Veterans Enterprise 2013

V E T E R A N S

E NT ER P R I S E The Military and Veterans’ Business Network

Chris Marvin Teaming With Hollywood To Manage Veterans’ Public Image, Marvin’s Got Your “6”

Also Inside: Maximizing Veterans’ Benefits Commanding Veterans’ Success Ending Veterans’ Homelessness Bootcamping Veterans’ Entrepreneurship

DIVERSITY I S

I N

O U R

C U LT U R E

At Covance, we respect, value and understand the differences of each of our employees and create a work environment that encourages, develops and leverages their diverse capabilities to achieve our business goals. Simply speaking, our vision statement is to — build competitive advantage by optimizing the impact of diverse skills, cultures, ideas and experiences of every employee around the globe.

We believe that diversity is not about legal requirements, affirmative actions, quotas, or minority representation. Rather, its focus is on awareness, inclusion, respect, understanding and developing a supportive work environment for all employees regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, or sexual orientation.

Bring your unique talents to Covance. Visit www.covancecareers.com to learn more about a career with Covance and search open job opportunities.

Diversity within Covance is alive and universal. EOE

www.covancecareers.com

MANY CAT DEALER TECHS CONSIDER IT THE JOB OF THEIR DREAMS. ®

AND END UP IN PLACES THEY NEVER DREAMED OF. Just ask Chris Thomsen. As a Cat® dealer tech, he gives his all every day. In return, his job has taken him places he never imagined. He is challenged with changing projects, gets paid well, and has grown from lead technician to a mentor and supervisor.

Plus, to serve his customers, he makes regular trips to other parts of the world, including Alaska and the Caribbean. If you believe the more you put in, the more you get out and know how to work with your head and your hands, call your local Cat dealer today. All over the country, our dealers need smart, driven individuals to work with cutting-edge technology while supporting Cat customers on projects that impact all of our communities.

Are you built to be a Cat dealer tech? Find out today at CatTechJobs.com/military.

© 2013 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the “Power Edge” trade dress, BUILT FOR IT, as well as corporate and product identity herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

editor’s letter

DISCIPLINE IS DIVINE V E T E R A N S

E NT E R P R I SE The Military and Veterans’ Business Network

Chris Marvin Teaming With Hollywood To Manage Veterans’ Public Image, Marvin’s Got Your “6”

One of the key aspects to accomplishing anything of value; discipline is the track upon which the train to success rides. Discipline is what gets you where you need to be—when you need to be there. Discipline prepares you to do what needs to be done, and helps you execute regardless of the obstacles strewn in your path.

In other words, when it comes to achieving, discipline is divine.

Whether you’re going back to school, looking for a job, or starting a business, a disciplined attitude will see you succeed. And, if there is one thing you got in spades from your military experience, it is discipline.

In fact, discipline is one of the key attributes you’ll bring to civilian life.

As valuable as it is though, discipline minus a plan…

Well, this will leave you lacking.

For this reason, it is important to assess your situation early on, ideally while you’re still enlisted, so you can create a transition plan for yourself. Keep in mind; your life after the military will absolutely be a Also Inside: product of your decision-making process. Cut yourself Maximizing some solid orders. Take a look at what you like to do, Veterans’ Benefits match it up to the experience you’ve gained in miliCommanding tary service, study the job market and/or the business Veterans’ Success scene where you plan to reside, and develop a plan to Ending Veterans’ translate the experiences gained in military service Homelessness into assets for civilian life.

Bootcamping Veterans’ Entrepreneurship One of the tenets upon which this magazine rests is eliminating the phrase “unemployed veteran” from the American lexicon. However, this phrase is something of a misnomer. While the numbers of unemployed veterans looks high, the reality is those numbers are concentrated primarily among young, recently discharged veterans. This is because in many cases younger veterans—particularly those from infantry combat situations, lack the practical job experience needed to make it right away. Further, their skill-set often doesn’t translate freely to the civilian environment.

If you fall into this category, it is of particular importance you make every effort to ensure you develop a plan for your civilian life before you transition out of uniform. Use a disciplined approach to preparing yourself for the next phase of your life. Take a good look at your likes and dislikes and find something you love to do. Then, use your G.I. Bill benefits to get yourself into a good school and provide you with financial support while you learn everything possible about your passion. In other words, take your military discipline and apply it to a strategy for preparing yourself to be successful in the world doing something you love to do.

Discipline, combined with a goal, a workable plan, and solid execution will see you to success every time.

Discipline really is divine.

Lyndon Conrad Bell Editor Veterans Enterprise

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Veterans Enterprise

V E T E R A N S

E NTE RP R I S E The Military and Veterans’ Business Network

Inside This Issue

On The Cover Chris Marvin’s Got Your 6

A veteran of Afghanistan, former Blackhawk pilot Chris Marvin is now working to help his fellow vets take on their next mission in life. Marvin has teamed with Hollywood to foster a movement to change the nature of the conversation around veterans in society.

Page 26

Features CLICK ON A PAGE NUMBER TO GO TO THAT STORY

Page 14

Maximizing Benefits

These ten tips will help you maximize the effectiveness of both your college experience and help you best apply the G.I. Bill to your transition into civilian life.

Page 19

Page 24

Former U.S Army Major Giovanni Feroce, now CEO of Alex and Ani, has turned that company into a lifestyle juggernaut with military command and control organizational disciplines.

