fleet of trailers
nationwide by using the latest satellite tracking technology to improve efficiencies and
performance, as well as elogs and PeopleNet on on-board computers.
Regarding their commitment to military, Danielle M.
Roszko, President, N.A. Supply Chain & Pratt Logistics,
LLC, said, “At Pratt Logistics our goal is to recruit Military
Personnel and expose employment opportunities as
they transition back into the Civilian sector.”
—Dan Stout, presently Aviation Warrant Officer,
Washington National Guard
Service Transport Company
Corpus Christi TX, Houston TX,
Beaumont TX, South Louisiana and Mobile AL
Year founded: 1965
Most Popular Jobs for Veterans: Beth Dale, Recruiting Manager, [email protected];
Karla Gonzalez, Recruiting Assistant, [email protected];
877-SVTN-JOB (877-788-6562)
Company Drivers, Owner Operators, Dispatchers
Founded in 1965, Service Transport Company is celebrating their 50th birthday this year. With a fleet
of 2012-2015 automatic transmission tractors and about 600 tanks, we’re hard at work in 48 states and
Canada. We have five terminals in Corpus Christi, Houston, Beaumont, South Louisiana and Mobile.
We recently asked a few of our 20+ year tenured drivers why they’ve stayed with Service Transport
Company so long. The answer? ”Because they take care of us”. Jim Brown, President of Service Transport
Company, adds, “I am proud to have veterans on our team. We are growing in 2015 and would love to
provide jobs to the men and women who have been willing to serve our country. Come and visit us at one
of our five terminals. I think you’ll find a home.”
Service Transport Company will adjust your pay, bonus and vacation with applicable driving experience
on your DD214. We require a CDL-A with an X endorsement and a TWIC card. If you’re a driver looking for
a home, give us an opportunity. We thank you for your service to our country.
“Any trucking company can offer you a job but at Service Transport,
you can have a career with a company that shares the same values
and commitment as our nation’s armed forces. Pride, dedication,
teamwork and attention to detail are only but a few of the values you
can expect from Service Transport.”
—Francisco Isaac, Company Driver, U.S. Army
XPO Last Mile 1851 West Oak Pkwy., Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30062 • Year founded: 2001
Veteran Recruiting Contact: Joe Gagne, Marketing Manager,
[email protected],
315-453-9717
XPO Last Mile is the leading provider of high-touch, last-mile
delivery service in North America and a member of the XPO
Logistics family of companies. XPO Last Mile was founded in 2001
to capitalize on the rapid growth in the last-mile logistics segment
arising from the impact of e-commerce and the omni-channel
customer. XPO Last Mile was the first company of its kind to
create a truly nationwide, last-mile delivery solution providing both
a dedicated and a transactional service model. We were one of
the first to offer customers and carriers access to our leading
advanced technology, allowing companies to integrate all their
last-mile logistics activities onto one unified technology platform.
With 28 operating locations and a national network of more
than 2,000 licensed motor carriers, XPO Last Mile facilitates
well over 4.5 million shipments per year. Everything we do is
focused on that all-important last-mile experience, which begins
with a tailored transportation solution and a national network of
distinguished contract carriers.
If you’re interested in a career path with momentum and
opportunity, XPO Last Mile is growing. We’re always interested
in the industry’s best and brightest. We offer competitive benefits,
leadership development and career opportunities throughout the
United States and Canada. Join our fast-paced, entrepreneurial
environment that delivers world-class customer service with
honesty and integrity.
12
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Transitioning A to Z:
Apprenticeship
Training for Veterans
We Are Hiring
Local Drivers, & Regional - Company, and IC's
VA approved Apprenticeship Program
What We Have To Offer
Benefits package to include:
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Vacations
Paid Holidays
Medical Insurance
401k
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Weekly Time at Home
Assigned Equipment
No-Touch Freight
55% Drop and Hook
Career Advancement
In the upcoming issues of Military Transition News, we will be listing
everything a service member needs to know about transitioning, from A to Z.
This month, we tackle “W” and “X”.
