Sometimes we think of leadership as having formal authority over others, but in many cases it’s not so clear cut. In the military you’ve gained valuable skills and attributes that make you a great fit for a leadership positions, but sometimes it's hard to know how to apply those skills to a job outside of the military. Today’s guest, Debbie Collard, knew that struggle well. Debbie joined the Air Force right out of high school and after serving 5 years, she was ready to move on but didn’t have a career path in mind. Immediately after transitioning, Debbie worked four part time jobs to make ends meet, and even considered re-enlisting in the military seeking career stability. Ultimately, Debbie ended up reconnecting with a friend who encouraged her to apply for a role at Boeing, where she went on to have a 30 -year career. During her time at Boeing, Debbie worked her way through the leadership ranks and gained sought-after awards and recognition along the way. Now, Debbie is the co-founder of Seasons Leadership, a company that provides leadership training and resources to all leaders, regardless of job title. Seasons Leadership offers many valuable resources for leaders, including coaching, consulting, leadership development, podcasts, and more. In this episode, Debbie shares her inspiring story that includes: • Her challenging transition out of the military • Her rewarding career at Boeing and how it prepared her to start her own business • Leadership lessons she has learned throughout her creer Check out SeasonsLeadership.com and the Seasons Leadership podcast to learn how you can reach new levels of leadership in your own career and life.

Transitioning into the civilian workforce can be challenging, which is why a growing number of Veterans are choosing to ditch the 9-5 and create their own path by becoming business owners. JDog Brands is the largest Veteran owned franchise system in America, offering franchises exclusively to Veterans and Military family members. JDog’s established reputation, military foundation, proven business model, and low startup costs, make it a great opportunity for Veterans to become their own boss. Robby (USMC Veteran) and Kelly Dinero join the podcast to share their journey as business owners with JDog. Topics include: Why they decided to franchise with JDog The support they’ve received from JDog Corporate The perks that come with being a business owner Check out Jdogbrands.com to learn more!

Micheal Sittler, Air Force veteran and chair of Enbridge's Veteran Talent Resource Network, shares insights into his military background, career path, and Enbridge's unique culture and commitment to veteran hiring. In this podcast, Micheal discusses his military career, transition to civilian employment, and why Enbridge is a great place for Veterans to build a lasting career. Additional topics include: Challenges faced when transitioning from the military to civilian life Enbridge’s Veteran Talent Resource Network Top career advice for transitioning service members Enbridge is a diversified energy company that's uniquely positioned to help accelerate the global transition to a cleaner energy future. Their core values- Safety, Integrity, Respect, and Inclusion- serve as their north star. The company recognizes the importance of a secure, reliable, and affordable supply of energy, which it delivers daily through its four core businesses: liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, gas utilities and storage, and renewable energy. https://www.oriontalent.com/enbridge/

If you’re looking to take the next step toward entrepreneurship but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is for you. Danielle Smith has a long family history of military service which led her to the National Guard nearly 12 years ago. In this episode she shares how she unexpectedly left a career in film and music production and now enjoys a life she could have only dreamed of as a successful business owner. Additional topics include: • Why Danielle joined the National Guard and how it has impacted her journey as an entrepreneur • Overcoming fear of failure in order to succeed in business • Why Danielle chose franchising and what’s next for her business Contact Danielle Email: Torpita1@gmail.com Instagram: ProducerDanielleSmith

Office Pride is an award-winning company looking for strong business leaders to help grow and expand its operations nationwide. The company has won many awards over the years, including Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans, Top Franchises for Women, Recession Proof Franchises, and many more. Tifton Coleman, Franchise Development Manager, and Kevin Scott, Franchise Owner, join the show to discuss their military backgrounds and why Office Pride is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to build a business and give back to their community. Additional topics include: • Why Kevin decided to open a franchise with Office Pride • How the opportunity has changed his life • Kevin’s future business and community impact goals https://www.oriontalent.com/officepridefranchise/ Tifton Coleman – tiftoncoleman@officepride.com | 727.330.2931

According to the US Census Bureau, 10.5% of all businesses are franchises, and approximately 14% of all franchisees are veterans. If you’ve ever been interested in franchise ownership but haven’t felt confident taking the leap of faith, today’s episode is for you! Bill Hoopes is a Navy veteran who defied all odds and is now living the life he always dreamed of. Bill dropped out of high school to help his single mom pay the bills, and after years of odd jobs, he enrolled in culinary school to pursue his passion for cooking. During that time he completed his GED, and ultimately joined the Navy where he served 16 years. After leaving the Navy to spend more time with his family, Bill started a diverse career journey that includes running a local softball business in Tampa, working as a history teacher, and now a business owner. Last year Bill became the proud owner of a Capital Tacos franchise, a quick service restaurant brand. During our conversation Bill shares the challenges he faced transitioning from active duty after 16 years of service and the experience of starting his own business. Additional topics include: • How Bill’s military career helped shape his goals as a business owner • Why he decided to pursue franchising • Advice for veterans interest in owning a business

Each day, FedEx delivers millions of packages all around the world. Founded in 1973, FedEx is one of the most admired brands in the world and one of the best places to work. As a people-first, global industry leader, FedEx offers training and advancement, educational assistance, and rewards for top performers in all job categories. Josh Link, a Marine Corps Veteran and Senior Project Management Analyst at FedEx Express, joins the podcast to discuss his military background and career with FedEx Express. Additional topics include: • Challenges Josh faced when transitioning out of the military • Why he “never dreads a day at work” at FedEx Express • Advice for transitioning service members To learn more about careers with FedEx Express, visit them online at careers.fedex.com/express.

