In this powerful episode of the Veterans Entrepreneur Series (VES), Shawn Welsh sits down with John Kerkhoff, a decorated military veteran with over 20 years of service and the visionary founder of Frago 22. John shares the pivotal moments of his transition from military service to civilian life, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges he faced. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to helping fellow veterans successfully navigate their career paths.
John opens up about his experience with the Hiring Our Heroes program, which provided him with a solid foundation for his transition. Despite landing an initial role in a communications company, John encountered hurdles such as moving between states, managing discharge paperwork, and adjusting to civilian work culture. These challenges revealed gaps in the transition process and inspired John to create a solution for others facing similar struggles.
Frago 22, John’s brainchild, is more than just a business—it’s a mission-driven organization designed to bridge the gap between veterans and companies. By focusing on onboarding, training, and developing veterans within organizations, Frago 22 helps create a culture of veteran readiness. John passionately discusses how aligning veterans’ military skills with civilian job roles benefits both employees and employers.
Key Topics Discussed:
Transition Lessons: John’s personal journey, from the Hiring Our Heroes program to entrepreneurship, and the lessons he learned about preparation and adaptability.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings: How John turned calls from fellow veterans seeking advice into a mission to address the high turnover rates among veterans in civilian roles.
Building Frago 22: The importance of mentorship, structured onboarding, and fostering mutual understanding between veterans and companies.
Leveraging Resources: Insights into SBA programs, networking with chambers of commerce, and using platforms like SAM.gov for government contracting.
The Veteran-Centric Culture: How Frago 22 supports companies in becoming veteran-ready, highlighting benefits like tax incentives and grant opportunities.
Notable Insights:
- Veterans must embrace adaptability and set long-term goals rather than just focusing on immediate job placements.
- A structured approach, including mentorship and tailored training, is essential for a successful transition to civilian roles.
- Companies that prioritize veteran readiness gain access to skilled, loyal employees and unlock financial benefits.
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
- Connect with John Kerkhoff on LinkedIn to expand your professional network.
- Visit frago22.com to explore how Frago 22 is transforming veteran onboarding and development.
- Subscribe to John Kerkhoff’s YouTube channel for regular insights on veteran transitions and entrepreneurship.
Closing Remarks:
Shawn Welsh concludes the episode by highlighting the critical work John and Frago 22 are doing to transform the veteran transition experience. He encourages listeners to support this mission by engaging with Frago 22 and leveraging the resources discussed in the episode.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking guidance, an employer aiming to become veteran-ready, or an entrepreneur inspired by John’s journey, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable advice. Don’t miss it! Follow the VES podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with more inspiring stories and resources tailored for veterans. https://frago22.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kerkhoff-pmp-cplc-8a844ba7/ And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
https://spearpointonline.com/
Referral Code: VETSOS #vetsos #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #Frago22 #VeteranSupport #HiringOurHeroes