Entrepreneurship, like military service, demands much. The good news is a lot of what you got from the military applies directly to business. Here’s where you can learn to do it.

Commanding Success

Bootcamping Entrepreneurship

News, Views, & Departments : Page 4: Divine Discipline Page 8: Vets Tax Credits Expiring Page 9: SBA Veterans’

Business Loans

Ad Index: p2. Covance p3. Caterpillar p6. Acushnet p7. Bellevue University

Page 10: VetSuccess On Campus Page 16: VA and HUD Helping Vets

Find Home Page 28: Networking, Benefits, and

College Strategies

p12. Rehrig Pacific p13. TalentGuard p17. Nixon Peabody p18. Lockheed Martin p22. Union Pacific p23. DirectEmployers

p28. U.S. Army History p29. Valley Power Systems p30. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. p30. Golden Corral p30. American Pacific Corporation p30. E&J Gallo

PUBLISHER EqualityMagazines.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Jeff Palmatier DIRECTOR - MARKETING Mark Cohen EDITOR Lyndon Conrad Bell ART DIRECTOR Fran Sherman WEBMASTER Vince Ginsburg OFFICE MANAGER Robin Cohen VETERANS ENTERPRISE is published by EqualityMagazines. com a wholly owned susidiary of JMR Publishing Enterprises, Inc. The views expressed by our columnists, correspondents and the Veterans Enterprise magazine, do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Acceptance of advertising or articles for publication in no way constitutes an endorsement of the publisher.

No part of this issue may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission of the publisher.

Copyright 2013.

All rights reserved.

For advertising, email: sales@EqualityMagazines.com For editorial, email: editor@EqualityMagazines.com EqualityMagazines.com VETERANS ENTERPRISE 13351 Riverside Dr. #514 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Tel: 818-654-0870 http://www.EqualityMagazines.com

p30. City of Hollywood, Florida p30. Black Perspective Magazine p31. LAPD p31. HSB Global Standards p31. Post Your Job p32. Equality Magazines

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Embracing Diversity

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Tax Accounting • Customer Service • Information Technology Opportunities are available in Southeastern MA and Southern CA. Acushnet Company offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. For more information, check out our website.

Join the Team behind the Brands.

Acushnet Company proudly supports America’s Veterans.

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News Briefs TAX CREDIT For Hiring news briefs

VETERANS Set To Expire

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) extended the special tax credit for employing veterans through 2013. ATRA also extended the Work Opportunity Tax Credit as expanded by the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

President Obama signs the Vow To Hire Heroes Act

WHEN CONSIDERING HIRES MAKE SURE THEY: • Have served for more than 180 days in the United States Armed Forces, not including training or; • Have been released or discharged from active duty because of a disability connected to his or her service, and; • Not have had an active duty period of over 90 days that concluded during the 60-day time frame ending on the date of hire.

need not be consecutive.)

• Unemployed for less than six months but more than four weeks during a period of one year before the date of hire.

(Unemployment need not be consecutive.)

• A member of a family that, for at least three months, received food stamps during a period of 12 months ending on the date of hire.

• Entitled to compensation because of a disability connected to his or her service and hired less than or equal to one year since being released or discharged from active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

• Entitled to compensation because of a disability connected to his or her service and unemployed for a minimum of six months during a period of one year prior to the date of hire.

THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS, IF A HIRE CAN BE CERTIFIED AS FULFILLING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: • Unemployed for a minimum of six months during a period of one year before the date of hire. (Unemployment

Employers must contact the State Workforce Agency to obtain veteran’s qualification certification based upon the parameters outlined above. To apply, IRS Form 8850 must be completed and filed within 28 days of the veteran’s first day of work, with the appropriate state agency. VE

For-profit employers are currently eligible to claim a tax credit of up to $9,600 for each qualified veteran they hire prior to the closing date of January 1, 2014. Non-profit employers are eligible too; their tax credit can be as much as $6,240.

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Veterans Enterprise

SBA Veterans’ Business Loan Initiative Announced The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the SBA Veteran Pledge Initiative, which is a commitment by its top national, regional and community lenders to collectively increase their lending activity to veterans by five percent per year for the next five years.

W

ith the support of SBA’s top 20 national lending partners, and approximately 100 additional regional and community lending partners across the United States, SBA expects to assist an additional 2,000 veterans obtain loans to start or expand small businesses by increasing lending by $475 million over the next five years.

This equals a five percent increase above historic veteran lending activity by the SBA. The initiative also complements SBA’s existing partnership with the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) VetLoan Advantage strategic initiative that offers small business financing discounts and training to veterans who own businesses or are interested in small business ownership.

“Our service men and women have made incalculable contributions and sacrifices for our country, and supporting them as they pursue their dreams to start or grow their own business is one of SBA’s highest priorities,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “Through this partnership

with national lending partners and regional and community lenders across the U.S. we stand ready to serve veteran entrepreneurs with loan-guarantees, entrepreneurial training, and resources that are critical tools to help them start businesses, drive the local economy, and create jobs for themselves and their communities.”

Administrator Mills announced the Initiative at Ft. Bragg, NC, together with representatives of the SBA lending community from across the country, and the U.S. Army and transitioning service members who have chosen to participate in SBA’s Operation Boots to Business (B2B) Program.

This program’s aim is to train veterans and transitioning service members in the ways of business entrepreneurship.

