Ohio is home for nearly 900,000 military veterans, sixth most of all U.S. states. Most of these veterans want to work, according to Mike McKinney, Director of Communications for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
One of the area’s leaders in the employment of veterans, particularly disabled veterans, in meaningful work is central Ohio-based Pearl Interactive Network. Pearl Interactive Network is launching Virtual Insurance Solutions, a service delivering contact center solutions to the personal lines insurance industry. The approach delivers home-based contact center services, tapping a workforce of skilled and talented veterans, disabled veterans, military spouses, people with disabilities, and people living in geographically-challenged areas.
“The corporate trend of more people working from home is perfect for veterans with disabilities,” McKinney said. “Transportation can be a barrier for them. So this capability to work from home opens more opportunities.” Pearl Interactive Network’s Virtual Insurance Solutions overcomes geographical and transportation barriers.
“Pearl is dedicated to serving employers seeking qualified candidates from our pool of veterans, especially disabled veterans,” said Jasmine Garza, a Pearl recruiting assistant and military spouse. “Pearl extends opportunities to veterans who are trained, disciplined, reliable, and dedicated. Veterans are attractive to employers seeking quality employees.”
The large quantity of veterans in Ohio mean there are many appealing candidates available.
With that realization, many employers are giving hiring priority to veterans, said McKinney. “Hiring veterans is a means for recognizing the value of their service,” he added. “And many employers are responding positively by providing meaningful employment for veterans.”
McKinney said Governor John Kasich is making it a priority to support employing veterans who want to work. “House Bills 48 and 98 support additional training for veterans and grant licenses for transferable skills,” he said.
“You might ask why veterans receive special treatment,” said Sandy Fakan, a document captioning specialist for Pearl, and disabled Air Force veteran. “But, when you realize veterans have risked their lives on our behalf, there is a social responsibility to take care of them. Or at least give them an opportunity,” she said. “And, given the training I received in the military, I believe I offer my employer a trained, informed, and motivated individual. Veterans offer an excellent work ethic with a commitment to getting the job done.”
“Our nation should always appreciate veterans and give them employment opportunities,” McKinney said. “Their service has guaranteed a safe, secure nation in which each of us has the ability to pursue education and employment of our own choosing. We all owe a debt of appreciation and support of our veterans.”
McKinney said the clear majority of veterans seek employment opportunities regardless of their physical condition.
McKinney said there is an increased effort in Ohio to assist veterans. “There are so many people now in Ohio who are passionate about employing veterans,” he said. “The movement has become quite visible. Recognizing the service and sacrifices veterans have given to us, employers are stepping up and hiring veterans. The response from employers has been overwhelmingly positive. Hiring a veteran is a great bet for any company. They are conditioned to be productive. We all owe a debt of thanks to our veterans.”
Pearl Interactive Virtual Insurance Solutions delivers access to a niche workforce with high retention and performance coupled with virtual contact center technology that enables delivery of contact center services including claims call handling, customer care, first notice of loss. Founded in 2004 by Merry P. Korn, Pearl Interactive Network is dedicated to providing career opportunities for a skilled and talented niche workforce of disabled veterans, veterans, people with disabilities, and military spouses. Pearl Interactive Network clients include Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Health and Human Services, the National Association of Social Workers, Medicaid and the U.S. Army. Pearl Interactive Network has over 430 employees located in 23 states.