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.

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom

Episode 165: Careers for Veterans at US Foods

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

Episode 167 : Navy Veteran's Journey from GED to Business Owner

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

Episode 168 : Navy Veteran Finds Purpose with Office Pride

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

Episode 169 : Faith Over Fear, with Entrepreneur Danielle Smith

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/

Episode 170 : An Air Force Veteran’s Journey to Success at Enbridge

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!

Episode 171 : Battle Buddies: Husband and Wife Duo Conquer Business Ownership

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.

Episode 172: Air Force Veteran Excels in Leadership at Boeing and Beyond

If you’ve ever wanted to create a stream of passive income but aren’t sure how to get started, this episode is for you!
Brent Bowers, Army Veteran, joins the podcast to share how he’s built a wholesale land company that had led to financial freedom for his family. 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. With the success of his company, he’s been able to build a business that creates legacy wealth for his family, along with helping many others do the same.
In this episode Brent discusses: 
•	His military background and transition
•	The evolution of The Land Sharks
•	Advice and resources for entrepreneurs
•	The many benefits of investing in land
Thelandsharks.com

Episode 173: Success Leaves Clues: Army Veteran Builds Wholesale Land Company

This podcast is an extension of Orion's From the Battlefield to the Boardroom Blog, and is dedicated to supporting military job seekers throughout your transition process by providing valuable insight and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders.
If you have any questions about a specific show or recommendations for future topics, please send us an email at podcast@oriontalent.com.

Episode 171 : Battle Buddies: Husband and Wife Duo Conquer Business Ownership

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom

Related tracks