SBA currently engages veterans through its 68 local SBA district offices, 15 Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide, and its partnership with 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, and some 12,000 SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Businesses volunteers. Each year, the SBA helps more than 200,000 veterans, servicedisabled veterans, and reservists. VE

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news briefs

News Briefs

VetSucess On Campus T

he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has expanded the availability of services through the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program to 62 new locations this fall – bringing the number of VSOC schools across the country to 94.

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Veterans Enterprise

“VetSuccess on Campus is an innovative approach to help veterans in the often difficult transition from military service to academic life,” says Allison A. Hickey, The VA’s under secretary for Benefits. “Placing experienced VA counselors directly on college campuses strengthens the VA’s partnership with institutions of higher learning and creates myriad opportunities to help veterans succeed.”

This expansion triples the number of on-campus VA vocational rehabilitation counselors available to help ease veterans’ transition to student life, and assist them in achieving their educational and career goals through VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill and other education benefit programs.

The counselors maintain close relationships with local VA Vet Centers and VA medical facilities, referring veterans as needed for counseling or medical services and providing assistance enrolling in and applying for VA medical and nonmedical benefits. Partner schools provide on-campus office space for the VA counselors.

Since the inception of the Post-9/11 GI Bill four years ago, the VA has issued about $30 billion in payments to help nearly one million service members, veterans, and family members pursue their education.

The VA signed agreements with the following schools as part of the expansion: 1. American River College (CA) 2. Austin Community College (TX) 3. Austin Peay State University – Clarksville (TN) 4. Bellevue University (NE) 5. Bluegrass Community College (KY) 6. California State University – Long Beach 7. California State University – Los Angeles 8. Central Texas College 9. Citrus College (CA) 10. East Carolina University 11. ECPI University (VA) 12. Florida International University 13. Florida State College at Jacksonville 14. Florida State University 15. George Mason (VA) 16. George Washington University (DC) 17. Harrisburg Area Community College (PA) 18. Hawaii Pacific University 19. Houston Community College (TX) 20. Irvine Valley College (CA) 21. Johnson County Comm. College (KS) 22. LA City College (CA) 23. Leeward Community College (HI) 24. Liberty University (VA) 25. Lone Star College System – University Park (TX) 26. Long Beach City College (CA) 27. Middlesex Community College (NJ) 28. Midlands Technical College (SC) 29. Mira Costa College (CA) 30. Mt. San Antonio College (CA) 31. Northern Virginia Community College- Alexandria

32. Northern Virginia Community College - Annandale 33. Northwest Arkansas College 34. Northwest Florida State College 35. The Ohio State University 36. Old Dominion University (VA) 37. Pasadena City College (CA) 38. Portland Community College (OR) 39. Rutgers (NJ) 40. Saddleback College (CA) 41. San Antonio College (TX) 42. Santa Fe Community College (FL) 43. Southwestern Illinois College 44. St. Leo University 45. Syracuse University 46. Tallahassee Community College (FL) 47. Texas A&M University 48. Troy University (AL) 49. University of Alabama 50. University of Arkansas 51. University of Cincinnati (OH) 52. University of Florida 53. University of Houston (TX) 54. University of Illinois (Champaign) 55. University of Hawaii - Manoa 56. University of Kentucky 57. University of Nebraska 58. University of Nevada – Las Vegas 59. University of Texas - Arlington 60. University of West Florida 61. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee 62. Webster University – St. Louis (MO)

VETERANS SUCCESS ON CAMPUS BEGAN IN JUNE 2009, WITH A PILOT PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA. IT EXPANDED TO SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY AND CLEVELAND STATE WITHIN SIX MONTHS. PARTNER SCHOOLS ARE SELECTED FOR THE SIZE OF THEIR STUDENT VETERAN POPULATION, AND THEIR PROXIMITY TO A VA REGIONAL OFFICE, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE, VET CENTER OR VA MEDICAL CENTER – AMONG OTHER FACTORS.

For more information on the VetSuccess program, go to http://www.vetsuccess.gov. VE

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In addition, Rehrig Pacific also manufactures a full line of roll-out carts and recycle bins for the curbside collection of household waste and recyclables, and commercial containers and litter bins for automated refuse and recylables collection. Private haulers and municipalities alike enjoy the many advantages of using Rehrig Pacific collection containers and distribution services.

To learn more about us or to explore careers with Rehrig Pacific, visit us online.

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Veterans Enterprise

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education

Making the

MOST of Your Ten Tips For College-Bound Veterans WRITTEN BY DOROTHY GILLMAN

1. START BY APPLYING. Whether you are a first time college student or a transfer student, you must fill out an application. Go to the school’s website to find the requirement and deadlines. Provide transcripts and test scores as needed and your DD-214 for credits you might have earned while in the service. Take a tour of the campus-either on the web or in person.

If you don’t know where you want to go, try the school finder at www.military.com or the “education” tab on www.gijobs.com to get started.

hese tips are courtesy of the National Association of Veterans’ Programs Administrator (NAVPA). These are their ten best suggestions for returning veterans thinking about going to college.

2. MEET THE SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL. Find the Veterans Office on campus and introduce yourself. You will be asked to provide various documents and complete different forms so your enrollment can be certified to the VA.

T

3. GET YOUR GI BILL BENEFITS. There are many different programs and a wide variety of education benefits offered by the VA. These include the Post9/11 GI Bill (including Transfer of Benefits), Montgomery GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, to name a few. Additionally, individual states offer varying opportunities to National Guardsmen (some of the benefits come with different levels of eligibility).

