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