US Foods is one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, helping more than 250,000 foodservice operators across the country succeed with their expert support, innovative food products and industry-leading technology. They maintain a workforce of 28,000 associates, 70 distribution facilities and more than 80 cash and carry locations. US Foods is just as committed to its employees as its customers, offering hybrid working models, employee resource groups, the ability to grow within the organization, and more. Jennifer Castillo, Senior Manager and President of the U.S. Foods Veterans Employee Resource Group, joins the podcast to discuss the many benefits of a career with US Foods. Additional topics include: • Challenges Jennifer faced when transitioning out of the military and how those challenges fueled her success in the corporate world • Why she is so passionate about her work at US foods and her role with the Veteran Employee Resource Group To learn more about careers with US Foods, visit them online at www.usfoods.com/careers.

If you’ve always wanted to achieve financial independence but aren’t sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place! Today’s guest has a proven track record of achieving wealth for himself and helping others do the same! Christopher Nelson is the Co-Founder and Principal of Wealthward Capital, a private equity firm that helps people create wealth by investing in real estate. Over the years, Wealthward Capital has acquired more than 3,000 multi-family units and has achieved a portfolio value of $249M. During this episode, Christopher will talk us through his career journey and how he’s used each experience to fuel his investments in startups and real estate. Topics include: -Misconceptions about careers in the Tech industry -How to compound your career compensation -Advice for people looking to create a passive income Wealthward.com linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson

Some of our most popular episodes are those that focus on business ownership and achieving financial freedom. If this is a topic that interests you, you don’t want to miss this episode! Brent Bowers, Army Veteran and Real Estate investor, joins the podcast to take a deeper dive into his journey as an entrepreneur. Prior to separating from the military, Brent knew he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to be more present with his wife and kids. His early success in real estate investment led Brent to making it a full-time career with his company The Land Sharks. Since then, he’s continued to build a successful business with a growing team focused helping people generate passive income by investing in vacant land. In this episode Brent discusses his military background, challenges and successes he’s experienced as a business owner, and he shares valuable advice for starting your own business. Thelandsharks.com brent@thelandsharks.com

If you’re just getting started in your career search and looking for a way to make a big impact, Orion’s Recruiter Development program can help launch your new career! The program offers a 3-week Recruiter Development bootcamp that will teach you all you need to know about Recruiting, and provide you with valuable resources to help you succeed. No recruiting experience is required, just effort, motivation, and the desire to learn! Ellie Walker and Ruth Ramirez, both military spouses, join the podcast to discuss their experience as graduates of the Recruiter Development Program. During the podcast they share how beneficial this opportunity has been in helping them grow both professionally and personally. Topics include: • Challenges military spouses face in their career search • The training and resources provided through the Recruiter Development program • A typical day as a Recruiter If you know someone who would be a good fit for our Recruiter Development program, please visit us online: www.oriontalent.com/about/careers/recruiter-development-program.

Finding purpose after leaving the military can be a challenge for many transitioning service members, but today’s guest is a perfect example of how combining your passion with hard work can lead to great success. Jordan Isham is a West Point graduate and currently serves as an Infantry Officer in the Army. When he made the decision to transition out of the military, he knew he wanted to grow a business that allowed him to use his wealth and resources to give back to communities around the world. In 2021, Jordan co-founded My Tennessee Home Solution, a Veteran Owned and Operated company that buys houses for cash in the Tennessee area. What started as a side hustle has turned into the acquisition of more than 100 properties, a $3 million hotel, and the company is on track to earn $3 million in revenue this year! During the podcast, Jordan shares how his business has evolved over time, and what’s next for My Tennessee Home Solution. Topics include: • Jordan’s journey from infantry to entrepreneur • How he balanced his Army career with a side hustle • Jordan’s big picture goal to make the world a better place Mytennesseehomesolution.com

If you are a transitioning service member, SkillBridge is a great opportunity to build your resume, explore employment interests, and develop job skills that will help you prepare for your transition into the workplace. Orion Talent is a proud participant of SkillBridge, and we are offering a variety of remote internship opportunities across all areas of our business. Ben Mason and Tyler Werch are former Orion interns through SkillBridge. Tyler and Ben accepted fulltime positions with Orion at the conclusion of their internships, and they are joining the podcast to discuss their experience. Topics include: • How to get started with SkillBridge • The evolution of Tyler and Ben’s roles from intern to fulltime employee • Advice for prospective interns Learn more: Email: Skillbridge@oriontalent.com www.oriontalent.com/dodskillbridge/