“W”: Weakness
“What is your biggest Weakness?”
“Tell me about a time you failed.”
These questions or some form of them, have
plagued interviewees for generations. How
do you best answer this type of question?
Try to develop one or more situations in
your past where the result wasn’t exactly
what you expected. Maybe it will be an
example where you didn’t necessarily do
something wrong, but you weren’t prepared
for an unplanned contingency.
So for instance, perhaps a weakness is
budgeting: “I was in charge of a project that
went over budget due to an unexpected
expense. Afterward, I identified the cause
of the cost overrun and documented it for
the next time I was in charge of the project.
I then took a financial management online
course to be more aware of other budgeting
contingencies. And the next time the project
occurred, I helped it come in under budget.
So while it may not be my strongest current
skill, I am progressively improving as I’m sure
that it will be good to know moving forward,
no matter what my specific role is.”
The key to the weakness question is to
show that once you became aware of the
weakness, you addressed it and improved
because of it.
“X”: Roman Numeral for 10
We are using “X” in its Roman numeral form
to represent our 10 point interview checklist:
I. Arrive at least 15 minutes early
II. Wear a dark-colored conservative suit;
white or blue shirt; and if a male, a red or blue
subtle tie
III. Bring copies of your resume
IV. Research the business you are
interviewing with as this is something
interviewers frequently ask: “What do you
know about ACME Global?”
V. Make sure you have thought of some of
your past successes and can describe them
in challenge/solution/result scenarios
VI. Rehearse to sound natural; ironically,
you need to rehearse to be able to sound
unrehearsed during your interview; practice
talking about your education, background
and work experiences out loud
VII. Prepare questions so you will be ready
when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any
questions?” Make the questions about the
work and the position (which demonstrates
your interest in the role), not about how much
vacation time you will get or what the benefits
plan is – save those questions for after you
receive the job offer
VIII. Keep eye contact when speaking and
listening
IX. Display confidence in your abilities,
skills and readiness to do the job
X. Tell them you want the job; those are
powerful words which let the hiring manager
know you are very interested.
Strong Heritage
Strong Future
For more than 90 years,
Rowan has been a
leading offshore drilling
contractor with crews
who are dedicated to safe
and reliable operations
worldwide.
Rowan offers:
3400 Edgefield Court
Greensboro, NC 27409
Phone 877-340-3888
www.epestransport.com
•
Career-oriented growth
•
Opportunities to work
internationally
•
Competitive pay &
benefits
Your future awaits –
Join the Rowan legacy
To learn more about career
opportunities at Rowan, visit:
rowancareers.com
Mar/Apr 2015
13
NEWS
Are you looking for a company that values
INTEGRITY, LOYALTY & FAMILY? Do you want
to build your career keeping the general public
SAFE FROM HAZARDS they don’t know exist?
YOUR FUTURE
STARTS NOW!
Be Your Own Boss.
GeoStabilization International (GSI) is the premier geohazard
mitigation firm in the US and Canada. Our expertise, proprietary
tools, and worldwide partnerships allow us to repair virtually
any slope stability problem. We specialize in emergency landslide
repairs and rockfall mitigation using design/build contracting.
Commercial Cleaning Franchised
Businesses available nationwide.
Military veteran applicants are highly encouraged. EOE.
✓ AFFORDABLE
✓ STRUCTURED
✓ SUPPORTIVE
800.537.3371
WWW.COVERALL.COM
As a Military-Friendly Franchise, Coverall offers Veterans a 10% Discount.*
®
© 2015 Coverall North America, Inc. This offer is made by prospectus only. See Franchise Disclosure Document for details.
*Qualified Veterans receive a 10% discount on the initial franchise fee on the purchase of a Coverall Franchised Business.
Visit our website www.geostabilization.com/career-opportunities
IT’S YOUR MOMENT OF TRUTH
Choose the National Guard and you choose
an education to match your intellect, as well
as service to your community, State, and
Nation. Choose the Guard, and you choose
to make a difference in your life … and in the
lives of others.