Whether you are a reservist, in the National Guard, or on active duty, you should check the VA website or discuss your benefits with the school’s certifying

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Veterans Enterprise

official. You can find a wealth of information – as well as the application for benefits – at the GI Bill website.

4. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID. All students can apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going to http://www.fafsa.gov. This aid can be for grants, loans, and/or work-study.

5. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. There are many types of scholarships available based on merit, academics, or athletics, as well as private and general scholarships by area of interest. Some schools offer scholarships specifically for veterans. You just have to look. Check the school’s website and always remember: do not pay for any scholarship application.

6. FIND A PLACE TO LIVE. The key to being placed in housing is making sure you indicate you are a veteran on all forms. By doing so, you may be able to select a roommate from the beginning. Otherwise you might be assigned a room with traditional students (just out of high school), which can be awkward with your recent military experience. Many colleges have housing set aside for veterans; make use of it.

7. GET AN ADVISOR. Every student is assigned to an advisor.

Some schools have advisors specifically for veterans; smaller schools may not, but curriculum is standard for majors at each school. Interaction with the advisor will assist you in

developing a suitable educational plan, making your course selections, and determining your major. This person will get to know you and empower you in decision-making skills in education, career, and life choices.

8. TAKE THE CLEP. The College Level Examination Program is a series of exams you can take to test your college-level knowledge on what you have learned through on-the-job training, professional development, etc. There is a wide range of exams both general and subjective, with up to six credits each. The cost of a CLEP is fractional compared to the cost of tuition and fees. It could assist in skipping general introductory courses, general education classes, or could even demonstrate your ability in a foreign language.

9. CONNECT WITH OTHER VETERANS ON CAMPUS. Veterans Centers are popping up on many campuses. They are the place to meet other veterans, to do peer-to-peer networking, to connect student veterans with resources, and to help you to get involved-or simply hang out. If there is no center on campus, start one. Student Veterans of America can assist you in forming a chapter at your school.

10. GET CAREER TRAINING AND DEVELOP SKILLS. Career services and job placement are available for you while getting your education. Resume writing and mock interviews are offered. You can be placed in an internship or co-op program related to your career goal and earn college credits as well as a stipend or small paycheck. VE

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housing

HUD & VA Help HomelessVETS Get Into HOMES T

he Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs have announced the second round of HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) funding to local public housing agencies across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

The $7.8 million will provide housing and clinical services for 1,120 currently homeless veterans. In May of this year, the two agencies announced $60 million in HUD-VASH vouchers.

The supportive housing assistance is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUDVASH) Program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case, management and clinical services provided by VA. Since 2008, a total of 58,140 vouchers have been awarded and 43,371 formerly homeless veterans are currently in homes of their own because of HUD-VASH. “Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed and given up so much for our freedom,” said HUD Secretary Donovan.

“These vouchers are helping America end veterans’ homelessness one veteran at a time until we see not one veteran living on the street. I look forward to continuing our work with Secretary Shinseki and the Department of Veterans Affairs to target assistance to our homeless veterans. ” “These HUD-VASH vouchers are a vital tool in our effort to provide these brave men and women with the earned care and benefits that help them live productive, meaningful lives,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “So long as a single veteran lives on our streets, we have work to do. But with the continued support of President Obama, Congress, and our community partners, we will end homelessness among veterans.”

HUD-VASH is a critical part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to end veteran and long-term chronic homelessness by 2015. Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness serves as a roadmap for how the federal government will work with state and local communities to confront the root causes of homelessness, especially among former servicemen and women. HUD’s annual “point in time” estimate of the number of homeless persons and families

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Veterans Enterprise

for 2012 found veteran homelessness fell by 7.2 percent (or 4,876 people) since January 2011 and by 17.2 percent since January 2009. On a single night in January 2012, 62,619 veterans were homeless.

The grants are part of $75 million appropriated this year to support the housing needs of homeless veterans.

Local public housing authorities provide rental assistance to homeless veterans while nearby VA Medical Centers (VAMC) offer supportive services and case management.

This is the second round of the 2013 HUD-VASH funding.

HUD expects to announce more HUD-VASH funding this year. VE

Diversity at work At Nixon Peabody, our commitment to diversity is one of our core values. Our firm is made up of a diverse group of lawyers and professionals whose demographics mirror those of the communities in which we live and work. We believe a diverse environment is a rich environment where an open, inclusive atmosphere benefits everyone within it. Our supportive work culture not only makes the firm more interesting and stimulating, it also enables us to respond with greater agility to the challenges faced by our clients in a diverse, multicultural world.

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VETERANS ENTERPRISE

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© 2012 Lockheed Martin Corporation

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF

EXPERIENCE At Lockheed Martin, we believe that in order to have a world-class supplier base, we must provide opportunities for a wide range of businesses to work with us. Veteran-owned businesses bring a special perspective with them that enables us to deliver innovative solutions and new ideas to our customers. And we’re proud to say that putting supplier diversity into practice has made us one of DiversityInc magazine’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity. Lockheed Martin.

