Editor’s Interview

“First, let me share about Blue Star Families, a national organization to help active duty military families’ transition from one post to another, as well as many other aspects of their lives. ‘We empower families to thrive as they serve. We are committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors, to create vibrant communities of mutual support.” Emily Harrison, Chapter Director, Blue Star Families - Utah is a friend and one of the places we overlapped is The Salt Lake Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. I have been a supporter of Blue Star Families’ great organization for many years.” and benefits, to relocate and start over with a new employer at a junior position, with less pay, and less or no benefits. This is a cycle that repeats itself multiple times over in the military. SmartMomGig can present opportunities that don’t change when spouses are ordered to a new assignment. This would create stability for the individual, as well and the family. Also, it may, potentially, create a second income stream, with the possibility of having two retirement incomes in the household vs. one. For the first time, these amazing individuals and extended families can maintain a lifestyle free from economic hardships, and work toward building a legacy for themselves and their families.

1. What are some of the needs of this organization?

Blue Star Families have the same needs as most families moving into a new area: access to good babysitters, mechanics, dentists, pediatricians, supermarkets, the best mom or dad retreats, etc. In addition, they may be looking for supplementary employment, having had to leave their previous secondary jobs.

3. What can SmartMomGig bring to the table that is different from other offerings to this group?

SmartMomGig will bring these families support and a meaningful variety of flexible work options, which are true to their core work ethic.

5. Do folks from this group have special skills or clearance that corporations could benefit from?

This question brings a smile to my face. The key traits of these individuals are adaptability, resourcefulness, and appreciation for an opportunity to do good work for good pay. It would be my guess that many military spouses would pass a basic background check and because of the pool of candidates, many of those would have different levels of clearance. Blue Star Families included many branches and statuses, such as, active duty, guard, reserve and veterans. So, the answer to your questions is YES!

6. What industries do you believe will be interested in hiring these freelance workers through SmartMomGig?

2

. How are you envisioning a partnership between Blue Star Families and SmartMomGig?

The vision I foresee between Blue Star Families and SmartMomGig is one of economic value. Many military spouses have often been left out of the job market, or lost opportunities leaving a great position with pay

4. Isn’t something like this already set up for these workers?

The basic outline isn’t new. What’s new is the deliberate focus on military families to understand their difficulties and find and maintain opportunities that support them through the many transitions in their lives.

I believe many companies, across a wide variety of industries will see value in these workers and, eventually, hire them to be full-time workers with benefits and more, after seeing how well they can do. Everything from consulting firms, tech, fin-tech, aerospace, defense, short and long-chain logistics, etc. Currently, almost all industries are looking for workers. Workers are in such demand that there will be a long list of companies lined up to hire Blue Star Family members, via SmartMomGig, across the U.S.