Greater Memphis Chamber brings the Straight Skinny on hiring veterans

Cliff and Timothy Yager, U.S. military veterans and founders of The Straight Skinny, brought their expertise on hiring veterans to the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis on May 21 for the second installment of the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Workforce Leadership Series, titled “From the Front Lines to the Front Offices: Leveraging Veteran Hires to Grow Your Business.” The event launched in conjunction with the 2014 Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair.

“These folks are getting out the military and they are physically fit, drug free, educated and skilled; and you don’t have to worry about them showing up for work in the morning. They are able and ready to go,” says Timothy Yager, who spent four years in the Navy and then began working for ATT at age 21, where he rose to vice president of sales before retiring at age 50.

By translating military skills into civilian skills, the Yagers and Straight Skinny help transitioning military personnel adjust to civilian culture after they are discharged. The process includes resume assistance, mock interviews and even “dress for success” help through a partnership with Brooks Brothers.

“What we try to do is connect everybody,” says Timothy Yager.

Cliff Yager, Straight Skinny Co-founder and Managing Partner, spoke to the local group of business professionals about critical information for businesses in the Memphis area on attracting and hiring veteran candidates and their immediate impact on leadership, accountability and revenue in their organization.

Cliff Yager retired after 30 years in the Navy as a command master chief of an aircraft carrier (one of only 12 and the highest enlisted rank in the Navy), commanding more than 6,000 troops, and yet even he experienced hardship while searching for a job.

Also on hand was Roger Littlejohn from the Tennesssee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, providing details on work opportunity tax credits and incentives for hiring veterans.

By Michael Waddell