• MONEY FOR COLLEGE
• LEADERSHIP SKILLS
• CAREER TRAINING
• PART-TIME SERVICE
Programs and Benefits Subject to Change
COMC-17-B_10.188x6.625.indd 1
12/1/14 2:01 PM
14
NEWS
Mar/Apr 2015
Where America’s Military Connects With Civilian Careers
JOB SEEKERS
COMP
CivilianJobs.com is more than a great
place to post your resume. Your skills are
valuable and marketable, and we provide
you with the
best methods
to pursue
military-friendly
employers
including via
our job board
and military
job fairs.
If you are seeking to recruit / source military talent,
let CivilianJobs.com design a staffing solution to fit
your needs:
• Contract Recruiting
• RPO
• Per Hire or Contingency
• “IQ” Talent
• Military Base
Newspaper/
Employer Advertising
• Military Job Fairs
• Military Job Board
CIVILIANJOBS.COM
EMPLOYERS
The leading career resource for the military community.
1-866-801-4418
MILITARY TRANSITION NEWS
Founded by military veterans with years of experience in placing military candidates in new careers.
877- SVTN - JOB (888-437-1372)
HIREMILITARYBLOG.COM
N E W
Mar/Apr 2015
15
NEWS
Sales is Not a 4-Letter Word
BRADLEY-MORRIS, INC.
ANIES
career
coach’s
corner
MILITARYTRANSITION.COM
S
MILITARYRESUMES.COM
•
•
by Tom Wolfe
Career Coach and Contributing Editor
W S
•
everal years ago, a well-respected
business magazine surveyed the
leaders of the 500 largest U.S. industrial
companies to see what, if any, common
denominators of success they share. The
survey showed that the most common
one was sales experience. More than half
spent the majority of their professional
lives on sales and marketing career paths.
Although that might surprise you, it is easy
to understand why: No matter how good
its products or services, a company will not
succeed if no one buys them.
Starting a new career in a sales capacity
might be an excellent choice for many
separating military personnel, but most
of them shy away from sales. During my
career in the counseling and placement of
military personnel, I found that only one
out of 10 candidates walked in the door
saying he or she wanted a sales job. Among
the remaining nine, on average there were
three who, given analysis of their attributes
and motivators, should have started their
civilian careers in a sales position. After
thorough research and job-hunting, two of
them did so. The third person started his
or her career differently but transferred to
a sales position within two years.
What’s the hesitation? There’s a simple
explanation. For most of these people,
“sales” is a four-letter word and something
to be avoided. Where does that attitude
come from? Here’s my theory: Blame it on
your parents.
The people who raise us influence many
of the values and opinions that we hold
onto as adults. Just as they teach us to
avoid four-letter words, they instill in us
a negative attitude toward sales. From an
early age, we are exposed to sales mostly
from the perspective of the consumer. We
are taught to distrust sales people. They
sell us things we do not need. They charge
us more than we should have to pay. When
we get it home, it doesn’t work as well as it
should. When we go back to complain, they
are nowhere to be found. With that mindset,
is it any wonder that we have difficulty
picturing ourselves in that profession?
There is some truth in those scenarios,
but the picture is incomplete. The consumer’s
exposure to sales is only the tip of the
iceberg, the visible part. To get the entire
picture you must also consider the
importance of sales in the free-market
system and capitalism. Put aside for a
minute your image of the door-to-door
salesman or the telemarketer and consider
the following:
•
•
•
Businesses selling to other businesses
One industrial company using the
products of another
Companies selling products or
services that fill existing needs or help
•
other companies solve problems or
make them more efficient
Hospitals purchasing medical
equipment
Computer manufacturers buying
microprocessors
Delivery companies purchasing
trucks
Oil refineries buying chemicals.
•
•
The list is virtually endless. Moreover,
when it comes to the business world,
exceptional service, quality products
and competitive pricing are not enough.
What matters is profit. Income must
exceed expenses. Without sales, there is
no income and hence, no profit. No profit
means no company.