Everyone has their own definition of Financial Freedom, but regardless of how you define it, most of us don’t know exactly how or when we will get there. Jerremy Newsome, Author, Advisor, and Investing Guru, joins the show to discuss the basics of financial literacy and investing. Growing up poor, the thought of never having to worry about money was appealing to Jerremy. After learning about investing at the age of seven, Jerremy began picking blackberries and selling them door-to-door to save money to buy stock in Apple Computers. He convinced his dad to match his $1,500 deposit for Apple Stock back in 1995, which would be worth $14 million today. His passion for helping others enrich their lives and gain financial independence led him to founding Real Life Trading in 2014, which has grown to a seven-figure business. Topics include: • How growing up poor shaped his love for business • Resources he provides to help others achieve their financial goals • The big plans he has for his business in the future Connect with Jerremy: linkedin.com/in/jerremynewsome www.jerremynewsome.com www.reallifetrading.com

PCSing is one of the most challenging parts of military life, especially for military spouses who are trying to maintain their own career. To help ease the burden, Orion has partnered with PCSgrades, an online platform that supports the biggest relocation needs for military members, veterans, and military spouses through trusted community insights. Their comprehensive resources include detailed area guides, a BAH calculator, and more than 150 articles created by military spouses, veterans, and real estate experts. Jenah Wieczorek, military spouse and Marketing Director at PCSgrades, joins the show to discuss all things PCS. Jenah began her career as a dental hygienist but after PCSing multiple times she knew she needed a career with more flexibility. Since joining the PCSgrades team, Jenah has become an expert on how to conquer all the challenges associated with military life, and she was kind enough to share her best advice with us. During the podcast we discussed: • Challenges military spouses face • Getting connected with your community after each move • Free resources available through PCSgrades https://www.pcsgrades.com/

Transitioning into the civilian workforce can be daunting, which is why hundreds of Veterans have chosen the route of franchise ownership with JDog Brands - the largest Veteran owned franchise system in America. JDog's established reputation, military foundation, proven business model, and low startup costs, make it a great opportunity for Veterans to become business owners. JDog franchise opportunities include Junk Removal and Hauling, as well as Carpet Cleaning and Floor Care. Lillie Williams, Army Veteran and JDog Franchise owner, joins the podcast to share her passion about the work she’s doing with JDog and how the opportunity has changed her life. Topics include: Topics include: • Lillie’s background and military career • Overcoming fear of failure • Benefits of business ownership https://www.jdogbrands.com/

Ben Burt, Army Veteran, knew very little about franchise ownership when he transitioned out of the military. He considered a career in the medical field based on his military background, but quickly realized that his top priority was finding a career that would allow him the flexibility to spend more time with his family - which is what led him to become a franchise owner. Fibrenew specializes in the repair, restoration, and renewal of leather, plastic, vinyl, fabric, and upholstery. As a franchise owner, Ben gets to make his own schedule and work with customers to repair everything from medical furniture to boat and aircraft interiors. In this episode Ben discusses his rewarding journey as a franchise owner and why franchise ownership is a great career for veterans. Topics include: • Ben’s military background and what led him to Fibrenew • Focusing on your values determine your career path • Leveraging lessons learned from the military to become a successful business owner Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrburt/ Fibrenew.com/fayetteville/

During your military-to-civilian career transition it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the changes coming your way – from defining your future career goals, to understanding how to succeed in leadership, and everything in between. William Toti, author of author of the new book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership,” joins the podcast to discuss his upcoming book and lessons learned Topics include: • The epiphany that led him to writing the book • "The Great Lie” service members are told during transition • Key takeaways from his book Learn more: www.williamtoti.com

Business ownership appeals to many transitioning service members and veterans because of the strong leadership skills you gained in the military. One way to become a business owner is through franchising. Franchise ownership allows you to join an established business with proven systems and processes to help you succeed, and can also provide a sense of camaraderie similar to what you experienced in the military. According to a study by the International Franchise Association, US Veterans own roughly 14% franchises in the United States. Today’s guest is Paul Huszar, retired Army officer and now CEO of VetCor and Team VetCor. Paul graduated from West Point and then served 23 years on active duty, including four combat tours in Iraq. Additionally, he commanded a 1,000 Soldier and Airman Joint Task Force and served as the Dean of the Army’s Engineer School. Even with his impressive military background, Paul struggled to find a meaningful post-military career, until he was introduced to VetCor at a networking event. In this episode Paul discusses his journey as an “accidental entrepreneur,” and his mission as CEO. Topics include: • Paul’s military background and what led him to VetCor • Misconceptions about owning a franchise • Benefits of owning a franchise vs building a business from the ground up Connect with Paul: inkedin.com/in/paulhuszar/ https://vetcorservices.com/

One of the most important things you can do during your job search is knowing how to clearly show a Hiring Manager what value you’ll bring to their organization. A Hiring Manager’s goal is to make sure they are hiring top performers who will succeed in the position, and you can make the decision easier by demonstrating why you are the most qualified person for the job throughout each stage of the process. Amy West, Navy Veteran and Orion Recruiter, joins the show to discuss how to show a prospective employer your value through a carefully crafted resume and interview preparation. Topics include: The importance of using action verbs on your resume How to highlight your strengths in your elevator pitch Researching yourself to define “success” in your career history