Supporting veterans and veteran-owned businesses. We always have. And we always will.

www.lockheedmartin.com

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Veterans Enterprise

corner

office

Giovanni Feroce CEO of Alex and Ani On The Merits Of Military Discipline In Business Written By Lyndon Conrad Bell

19

H

ow do you take a company from $2.2 million dollars in annual revenue to $79.8 million dollars in two years? Well, if you put that question to Alex and Ani (Ah-nee) CEO Giovanni Feroce, he’ll tell you his military experience has a lot to do with it. A retired U.S. Army Major, Feroce applied a military grade command and control structure to the management of the jewelry manufacturing and marketing company to a significantly positive effect.

Feroce with Alex and Ani founder, Carolyn Rafaelian

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Veterans Enterprise

“Essentially, I created an almost paramilitary organization when it came to information flow and organizational structure. I used the concept of a joint forces command, incorporating a J1 through J8 type of structure.” Feroce says.

Additionally, Feroce introduced the concept of sitreps to the informational flow throughout company. Each department reports its situation up through the command structure, employing a last week/next week view with three main efforts and three supporting efforts. New to everyone within the organization, this action created a seismic shift in the culture of the company.

The creativity within the organization upon which Alex and Ani’s products depend for their unique qualities remains intact. However, the operational aspects of the company are approached from Feroce’s more pragmatic perspective. The original vision of Alex and Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian was to offer a personal product infused with positive energy.

Alex and Ani’s signature creation is its collection of bangle bracelets. Produced with an innovative expandable design, they adjust to fit every wrist.

Adorned with charms promoting consciousness and unity, and built in an environment of love, trust and joy, Alex and Ani bracelets are said to infuse a spirit of positivity into their wearers. Walking through the Alex and Ani manufacturing facility, you’ll see ladies who have been working there practically forever, happily crafting the pieces and taking immense pride in their work. The atmosphere is one of joyous serenity.

All of that love goes directly into the jewelry.

Named for Rafaelian’s two oldest daughters, Feroce has evolved Alex and Ani from a reasonably successful jewelry manufacturer and retailer into a lifestyle juggernaut. Feroce’s long-term goal is to see Alex and Ani become a total lifestyle brand like Ralph Lauren. To that end, a number of loosely related companies have already been brought into the Alex and Ani fold, all of which promote one another through cross marketing.

Teas and Javas is the coffee bar concept, each of which can typically be found near one of the Alex and Ani boutique locations. By the way, the company had but one boutique when Feroce came on board in 2010. There are currently 36 of them, and Feroce plans to have an additional 21 open from Massachusetts to California by the beginning of 2014.

The Seven Swords media company was brought into the

Alex and Ani portfolio of companies to produce the organization’s media, as well as do work for other companies—including an innovative Alex and Ani Super Bowl ad for local TV markets.

Alex and Ani University, originally founded for Alex and Ani employees, is now providing instruction for other companies as well—turning the firm’s training department into a profit center. Alex and Ani also own Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards, producing some 13 varietals of wines. Feroce also envisions housewares, clothing lines, shoes, fragrances; a total lifestyle experience. He says when he first saw Alex and Ani, he realized it was much more than a jewelry company— he saw a brand.

As you can imagine, with all of Rafaelian’s emphasis on love and positive energy, the hard-nosed business aspect of running the company falls to Feroce. In an article in Inc. magazine Feroce and Rafaelian were referred to as the “disciplined and the divine”. Of course, this has not been without some fallout. While Feroce’s methods have taken the head count at Alex and Ani from 23 to over 900, only two of the original 23 who were there when Feroce arrived still remain.

Feroce’s leadership and martial instinct demanded a shift in the organization’s mental attitude, leaving some people out of their depth.

In the Inc. article, Rafaelian recalled the departure of one of her long time sales representatives; “The woman handling Disney came to us with some contracts, and we changed some of the language on them,” says Rafaelian. “She said, ‘I can’t go back to Disney and tell them we’re making changes.’

Giovanni asked her, ‘Why not?’ She said, ‘Because they’re Disney.’ He said, ‘We’re Alex and Ani.’ She didn’t believe we had the strength to do that. That’s when she left.”

The strength of Feroce’s leadership positioned the once tiny Rhode Island jewelry maker to dictate terms to an organization the size of Disney. Feroce credits that one hundred percent to his military experience. Instituting the concept of objectives, and attaching a “no later than” time frame to the accomplishment of same—with the understanding that failure is not an option—brought about a new standard at Alex and Ani. Further, the incorporation of the military decision-making process as applied to the operations and growth of the company resulted in significant gains as well. Just as with a

battle plan, every company endeavor is required to have an optional path of execution.

For vets looking to enter the civilian workforce, Feroce says it is important to transition your skill-sets gained in the military as well as your military education, and translate them into civilian terminology. If you’re a logistician in the military, you’re one of the best people a civilian organization could ever hire. The training you’ve had is unparalleled and your decision-making is superior, if for no other reason it is woven in experience. Feroce says the key is finding a way to help civilian employers recognize this in you.

Given a choice, Feroce prefers to hire ex-military; he believes it absolutely makes a difference. To that end, Feroce ensures the company is represented at military job fairs, and they have an active program to identify and employ veterans.

In other words, Feroce talks the talk and he walks the walk. VE

“Alex and Ani’s signature creation is its collection of bangle bracelets. Produced with an innovative expandable design, they adjust to fit every wrist. “ 21

Opportunity doesn’t always knock.

Sometimes, it sounds a horn.

To see the wide range of challenging and meaningful career opportunities available right now at North America’s premier railroad, visit www.unionpacific.jobs.