Independent of your current attitude
toward the S-word, allow for the possibility
that you might be among those who should
go into sales. It is not my intent to sell you
on sales, but rather to expose you to the
option. Whether you choose to interview
for sales positions or not, I strongly believe
that this information is very important for
all job seekers.
Sales opportunities come in many
shapes and sizes. Consider these:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Financial: Products include
mutual funds, insurance,
annuities, financial planning
services, stocks and bonds; the
customer base is either retail,
commercial or institutional
Business-to-Business (B2B):
A business selling its products
or services to another business,
which then incorporates what has
been purchased for resale to its
customers
Real Estate: This includes clients
in the residential or commercial
markets; the product could be raw
land, office space, buildings or
houses
Consumer products: Products
companies sell to wholesale or
retail outlets, using techniques like
shelf-space management, product
promotion and advertising
Technology/engineering: These
sales reps have specific technical
expertise or education; they
call on a client base that is often
highly-educated and technically
sophisticated; products are bigticket items or capital equipment
Pharmaceutical: Sales reps detail
the capabilities of their products
to medical professionals; this is
indirect selling in that the client
(the doctor) is not the end user (the
patient)
Medical: Products include hospital
supplies, diagnostic equipment,
test kits, surgical instruments and
the like; some relevant education
or experience might be required
due to a very knowledgeable and
sophisticated clientele
Manufacturer’s reps: They
represent the product lines of
several different companies,
usually within a specific industry;
many companies use reps as an
alternative to having an in-house
sales force
Recruiting: Recruiters are
the salespeople who work
for placement companies,
headhunters and employment
agencies; they sell candidates on
using their services and employers
on hiring those candidates
Retail: Department store clerks
and automobile sales personnel are
typical examples; they sell directly
to the consumer (this may be the
“sales” category we are all most
familiar with)
Even if a job in sales is not right for you,
do not discount its importance as part of
your job search. Interviewing is selling.
Target the potential customer, get your foot
in the door, identify the need and fill it with
your product - YOU.
By the way, back to that survey I mentioned
in the first paragraph: Care to guess what
the second most common denominator
was among America’s civilian business
leaders? Prior military service! GOOD
HUNTING!
Tom Wolfe is a Career Coach, Columnist,
Author and Veteran and can be found at
www.out-of-uniform.com.
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16
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Tax Season Checklist for
Active Military and Veterans
Combat Service (http://www.irs.gov/uac/
Extension-of-Deadlines-%E2%80%94Combat-Zone-Service) for details on filing
extensions for those in combat zones or
support combat zones.
by Ashley Feinstein
Financial Writer
W
ith tax season around the corner,
it’s the perfect time to get a better
understanding of your tax situation
as a member of the active military,
transitioning military or as a veteran.
While it’s important to pay what you owe
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on
time, you don’t want to pay them any more
money than you are required. You’ll also
want to maximize your deductions and
benefits as these are part of your total
compensation as a service member for
your country. Here are some tips to help
you minimize your tax obligation this year.
“You must pay taxes. But there’s no law
that says you gotta leave a tip.” – Morgan
Stanley
Check that your information is correct.
First, make sure all the information
you are providing to the IRS when filing
is correct. This will save you time, money
and headaches. Check to make sure you
are using the correct forms, all information
is spelled and listed correctly, and that
you checked the box for the correct filing
status. For more information on filing your
return, visit the IRS filing website (http://
www.irs.gov/Filing).
Use free tax filing software.
There are numerous free tax preparation
and filing services available to current
and former members of the military and
their families. The IRS has a Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
(http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/FreeTax-Return-Preparation-for-You-byVolunteers) that are available to those
who earned less than $53,000 in 2014.
MyFreeTaxes (http://www.myfreetaxes.
com) allows active military and veterans
who earned less than $60,000 to file both
federal and state taxes for free. Free File, on
the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov/uac/
Free-File%3A-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-forFree), provides information on all the free
tax filing software services available to
taxpayers. You can review the services and
choose the one that works best for you.
Know your deadline.
If you’re in a combat zone or have
qualifying status outside of a combat zone,
the deadline for filing your tax return
automatically will be extended. See the
Frequently Asked Questions section of the
IRS website at Extension of Deadlines for
Understand how to calculate your
earned income.
