The Hunter - September 2020

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

PODCAST: Navy Veteran Climbs the Ranks at Siemens

Siemens is a global powerhouse that deploys its innovative technologies to meet some of America’s greatest challenges in Infrastructure, Power Generation and Management, Mobility, Industrial Modernization, and Medical Solutions.

Orion is approaching the anniversary of its 10 year partnership with Siemens on June 24, 2020. Throughout the past decade, the partnership has provided rewarding careers for more than 2,500 veterans into a variety of job families, including technical roles, project management, engineering, sales, and many more.

Charles Davis, a Navy Veteran hired by Siemens in 2013, recently joined Orion’s From the Battlefield to the Boardroom podcast to talk about his military background and career progression with Siemens.


LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:

After applying to countless jobs online, Charles’ wife urged him to attend an Orion Hiring Conference. At the conference, Charles interviewed with four companies, including Siemens. “I did my research on Siemens and the thing that really attracted me to them was how big the company is. I knew I would have the ability to grow if I was just given the opportunity,” Charles explained.

Charles was hired as an entry-level technician, and has earned several promotions leading to his current position as a Project Manager. “Working for Siemens is a lot like the military, your career is what you make it. If you work hard you can be what you want to be,” says Charles. “Siemens is a family and everyone wants to see everybody succeed. Sometimes I forget how big the company is because it feels so much smaller. Everyone looks out for you,” he adds.

Visit us online to learn more about careers with Siemens, and listen to the full podcast here.

Technical Careers for Veterans with JLL

Orion has recently partnered with JLL, a Fortune 500 Company that provides facility management, automation, and maintenance services in distribution centers across the U.S and Canada.

JLL's technicians, facilities managers, and administrators work together to keep fulfillment center machinery running smoothly while upholding a safe environment where all employees can thrive. The company is currently providing support to Amazon by providing installation of new conveyor systems, as well as electro-mechanical maintenance support for all equipment.

As JLL continues to grow its team, it is seeking capable people ready to keep buildings and equipment in safe working order. JLL is hiring Industrial Maintenance Technicians to work in Amazon’s state-of-the-art distribution centers in several locations nationwide, including Jacksonville and Orlando, FL; Nottingham, MD; Robbinsville, NJ; and Bondurant, IA.

Industrial Maintenance Technicians are responsible for leading other Service Technicians, managing outside contractors, being on call for emergencies, handling multiple projects and daily activities, and developing plans on how to accomplish departmental and distribution goals. Basic requirements include:

- Experience with automated conveyors systems and controls
- Proficient in electrical and electronic principles, blueprint and electrical schematic reading, and CMMS programs
- Knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures, industrial electrical, controls, and electronics
- Experience with PLC programs and/or N.E.C.

Visit us online to learn more and apply for an Industrial Maintenance career with JLL.

Veteran Franchisees Expand Business During Global Pandemic

JDog provides exclusive franchise opportunities for honorably discharged Veterans and Military family members, backed by a proven business model and all of the support you need to be successful. Two JDog franchisees recently shared their experience doing the unthinkable: expanding their business during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Shawn Stroop and Joshua Polley—both U.S. Army Veterans—are two JDog Junk Removal & Hauling owners that decided JDog Carpet Cleaning would be their next venture, in spite of coronavirus sweeping the nation. The proven business model, multiple revenue streams, and low start-up costs were just bonuses when choosing to buy a second business within the JDog system.

Shawn valued the potential relationship his two businesses could have.

‘While JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning stand on their own, carpet cleaning is a natural transition from junk removal especially with respect to estate clean outs, move outs, and overall decluttering. Imagine what removing junk, cleaning floors, pressure washing the home, and sidewalks would do to the value of a home.”

- Shawn Stroop, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning South Central PA, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Cincinnati East

Josh wanted to keep the JDog name respectable and customer-focused in his territory of Savannah, GA.

“I made the choice in order to capitalize on the positive reputation I had established in the Savannah, GA market. I felt like it would be an easy sell to our existing customer base and I was correct as we have seen several customers use us for both junk removal and carpet cleaning services."

- Josh Polley, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning Savannah, GA

These owners are a testament to how owning not only one, but two JDog businesses is possible, and proven to be successful. JDog Brands currently offers franchise ownership opportunities in the home and commercial service industries, providing junk removal and hauling as well as floor, upholstery, power washing, and carpet cleaning.

JDog is known for their work ethic, excellent customer service, and employment of Veterans - always keeping in mind the Military values of Respect, Integrity, and Trust - setting them apart from other franchise systems.

Visit JDog online to learn more about franchising opportunities, or call 484-324-6444.

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

 

Orion has recently partnered with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage to provide exclusive VA home loan benefits to our veteran job seekers and alumni. Through this partnership you will receive the same loan rate and better fees than Mutual of Omaha Mortgage employees receive, as well as no lender fees and generous rebates.