Union Pacific Railroad Careers @UPRailroadJobs

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

anything you can imagine

Imagine the possibilities Visit www.Employers.Universe.jobs or call (866) 268-6206 toll-free to learn more Š 2011 DirectEmployers Association, Inc., a nonprofit consortium of leading global employers

starting over

Changing The Game Prepping

DISABLED VETS For Business

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINE YACKEL

J. Michael Haynie, founder of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), and executive director of the newly formed Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University has a particularly acute understanding of the trials and travails facing veterans.

HE HAS MARCHED IN THEIR BOOTS..

One thing he came to understand with a great deal of certainty was the value of secondary schooling. “Higher education has something to offer this generation of veterans beyond access to education,” says Haynie, who served in the military for 14 years. “Within higher education, we have knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources that have yet to be brought to bear on solving some of the most pressing problems faced by vets and their families.”

Haynie joined the Air Force ROTC as a freshman at the University of Delaware and was commissioned as a second lieutenant at the onset of the first Gulf War. “In college you start thinking seriously about what matters and what doesn’t matter to you in the context of what you’re going to do with the rest of your life,” he says. “What motivated me to join the military was this idea of being part of something bigger than myself.”

Ten years into his military career, Haynie was selected to teach at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. As part of the assignment, he was sent to the University of Colorado at Boulder,

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Veterans Enterprise

where he earned a Ph.D. in entrepreneurship and business strategy, an interest he’d developed as aide-de-camp to a four-star general in charge of Air Force Materiel Command. “He wasn’t the stereotypical general officer,” Haynie says. “He approached what he did in a very entrepreneurial way, and I was fascinated at how his approach changed what we did for the better. The experience got me interested in studying entrepreneurship.”

When Haynie left the military in 2006 to pursue an academic career, he was drawn to the Whitman School because it has one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the country and because of Syracuse University’s Scholarship in Action approach. “I got the sense SU would present opportunities for me to use my skills and interests as an academic to actually make a difference in the world one way or another,” Haynie says. “While I enjoy academic research— and I’ve been successful in terms of publishing—it’s not what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. Instead, it’s this idea of service and what I can bring to the table to make a difference.”

It only took Haynie about five months on the job to see an opportunity and act on it. He was working with a doctoral student who was examining why many immigrants turn to entrepreneurship when they come to this country. Haynie came across similar data about people with disabilities: They are self-employed at a rate two to three times higher than the general population, because it allows them to accommodate some of their disabilityrelated issues. “At the time I’d also been reading about the unprecedented number of post-9/11 service members leaving the military with a disability, and those two things came together in my head,” he says. “I said to myself, ‘Here I am a military veteran, I teach entrepreneurship at a school where the dean is a Vietnam War vet, so why don’t we take what we do well and create a social venture that uses our expertise to help veterans with disabilities become business owners?’

“Never in a million years could I have imagined EBV would be so successful,” Haynie says. resources are available and how to overcome challenges.”

Haynie’s brainchild has proven so successful EBV is now offered at seven other universities nationwide and has been expanded to include three new programs; the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families; Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship; and Operation Endure & Grow, an intensive online entrepreneurship and small business training program for National Guard and Reserve soldiers and their families—all under the umbrella of SU’s new Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

In recognition of the impact these programs are having on the nation’s veterans, Haynie was present at the White House launch of Joining Forces, an initiative spearheaded

by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden, to support and honor service members and their families. “Never in a million years could I have imagined EBV would be so successful,” Haynie says. “We didn’t have a grand plan to take the program nationwide. It was just something we were going to do here at Syracuse University because it was the right thing to do and because we could.

It was a classic entrepreneurial moment.”

To learn more about the program visit: http://whitman. syr.edu/ebv/ VE Reprinted with permission of Syracuse University Magazine

THUS WAS BORN THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP BOOTCAMP FOR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES (EBV).

EBV is a game changer for many of the veterans who go through the rigorous training program.

It draws on the skills and attributes they learn in the military suited to business ownership—selfreliance, single-mindedness toward accomplishing a mission, and persevering until the goal is realized. “We try to fill their toolbox with what they don’t have, such as the technical and practical skills needed to write a business plan, develop a marketing strategy, and deal with legal and supply chain issues,” Haynie says. “We also weave disability-related issues into the curriculum to help them understand what

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success stories

changing the C conversation

hris Marvin, (US Army Ret.) is an Afghanistan combat veteran and the managing director of Got Your 6, the national campaign devoted to advancing the national conversation in America so veterans and military families are perceived as leaders and civic assets. Got Your 6 is a non-partisan movement uniting the entertainment industry with 30 expert nonprofit organizations, and is devoted to empowering veterans to convert their leadership and operational training into positive civilian roles in communities nationwide.

with Chris Marvin

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Veterans Enterprise

Prior to starting the Got Your 6 campaign, Chris Marvin served more than seven years as an officer in the US Army. A Blackhawk helicopter pilot and platoon leader, Marvin led his unit into combat in Afghanistan in 2004. In less than four months, Marvin flew 40 combat missions before being severely wounded in a helicopter crash near the Afghan-Pakistan border. Over the next four years, Marvin underwent 10 major surgeries and thousands of hours of physical therapy as part of his recovery before being medically retired from the military as a Captain.

