The men and women of the United States Armed Forces are some of the most courageous, selfless and honorable individuals in the world. From leadership capabilities and teamwork to multitasking and problem solving, U.S. service members possess unique, carefully honed skills and capabilities that will serve them well outside of the Forces.
Too often, however, previously enlisted service members struggle to find work once they return to civilian life. While some opt to enter into service jobs, there are a plethora of opportunities available for veteran service members; it just takes an organization to recognize how to best apply, expand and mold the skills veterans have acquired to a new area or industry.
Starting close to home was the mindset behind Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers’ recently launched “Veterans to Real Estate Professionals (REP)” program. Based in Atlanta, Ga., the “Veterans to REP” program was developed to help veterans begin new careers as real estate agents. The program offers special incentives, including full-paid scholarships and exclusive training, to help veterans transition from military to civilian life.
The “Veterans to REP” program is open to all branches of the military, providing recruits with full scholarships that cover the cost of real estate school and the first six months of expenses with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers.
“Watching many veterans return home from service to dismal job prospects in our area has been disheartening,” says Kevin Levent, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. “Through the ‘Veterans to REP’ program, we seek to assist veterans during their military to civilian transition and provide them with education and training so they can become passionate and knowledgeable real estate professionals.”
As part of the program, new recruits are placed on X-celerater, a series of intensive, hands-on mentorship and coaching sessions with brokers, created exclusively by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers.
Sergeant Dennis G. Hollimon served in the U.S. Army for 12 years and was honored with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, By Force and Valor and Order of Saint Martin medals. After leaving the Army, Hollimon applied for more than 60 positions before learning about the “Veterans to REP” program.
“I have enjoyed applying many of my skills to the real estate industry,” Hollimon says. “I look forward to the next phase of my life outside of the service. This program will undoubtedly help other veterans gain the confidence to enter the civilian workforce.”
“‘Veterans to REP’ is a substantial initiative that will enable many veterans to move forward quickly in their transition from serving their country to serving their community,” says Colonel Dennis Brown, Army, Retired.
For more information, visit www.VeteransToREP.com.
