Veterans are the backbone of our nation’s strength, embodying dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. For these brave men and women, transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, but organizations like Express Employment Professionals are dedicated to making their journey smoother. Among the company’s most valued franchisees are those who have served in the military and now continue their legacy of service by helping others navigate the civilian employment market. The commitment of these franchisees to their communities and fellow veterans exemplifies Express’s mission to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.
Cowanda Bazile: Empowering Veterans in Jacksonville, NC
Cowanda Bazile, the proud owner of Express Employment Professionals in Jacksonville, NC, is a shining example of how veterans can leverage their military experience to make a significant impact in their communities. Jacksonville is home to a large military population, and as a veteran herself, Cowanda understands the unique challenges service members face when transitioning to civilian life. Her deep connection to the military community has driven her to build a business that not only provides jobs but also serves as a supportive haven for veterans seeking guidance and assistance as they embark on their next chapter.
Cowanda’s personal experience as a veteran has given her a unique perspective that she uses to help other veterans overcome challenges in their job search. Having walked in their shoes, she knows firsthand the difficulties veterans face when translating their military skills into civilian terms. Her mission is to help veterans recognize the value of their experience and to provide them with the tools they need to thrive in the civilian workforce.
Beyond her work with Express, Cowanda is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Her office has raised over $20,000 for her local United Way and actively volunteers with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Down Syndrome Network, and Homes for Heroes. These efforts reflect her belief that supporting the community is an integral part of her role as a business leader.
Cowanda’s approach to her business is grounded in the values she learned during her military service: integrity, service, and excellence. Her ability to connect with veterans on a personal level and her commitment to making a difference in their lives has made her an invaluable asset to both Express Employment Professionals and the Jacksonville community.
John Roller: Building Bridges in Manchester, NH
John Roller, the owner of Express Employment Professionals in Manchester, NH, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the veteran community to his role. A retired U.S. Navy veteran, John spent 25 years in active and reserve service, moving from a senior enlisted position to accept a commission in the Supply Corps, retiring as a Commander. His military background, combined with his expertise in staffing, has cemented him as a respected figure in the business community and a trusted resource for veterans seeking employment.
After retiring from the Navy in 2005, he became involved in the veteran’s community where he helped returning Afghanistan vets with resume writing and interviewing skills development, served on the Board of Directors for a non-profit veteran’s homeless shelter and placed their residents into positions when they were ready, and holding food and clothing drives for the veteran’s substance abuse shelters. Additionally, John served as President of the state’s largest SHRM organization, the Manchester Area Human Resource Association (MAHRA). His leadership of MAHRA, an organization of over 200 HR professionals, played a pivotal role influencing the hiring practices of numerous companies.
At Express, John has built a franchise known for its focus on matching people with positions that align with their skills and career aspirations. He has developed a niche in recruiting for HR, supply chain, and engineering roles. John takes great pride in helping his community navigate the complexities of the job market, providing them with personalized guidance and support throughout the hiring process.
Jeff Meyer: A Legacy of Service in San Antonio, TX
In San Antonio, TX, Jeff Meyer has taken the values he learned during his 25-year career in the U.S. Air Force and applied them to his role as an Express Employment Professionals franchise owner. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Jeff’s military career included command, flying, staff, and support assignments that spanned numerous operations, contingencies, and deployments. His diverse leadership experience has been instrumental in shaping the culture of his Express office. Jeff’s approach to his business is rooted in the principles of hard work, dedication, and pride—values that were instilled in him during his time in the Air Force.
At Express, Jeff has created a supportive environment where people can thrive. Jeff’s experience as a mentor and instructor has been particularly valuable in helping those in his community develop the skills they need to succeed in their new roles. His ability to connect with veterans and other locals on a personal level and provide them with the tools they need to achieve their goals is a testament to his exceptional leadership and compassion.
The stories of Cowanda Bazile, John Roller, and Jeff Meyer are proof of the enduring impact veterans can have on their communities long after their military service has ended. As franchisees of Express Employment Professionals, they have taken the values they learned in the military—integrity, service, and excellence—and applied them to their work, helping other veterans navigate the challenges of civilian employment. Through their dedication and leadership, they are not only building successful businesses but also making a lasting difference in the lives of the veterans they serve. Express Employment Professionals is proud to honor these exceptional individuals and their ongoing commitment to serving others.