During this recovery period, Marvin continued his service by working as the subject matter expert on flight simulations for the US Army Pacific. He also volunteered as an advocate for other wounded veterans, becoming the first Fellow for The Mission Continues—a non-profit organization challenging wounded and disabled veterans to volunteer in their communities, and logging more than 2,000 volunteer hours as National Director of the Fellowship program before joining the organization as full time staff.

Marvin also served as the director of Civilian-Military Partnerships for ServiceNation, heading the Mission Serve initiative—a program striving to bring the civilian and military communities together through service and volunteerism. During his time in this position, Marvin’s’ team hosted The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a veterans’ hiring fair and service project. He also orchestrated 11 high-profile service projects in 11 major American cities on 11/11/11.

Using his service, experience and education to lead the Got Your 6 campaign, Marvin has created a unique formula within the veteran service organization sector, whereby top organizations with a common goal and philosophy work together to serve the needs of veterans. Marvin acts as the hub connecting the numerous Got Your 6 entertainment, nonprofit, and government partners together in new and creative ways. Focusing on six key areas of veteran reintegration; jobs, health, housing, family, education, and leadership, Got Your 6 and Chris Marvin have made tangible steps towards bridging the civilian-military divide.

To celebrate Veterans Day, and to continue to create a new conversation in America surrounding veterans, Chris Marvin lead a number of national events for Got Your 6 in November of 2013. Kicking off Veteran’s Day week, Marvin hosted “Got Your 6 Storytellers,” with Google and the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for

Innovation. This all-veteran speaking program showcased the diverse talents and groundbreaking innovations of military veterans now making a substantive impact in the civilian world. The unique group of speakers included Dr. Tommy Sowers, assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs, Brigadier General David K. McEwen, adjutant general of the Army, Rob Gordon, former assistant secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, Jake Harriman, founder and CEO of Nuru International and Jake Wood, president, and co-founder of Team Rubicon. Each gave a presentation on their particular field of study or employment over the course of the one-day event in front of a live audience. The presentations were also recorded for future viewing.

Also in celebration of Veterans Day, Got Your 6 partnered with HISTORY for their nationwide “Take a Veteran to School” campaign. Through this program, Got Your 6 brought post-9/11 veterans into classrooms across the country as a way for young people to learn more about what service means to these men and women after they’ve returned home and to expand students’ understanding of the day’s significance.

With over one million service members leaving the military over the next three to five years, the work accomplished by Chris Marvin and Got Your 6 is more important than ever before. To learn how you can get involved, take action and visit www.GotYour6. org today. VE

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Book Shelf BUSINESS NETWORKING FOR VETERANS: A GUIDEBOOK FOR A SUCCESSFUL MILITARY TRANSITION INTO THE CIVILIAN WORKFORCE

Mike Abrams, Michael Lawrence Faulkner, and Andrea Nierenberg FT Press / ISBN 0133741613 Military skills and experience can be invaluable in civilian life. But successful transitions often require a network of people who can help the veteran decide where they want to go and then help them get there. Don’t know how to build that network? No problem: Business Networking for Veterans teaches everything needed to succeed.

From start to finish, the book focuses on the unique challenges facing a transitioning veteran and the unique skills and resources they bring to the table.

FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS, DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE PROCESS & BENEFITS Hal Moroz Uvize, Incorporated / ISBN 983886326

This book’s sections form a comprehensive guide to the process and benefits available for U.S. military veterans and their families. It is a compact, portable reference for veterans and/or their family members when the need to know something about Veterans Law or VA benefits arises. More often than not, people contact attorneys or veteran’s advocates for help on such matters, but many times those services incur costs. This book is a low-cost, simple guide to understanding the process and the bureaucracy. While it does not eliminate the need for competent counsel on such matters, the book does educate laymen on veterans matters, and prepares them to ask questions of the VA or legal counsel, should the need arise.

THE STRATEGIC STUDENT: VETERAN’S EDITION: SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONING FROM THE MILITARY TO COLLEGE ACADEMICS

David Cass CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform ISBN 1492943045

While the life transition for veterans goes far beyond academics, lessening the stress of the academic transition increases the likelihood of collegiate success. The goal of The Strategic Student is to help raise graduation rates amongst our nation’s veterans. One reason many veteran college students underperform is they need to be taught how to transition from the structured military environment to the unstructured college academic environment. The Strategic Student teaches college-bound military veterans how to make this transition and become self-reliant, successful students. VE

The National Museum of the United States Army, scheduled to open at Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 2015 will be the nation’s one and only Museum to present the complete Army’s history since 1775. It’s immersive exhibits, soldier artifacts, and dynamic venues will tell the stories of selfless service and personal sacrifices of the 30 million American men and women who have worn the Army uniform.

A Great

Army Deserves a Great Museum For more information on how to support the National Army Museum, visit us online today!

www.armyhistory.org 1-800-506-2672

CAREER AND BUSINESS NEWS ltl.upsfreight.com/aboutus/careers.aspx

at VA facilities. VE 3 improvements UPS Freight is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

VA is requesting $54.3 billion in advance

appropriations for 2012 for health care, an increase of $2.8 billion over the 2011 enacted amount.