As a member of the military, you don’t
have to report the nontaxable income you
receive. Combat pay, Basic Allowance for
Housing (BAH) and the Basic Allowance
for Subsistence (BAS) are all considered
nontaxable income. The IRS recommends
calculating your tax bill two ways, with
and without nontaxable pay, to determine
which works best for you. Note: Military
members on active duty outside of the
United States are treated as if they are
living in the United States for tax purposes.
Benefits provided to the
United States armed forces
For tax purposes, all officers and enlisted
personnel in all regular and reserve units
controlled by the Secretaries of Defense,
Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard
are considered U.S. Armed Forces. The
following are some of the special benefits
available to active members.
Reasonable out of pocket moving expenses:
If you are on active duty and move
due to a permanent change in station,
all unreimbursed reasonable moving
expenses can be deducted. This includes
all expenses related to travel as well as
the cost of moving household goods and
personal effects.
Travel and transportation expenses:
If you are a member of a reserve
component of the Armed Forces and
have to travel more than 100 miles away
from home to perform your service, you
can deduct your unreimbursed travel
expenses.
The costs associated with traveling
from one workplace to another, attending
business meetings away from your
workplace or traveling away overnight
can be deducted from your income. The
expenses associated with your commute
to your typical place of work are not
deductible. Note: Reservists traveling to a
meeting of a reserve unit held on a day of
regular work can deduct expenses related
to travel.
Uniform expenses:
Uniform costs are typically not deductible
unless regulations prohibit you from
wearing your uniform when off duty. If that’s
the case, you can deduct unreimbursed
expenses associated with your uniform and
uniform upkeep.
Education related deductions:
You can deduct an education expense as
long as it meets the following two criteria
outlined by the IRS:
• It is required by your employer or
the law to maintain your salary,
status or job.
• It maintains or improves skills
needed in your present work.
Benefits provided to veterans
There are numerous tax benefits offered
to veterans. For tax purposes, a veteran
is someone who has served at least 24
consecutive months of active duty and
has not been released with dishonorable
status. Spouses, children and parents of a
deceased or disabled veteran also qualify
for these benefits.
Property Tax:
Disabled veterans now pay no or a
reduced property tax in many states.
California has a Disabled Veterans’
Exemption that allows veterans to claim a
full tax exemption on their property as long
as it’s the primary residence of the veteran,
the full value of the residence does not
exceed $150,000 and household income
doesn’t exceed $40,000. Paying reduced or
no property tax is a huge tax savings!
Education and Training Allowances:
Those who served for 36 months or
more after September 10, 2001, are eligible
for the benefits under the Post-9/11 GI
Bill. Any financial aid from the Post9/11 GI Bill is not taxable and does not
have to be reported as taxable income.
Other education expenses should also be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits for Dependents and Survivors:
There are numerous benefits available
to dependents and survivors of veterans.
Benefits include the VA’s Dependency
and Indemnity Compensation payment,
pension payments and a one-time death
gratuity. These benefits are not taxable
and will not need to be reported as taxable
income.
Life Insurance
Insurance proceeds covered by
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
Traumatic Injury Protection, ServiceDisabled Veterans’ Insurance and
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance are not
taxable, and those receiving the payments
will not incur any income tax.
Housing Grants
The Specially Adapted Housing Grant
is a benefit that helps disabled veterans
modify their house to any special needs
including but not limited to making the
house wheelchair accessible. The grant
offers up to $67,555 in funding for house
adaptation and does not have to be
reported as taxable income.
Here’s wishing you good fortune in
navigating your taxes this spring. If you
have follow-up questions, look me up at
the sites below.
Ashley Feinstein is a certified money coach
and founder of Knowing Your Worth, where
she empowers her clients to redefine success
on their own terms by knowing their value
and fearlessly going for it. Find out more, check
out her blog at KnowingYourWorth.com and
connect with her on Facebook and Twitter at
The Fiscal Femme.
Join CivilianJobs.com on...
