This Veteran’s Day we honor and salute two of our very own at The Barrett Group (TBG). 

Executive Career Consultant and Program Manager, George Schulz served in the US Army Artillery and Senior Career Consultant, John Perry served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Carolina, California and Vietnam.  Both Schulz and Perry not only successfully re-entered the workforce but they both ascended in their careers.  They each hold a unique perspective on life and their work, and offer advice for veterans.  Read on for their insightful stories.   

George Schulz’ Story

Here’s what Veteran George Schulz had to share.

“I am not a career soldier, and all of my time in the Army after basic and advanced training was in combat in Vietnam and Cambodia.  Looking back over a half century later I still believe that was by far the most difficult time of my life.  However, since then, when I am faced with difficult times, I think that at least I’m not in combat in the jungles of southeast Asia.  It definitely makes difficult times easier to face.  When I returned from Vietnam in 1970 many people did not appreciate returning soldiers. We received little credit for what we did.  Thankfully, people began to appreciate the bravery of those who have served in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And that has spread to an appreciation of all Veterans and combat Veterans which is an amazing change.”  

When asked how being a veteran helped shape his career, Schulz shared, “the experience helped me gain much needed confidence in myself because of the discipline I learned and what I accomplished. In addition, I believe it helped launch me into reasonably successful careers in corporate America. First as an entrepreneur, then as a Financial Planner, and now as a coach.”  

Transitioning into civilian life and reacclimating back into society can serve as a challenge for some veterans, as can translating and transferring skills to the business world.  Schulz shares his work experience within The Barrett Group community from a veteran’s perspective. “As a veteran and coach, I have worked with many other recently discharged and retired veterans as clients.  It is a real pleasure to work with them and help them use their experiences and especially contacts from the military in order to gain the excellent positions which they have earned and deserve in civilian life.”   

Here is the advice that Schulz has to share with other executives.  “No matter what you did in the military, the discipline and experience you gained will serve you well in almost any civilian capacity.  If you don’t know how to translate that into your value statement, let someone help you do it.”  He leaves these parting words as his favorite saying that he learned from the military. “If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn’t plan it properly.”

Thank you, George Schulz, and thank you for your service to us all.

John Perry’s Story

Here’s what Veteran John Perry had to share.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Perry took much with him, including the spirit, the camaraderie, the friendships with his fellow Marines, and the knowing at all times they had his “6.”  These are just some of the intangibles that having served extends.  When asked to share his experience in life as a veteran now, Perry offered “it gives me a sense of community with fellow veterans to share experiences, such as receiving the “Quilt of Honor” earlier this year for my service.”  It is clear to see the gratification that Perry still holds for his time as a US Marine.  He ascribes his sense of leadership and accomplishment to the discipline, strategy and direction he experienced during that period of his life.  It is “making me a better leader and manager of people” stated Perry.  

Perry offers the following about his work at The Barrett Group:  “Having been involved with many veterans groups over my career, including recruiting veterans for positions for a top 5 bank, allowed me to instantly develop rapport with The Barrett Group’s clients and provided a level of trust in both myself and our company.  The Barrett Group is unique in the fact that it expresses concern and interest in all of us. TBG focuses us towards a team environment whether in sales, accounting, coaching, marketing or administration.  Our Managers, even up to the CEO, are accessible and very knowledgeable.”

“Veterans understand the chain of command very well but appreciate the team environment where our associates are always willing to support our efforts,” states Perry. “As far as clients go, I have a feeling of confidence of being able to solve any initial issues they have.  Converting from active service is hard but we make it easy.”  His advice for veterans is “if you want help moving from active service and assimilating into the civilian world, to the government or the private sector, then The Barrett Group is the “best choice” for you and your family.”  Perry closes with his favorite saying, “here for you.”

Thank you, John Perry, and thank you for your service to us all.

The Barrett Group sends a heartfelt thank you, to all of our veterans and we celebrate you this Veteran’s Day and always.

Read “Thank you for your service“