If you are a homeowner currently utilizing a VA loan, Mutual Of Omaha Mortgage has answered some of the frequently asked questions about VA refinance loans.

VA REFINANCE LOAN FAQ

What is a VA streamline refinance?
The VA streamline refinance loan is also known as the VA IRRRL. The VA streamline refinance is often a simple loan process because the borrowers are refinancing from one VA mortgage loan to another VA loan. This loan is often also referred to as VA-to-VA Loan. A VA streamline refinance is not available to homeowners who do not currently have a VA mortgage loan. The VA streamline refinance loan does not require that the borrowers occupy the home which is currently financed with a VA mortgage product.

What is a VA IRRRL?
The VA IRRRL loan is also known as the VA refinance or the VA streamline refinance. The acronym IRRL stands for interest rate refinance reduction loan. The VA IRRRL loan or VA streamline refinance is a special type of refinance loan made available by the VA Loan Guaranty program. The VA IRRRL loan is a fixed-rate refinance loan program. This loan is ideal for homeowners who currently have a VA mortgage loan who are looking to lower their monthly interest rate.

Can you refinance a VA loan?
Yes, if you are currently a homeowner whose property is financed via a VA mortgage loan you can apply for a conventional, FHA or VA refinance. Depending on the rate and terms a borrower is seeking, they have the option to review any type of refinance loan to replace their current VA mortgage loan.

How soon can you refinance a VA loan?
Depending on the level of risk associated with a borrower, most lenders would typically require the homeowner have their current VA mortgage loan for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying for a refinance. Payment history is one of the most crucial factors in determining a borrower's risk level for a VA refinance.

Can I refinance my mortgage with a VA loan?
Yes, if you are actively serving military, honorable discharge, veteran or the surviving spouse of any of the previous who is currently the borrower of a VA home loan you may refinance your property with a VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan. The VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan is only available to homeowners who currently have a VA mortgage loan. VA refinance loan products are not available to civilians or the general public.

Can I refinance a conventional loan to a VA loan?
Yes, a borrower who is eligible for VA benefits can refinance from a conventional loan to a VA loan. Although this is not typical, there is no restriction that prevents this. To be eligible for a VA loan a borrower must be actively serving in the U.S. military, have received an honorable discharge, be a veteran or the surviving spouse. If a borrower who currently has a conventional loan opts to refinance with a VA loan the loan process could take longer than average because different documentation will need to be reviewed that was not previously received and underwritten by a VA approved lender.

When to refinance a VA loan?
The decision to refinance a home should not be taken lightly. It is important for a homeowner to evaluate and determine their financial goals. If a homeowner is seeking the opportunity to lower their monthly interest rate or transition from an adjustable rate mortgage loan to a fixed rate program, then a refinance could be a great opportunity. Speaking with an experienced loan originator can help a borrower review their income, assets, and debt to determine if a refinance is the right decision.

How long does it take to refinance a VA loan?
If a VA borrower uses the VA IRRRL loan or VA streamline refinance, the entire process can be completed in 30 to 45 days. Although the VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan does not require income verification, in order for the VA refinance process to move forward, a borrower must have the following qualifications:

 - VA Loan eligibility of the borrower must have been used on the property intended for refinance
 - Most recent two years of W-2 statements to establish income
 - Ability to document current or previous occupancy of the property
 - Confirmation of currency on mortgage payments or no more than one late payment in the last 12 months

Visit us online to learn more about Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, and apply to get a personal loan offer from their knowledgeable team.

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

According to Your Peers

Career Success with Orion

Podcast Series for Job Seekers

Have you tuned in to From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, our podcast series dedicated to supporting military job seekers? We have a variety of episodes covering everything from the civilian transition process to valuable insights and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders.

We've recently added new podcasts, including:

125. From Military to Millionaire, with David Pere

124. Signs You Took The Wrong Job - And What To Do About It

123. Army Veteran Turned Data Center Expert Discusses Careers for Veterans

122. Women Veterans: Discover YourNexStage with Founder/CEO Kate Watson

121. Become Your Own Boss Through Franchise Ownership

If you are ready to enter the interview process, visit our Interview Essentials page to sharpen your interview skills!

 

Visit us online to listen to all the episodes, and explore our new podcast categories on each stage of the transition process. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast platform or RSS feed, to automatically receive new episodes as they are released.

We'd love to feature your questions in our upcoming episodes. If you have any questions you'd like to hear us answer, click below to email us!

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Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $6,900 in referral bonuses in the first quarter of 2020?

For every job seeker you refer to us who is subsequently hired through Orion, you'll receive a $100 gift card to a retailer of your choice after they reach 90 days on the new job!

It's simple - just click here to refer a friend. 30 seconds of your time could be $100 in your pocket!

Companies Recently Hiring

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