Shows
From Boots 2 SuitsHow Combined Arms Uses Technology to Serve Over 60,000 VeteransHow Combined Arms Uses Technology to Serve Over 60,000 VeteransIn this episode of 'From Boots 2 Suits', Bryan Escobedo, a veteran and leader at Combined Arms, shares How Combined Arms Uses Technology to Serve Over 60,000 Veterans and their families. The conversation explores Brian's personal experiences in the military, the importance of metrics in nonprofit work, and how technology is utilized to connect veterans with essential resources. The discussion also highlights the collaborative nature of the nonprofit sector in Houston and the unique platform developed by Combined Arms to streamline access to services for veterans and their families. The...2025-04-091h 25
From Boots 2 SuitsNavigating the Transition: Veteran Employment Insights With Dave Lakin of Still Serving VeteransSummaryIn this conversation, Dave Lakin, the National Director for Veteran Employment at Still Serving Veterans, shares his extensive background in the military and his transition to helping veterans find employment. He discusses the challenges veterans face when entering the civilian workforce, including the need for certifications, the importance of translating military skills into civilian terms, and the support systems available to assist them. Dave emphasizes the significance of crafting effective resumes, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating job interviews. He also highlights the reality of career changes for veterans and the importance of creating opportunities and community...2025-04-0233 minFrom Boots 2 SuitsNon-Profit Veteran: Intrepid Care CEO Mike BarkerSummaryThe conversation explores the challenges faced by veterans in engaging with support programs, the mission of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans, and the various therapeutic activities offered, such as woodworking and boxing. It highlights the importance of community building, accountability, and the evolving needs of veterans, as well as the barriers they face in seeking help. The discussion also touches on the significance of networking among nonprofits and the need for better resources and education for veterans and their families.TakeawaysVeterans often sign up for programs but fail to...2025-03-1955 minFrom Boots 2 SuitsCorporate Recruiters VS Veteran ResumesSummaryIn this conversation, the speakers discuss various topics related to military life, health, fitness, and the transition to civilian careers. They share personal experiences from basic training, the evolution of military training methods, and the challenges veterans face when writing resumes for civilian jobs. The importance of understanding military acronyms in a civilian context is highlighted, along with the role of applicant tracking systems in the hiring process. The conversation also touches on unconscious bias in hiring, the significance of awards and decorations, and the frustrations of candidate ghosting during interviews. Finally, the speakers offer resources...2025-03-121h 06From Boots 2 SuitsVA Home Loan Debunked With Army Veteran Bridgette SimonVA Home Loan DEBUNKED! 🏡💰 | Military to Real Estate with Bridget Simon  In this must-watch episode, we dive deep into the truth about VA home loans with special guest Bridget Simon, a veteran-turned-real-estate-expert who is on a mission to help fellow service members and veterans unlock the full potential of homeownership.  💥 What You’ll Learn:  ✅ The biggest misconceptions about VA loans—what’s fact and what’s pure myth?  ✅ How veterans can leverage VA loans to buy homes with ZERO down!  ✅ Smart strategies for military families looking to invest in real estate.  ✅ Why education is the key to mak...2025-02-2659 minFrom Boots 2 SuitsVietnam Veteran: Finding Peace After CombatThis episode of 'From Boots to Suits' features a heartfelt conversation about the journey of veterans transitioning to civilian life. The hosts discuss the importance of community support, share personal stories of struggle and redemption, and highlight the work of the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families. The guest, Tony Fuentes, shares his experiences as a Vietnam veteran and his path to recovery, emphasizing the significance of faith, purpose, and helping others in the veteran community.takeawaysTransitioning from military to civilian life is a continuous journey.Community support is crucial for veterans...2025-02-1957 minFrom Boots 2 SuitsSilver Sage's Mission: Preventing Homelessness and Enhancing Veteran Lives With Art CrawfordSummaryThis episode discusses the ongoing challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of support systems and resources available through nonprofits like Silver Sage. The conversation highlights various programs aimed at providing financial assistance, mental