Plannedfour initiatives in of 2012 include better leveraging Another percent companies planned to give acquisitions and than contracting, of smaller bonuses a year enhancing ago, whichthe theuse same

left many workers disgruntled, frustrated and ready to

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move on as soon as the market improves. Year-end

referral agreements, VA’s relationship percentage who said strengthening as much in the 2008 survey. with the Defense Department, and the use “Companies are not quite ready to expanding ramp up hiring,

We are the world’s workers, but they could help entice largest someASME to stay

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, of medical but they aretechnology. beginning to see the light at the Inc. end

Authorized Inspection Agency. Although we are best known for our services as an AIA, we’ve leveraged experience gained over more than 136 years of operation to While the human resource executives surveyed did become an industry leader in a variety of engineering services fields. checks, not provide details on the amount of bonus

aboard,” said Challenger.

Transportation | Land Developement | Environmental Services

of the tunnel. While most can probably justify Preserving National Shrines Consistently named among the “Best Civil Engineering Firmsgrowing to postponing bonuses another year, there are Work For” by CE News magazine, VHB is committed to providing a

“VA remains committed to providing challenging, dynamic and rewarding work environment. Our staff concerns thatsteadfastly job market improvements in enjoys 2010 opportunities to grow professionally and work on interesting projects.

Our access to a dignified and respectful burial for Veterans could bring an exodus of workers. Companies are

John Challenger said some companies may choose Job opportunities are currently available

dynamic, people-centric organization focuses on our culture of collaboration,

choosing to be buried athat VAlasting national cemetery,” personal development, andin developing relationships both insidethat and also sending a message we appreciate outside of our firm.

Shinseki said. “This promise requires that we maintain this has been a tough year for everyone, and that is proud to be an Equal Action Employer. nationalVHB cemeteries asOpportunity/Affirmative shrines dedicated to the the workers’ part in ensuring continued VHB ensures non discrimination in all programs and activities insurvival accordance is VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. memorywith ofTitle those who served this nation in uniform.” recognized,” saidinJohn Challenger, chief executive VHB participates the E-verifyA. employment authorization program.

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officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

The requested $251 million for cemetery operations

Equal Opportunity Employer a Wall Street sized bonusAncheck.

Many workers

FOR INFORMATION ON COMMISSIONED www.jacobstechnology.com and maintenance will support more than 114,000 www.vhb.com | Offices located throughout the east coast would be happy with a $100 gift certificate to a local Many employers are indeed expecting a rapid surge AND CIVILIAN CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT: interments in www.slmpd.org/hr/index.htm 2011, a 3.8 percent increase over 2010. restaurant or store. Many would probably be happy in4 turnover when the economy improves, according THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE

In 2011, the department will maintain 8,441 acres with to aShould survey firm concerning Deloitte.employment The survey you by haveconsultancy additional questions 3.1 millionopportunities gravesites. request includes youThe may budget call 314-444-5615. found that nearly two-thirds of managers were highly $37 million to clean an TIf youH E and B Las aestimated A officer C 668,000 K areconcerned interested in arealign position police or very highly about losing high-potential please request to speak to a Recruiter. headstones and repair 100,000 sunken graves. talent in the year after the recession ended.

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with a couple of extra days of paid vacation at the end of the year. Many are simply happy to have a job

PERSPECTIVE If you are interested in a civilian position please ask for a Human Resources Assistant.

in this economy,” said Challenger.

JACOBS is creating the world of tomorrow as one of the

largest providers of who architecture, construction, “Of course, those are justengineering, happy to have a job VETERANS ENTERPRISE

and other professional technical services. Jacobs Technology,

are usually the subsidiary first onesofseeking greener pastures at a wholly-owned Jacobs Engineering, is a

The Metropolitan Police Department, City of St.forced Louis, Missouri “In addition to layoffs, the recession many is an Equal Opportunity Employer

worldwide leader in providing advanced engineering and the first sign of improvement.

Companies understand

employers to decrease workers’ hours, institute pay

technical services for government and industry.

cuts, force employees to take unpaid vacations and

this and it is why nearly two-thirds of them are finding

halt matching 401(k) contributions. While some of

a way to give bonuses this year,” he concluded. HT jacobstechnology.com

Don’t miss our upcoming issue:

these measures have saved jobs, they undoubtedly 26

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THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE

VETERANS ENTERPRISE

The publication dedicated to informing the African-American community of job and career opportunities.

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A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY We are the world’s largest ASME Authorized Inspection Agency. Although we are best known for our services as an Transportation | Land Developement | Environmental Services AIA, we’ve leveraged experience gained more than 136 years of operation to Consistently namedover among the “Best Civil Engineering Firms to become an industry leader in a variety of Work For” by CE News magazine, VHB is committed to providing a challenging, dynamic engineering and rewarding workservices environment.fields.

Our staff enjoys opportunities to grow professionally and work on interesting projects. Our Job opportunities are currently available dynamic, people-centric organization focuses on our culture of collaboration, personal development,atandHSB developing lastingStandards. relationships bothPlease inside andvisit Global outside of our firm. our website for more information on current openings.

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

VHB is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

VHB ensures non discrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

VHB participates in the www.hsbglobalstandards.com E-verify employment authorization program.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

www.vhb.com | Offices located throughout the east coast

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THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY We are the world’s largest ASME Authorized Inspection Agency. Although we are best known for our services as an AIA, we’ve leveraged experience gained over more than 136 years of operation to become an industry leader in a variety of engineering services fields.

Job opportunities are currently available at HSB Global Standards. Please visit our website for more information on current openings.

www.hsbglobalstandards.com An Equal Opportunity Employer

Part of the EqualityMagazines.com Family of Diversity Publications

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TODAY V E T E R A N S

ENTERPRISE The Military and Veteran’s Business Network