Read this issue online now at Online.MilitaryTransitionNews.com
Mar/Apr 2015
17
NEWS
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419
Founded In 1852
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRANSITIONING
MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS
Veteran Assistance Contact: Robert Prah, Director of Veteran’s Affairs
[email protected] | (724) 938-4076
LOCATE TECHNICIANS
Most Popular Degree Programs for Veterans*:
Master of Science, Exercise Science & Health Promotion; Bachelor of Science, Sport
Management-Wellness and Fitness Concentration
Cal U: Ready to Serve You You are serving our nation, now let us serve you. California
University of Pennsylvania is here to serve you and your family in securing your own future
with a quality education. Cal U’s Global Online learning community makes it convenient to
earn your undergraduate or graduate degree, whether you are at home or serving abroad.
Global Online’s internet-based format fits well with challenging military duty assignments,
enabling you to access your Cal U coursework from anywhere in the world.
Our asynchronous classes make it possible to complete your assignments at any time of
the day or night. Global Online courses are also ideal for spouses or other family members
who are interested in earning their degrees.
“Cal U’s Global Online program and professors
were exceptional. This degree was something
that was not on my radar two years ago and to
have a master’s degree in something I love to
do opens up many more doors to success.”
- Darin Elkins, U.S. Army, 2014 Global Online
Graduate Exercise Science and Health Promotion
* The most popular degree programs for veterans were listed incorrectly in the July/August 2014 Elite 8 Education issue of
Military Transition News. California University of Pennsylvania regrets the error.
USIC is one of the nation’s fastest growing
underground utility locating companies. By
locating underground utilities, we are protecting
the communities where we live and work. We
have full-time Locate Technician positions available
throughout the US. Prior locating experience is
not required!
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
· 100% paid training
· Company vehicle – all vehicle expenses paid
· Company laptop, phone and equipment
· Advancement opportunities – we promote
from within the company
· Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
· Paid holidays
· 401(k) with company match
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Must be able to work outdoors in all types
of weather conditions
· Must be able to work in a confined space;
walk, bend, and lift up to 75 pounds
· Must be computer proficient
· Must be available to work overtime and
some weekends (as needed)
· Must pass a drug screen
· HS Diploma or GED required
· Valid driver’s license, safe driving record
and background check required
EEO/AA
Take the first step to join our ranks:
Please apply online at http://usicllc.source2.com
3324-2_CALU_5x6.625.indd 1
1/15/15 3:58 PM
JOIN A HEALTH SYSTEM THAT
CARES FOR ITS VETERANS
Located minutes from Fort Bragg, N.C., Cape Fear Valley Health has a
proud tradition of serving active duty and retired military. With a staff of
6,000 and five hospitals, we can offer nurses and allied health professionals
exciting opportunities, excellent benefits and professional development.
Our flagship hospital in Fayetteville offers cardiac surgery, neonatal and
pediatric intensive care, trauma care, radiation and medical oncology,
as well as med/surg and adult intensive care. We have achieved Joint
Commission Disease Specific Certification in hip and knee replacement
surgery, heart failure, acute MI and advanced stroke care.
Physical and occupational therapists enjoy professional satisfaction in our
CARF-accredited 78-bed rehabilitation center. Our long-term acute care
hospital offers specialized care for patients with complex medical needs.
For more information, visit us online at capefearvalley.com.
EEO/AAP Employer
18
NEWS
Mar/Apr 2015
Job Fair
Calendar
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
March 3, 2015
Ft. Carson - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton,
1775 East Cheyenne
Mountain Blvd.,
Colorado Springs, CO
POC: CivilianJobs.com (866) 801-4418
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
April 15, 2015
Redstone Arsenal 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Summit
Date: March 4, 2015
Location: JBSA - Ft. Sam Houston
Hiring Heroes Career Fair 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1395 Chaffee Road
Ft. Sam Houston, TX
Sponsor: POC: Jon Vance (210) 221-9255
[email protected]
Date: April 21, 2015
Location: Patuxent River NAS MD
3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Bay District Vol. Fire Dept.