health support, and housing solutions for veterans, while also addressing the barriers they encounter in accessing these services. The hosts and guest Art Crawford share insights on the critical role of community outreach and the need for immediate assistance to prevent homelessness and improve the quality of life for veterans.TakeawaysTransitioning from military...2025-02-051h 12From Boots 2 SuitsBeyond the Uniform: Challenges and Triumphs in Civilian TransitionSummaryIn this episode, John Gaona, Glenn Jr, and Rudy Skultety discuss the complex journey of transitioning from military to civilian life. They explore the challenges faced during the disability rating process, the importance of utilizing available resources, and the significance of networking. The conversation highlights the expectations versus reality in job offers, the lessons learned from job searching, and the difficulties of competing in the job market. They also touch on coping with stress, building a support network, and finding fulfillment after military service, emphasizing the need for preparation and realistic expectations during the transition.2025-01-291h 18From Boots 2 SuitsMission Ready: Navigating The Transition with Retired Army Veteran Joe JeffreySummaryIn this episode, John Gaona interviews Joe Jeffrey, a retired Army veteran with 21 years of service, who shares his journey of transitioning from military to civilian life. Joe discusses his military career, the challenges he faced as a career counselor, and the importance of programs like SkillBridge. He emphasizes the need for veterans to network, understand the job market, and manage their salary expectations while navigating their new civilian roles. Joe also highlights the significance of work-life balance and offers practical advice for service members preparing to leave the military.TakeawaysTransitioning...2025-01-2356 minFrom Boots 2 SuitsMission Ready: Veteran Strategies for a Civilian Career TransitionSummaryIn this episode, John Gaona discusses the challenges and strategies for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, focusing on education, job market research, resume writing, and interview techniques. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the job market, crafting a civilian-friendly resume, leveraging AI tools, and networking effectively. The conversation also highlights the significance of preparing for interviews and the need for a structured plan during the transition process.TakeawaysVeterans can start school at non-traditional universities almost every month.Researching job markets is crucial for successful transitions.Crafting a...2025-01-151h 03From Boots 2 SuitsFinding Purpose After Service: Glenn Jr.'s Journey to Resilience and RedemptionIn this heartfelt episode of From Boots 2 Suits, Glenn Jr. opens up about his deeply personal journey from military service to civilian life. From boot camp in 1999 to a devastating back injury that altered his career, Glenn shares how he faced the struggles of transitioning out of the Navy, battled physical and mental health challenges, and ultimately found purpose and healing through faith, family, and fitness.  Join hosts John Gaona and Glenn Jr. as they delve into the realities of leaving the military, losing the sense of brotherhood, and rediscovering purpose in a civilian world that often f...2024-12-181h 05From Boots 2 SuitsEpisode 2: John’s Story of Finding Purpose After The MilitaryIn this inaugural episode of *"From Boots to Suits: A Life After the Military,"* hosts John, a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and Army recruiter, and Glenn Jr. dive into the heart of transitioning from military service to civilian life. They share the raw, unfiltered stories of their own struggles, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. John reflects on the challenges he faced when leaving the military—the financial stress, the identity shift, and the battle to find meaningful work in a civilian world that didn’t seem to value his military experience. Glenn opens...2024-12-101h 02From Boots 2 SuitsIntroduction To From Boots to Suits: Navigating Life After the Military | Veteran Success Stories🎙️ Welcome to "From Boots to Suits: A Life After the Military," your go-to podcast for navigating the journey from military service to a successful civilian career. Hosted by John, a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and army recruiter, this podcast dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs veterans face during this significant life transition.In each episode, we explore:Personal Stories and Experiences: Gain insights from veterans who have successfully transitioned, as they share their journeys and lessons learned.Career Development and Networking: Learn how to translate military skills into civilian roles...2024-11-3009 min