Social Hall, 46900
S. Shangri-La Dr.
Sponsor: POC: Janet Giles, JobZone,
www.JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or
(540) 226-1473
[email protected]
Date: March 9, 2015
Location: Ft. Hood Job Fair 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier &
Family Readiness Ctr.
Bldg. 18000
Sponsor: POC: Robert Schumacher (254) 288-0827
[email protected]
Date: April 23, 2015
Location: JBLM-SFL-TAP Spring Career
Fair - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
American Lake
Conference Center
8085 NCO Beach Rd.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Sponsor: POC: Daniel Verbeke,
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
April 28, 2015
Camp Pendleton 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pacific View
Date: March 11, 2015
Location: Ft. Campbell - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Soldier For Life Center
5661 Screaming Eagle Blvd.
Sponsor: POC: Sean Solorzano
(270) 798-6507
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
April 30, 2015
Las Vegas Job Fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wynn Las Vegas
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
May 5, 2015
Ft. Benning - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Benning Conference Center
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
June 17, 2015
Ft. Knox - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saber & Quill
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
June 24, 2015
Ft. Sill - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Patriot Club
March 11, 2015
Ft. Bragg - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ft. Bragg Club
March 24, 2015
Ft. Lee - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Regimental Club
Date: March 26, 2015
Location: Dahlgren VA @
Univ. of Maryland
Washington-Dahlgren Campus 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
4224 University Dr.
University Hall, Room 110
King George, VA
Sponsor: POC: Janet Giles, JobZone,
www.JobZoneOnline.com (434) 263-5102 or
(540) 226-1473
[email protected]
Date:
Location: Sponsor:
Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI) is the largest
military-focused recruiting firm in the U.S.
that for over 20 years has specialized in
placing prior military job seekers with
Fortune 1000 companies.
CivilianJobs.com helps
military-friendly companies who
actively recruit candidates from
the military by offering cost-effective and customized
solutions to meet their hiring
needs.
NEWS
Military Transition News is a
bi-monthly publication providing
military job seekers with relevant
career and transition advice. It is
distributed in print and online to
over 500 military bases.
MilitaryResumes.com provides
professional resume writing and
consulting services for transitioning
military, veterans, and their spouses
seeking a civilian or federal career.
Essential Events and Travel, Inc.
provides expert event planning
services for corporate events and
meetings. We excel in managing
specialized events.
HireMilitaryBlog.com is a blog
dedicated to educating and assisting
employers (HR Recruiters) with
sourcing and hiring candidates with
prior-military experience.
MilitaryTransition.com is a blog devoted to
providing transition assistance information
and tools to service members transitioning
from the military to a civilian career.
April 1, 2015
Ft. Hood - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Club Hood
For more job fair dates and locations,
go to CivilianJobs.com
LARGEST MILITARY FOOTPRINT
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
Igniting Workplace
Enthusiasm
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If you have a command or sales background and the ability to invest
in your future, look into this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Find us at aa.com/careers.
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To learn more contact John Covilli at
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A natural next step.
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those same values run deep at Lilly. Not unlike the military, we’ve built a tradition of continuous growth and a
commitment to making life better. So when you’re looking to take the next step in your career, consider a path
that already feels natural. Learn more about career opportunities at lilly.com/careers.
American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc.
oneworld is a mark of the oneworld alliance, LLC. © 2015 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.
CA30115 PRINTED IN USA ©2014, ELI LILLY AND COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Copyright © 2013 Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. franchise_ad_080114_vets
19
Mar/Apr 2015
NEWS
20
TRANSITIONING
FROM ACTIVE DUTY?
The Air Force Reserve offers great part-time opportunities for
people transitioning from active duty. It gives you the time and
financial support to further your education, or begin a civilian
career, while continuing your military service toward retirement. As
a Reservist, you can continue to do the extraordinary and maintain
the camaraderie experienced while serving in the military.
800-237-8279 • AFReserve.com/Continue
0131_CivJobNews_10.188x13.5.indd 1
8/5/14 11:36 AM

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