Employer of the Week Beacon

Employer of the Week Beacon is not only a great place for veterans to work. The company is also holding a contest to provide vets with a new roof.

Founded in 1928, Beacon is a Fortune 500 distributor of exterior and interior building materials.

“Our team of more than 7,000 employees throughout North America works to ensure contractors have immediate, local access to the building supplies and roofing products they need, exactly when they need them,” said Chief Operating Officer Eric Swank.

Many transitioning service members find it difficult to find new careers after their military service due to a lack of civilian experience and companies not understanding the knowledge, skills, and abilities held by service members, he continued.

“Veterans have spent years developing skills in operations management and leadership while working in fast-paced environments that often get overlooked when they are applying for positions in the civilian workforce,” Swank said. “We recognize these skills that the military community has developed and want to provide them the opportunity for a career with Beacon, not a job.” 

The Boots to Beacon program was created to educate the company’s managers on the benefits of hiring veterans and helping those transitioning from the military to find their next career. 

“We have created partnerships with military installations and non-profit organizations that work with transitioning service members to help make the connection between them and Beacon,” said Swank. 

In addition, veterans hired by Beacon can be eligible to participate in its two-year management training program. 

"While this program is typically reserved for college graduates, we have made an exception for veterans who showed exceptional abilities while in the military," Swank said.

The company is also accepting nominations through Sept. 24 for its second annual Beacon of Hope contest, a nationwide program awarding deserving veteran homeowners with an honorable or general discharge with new roofs. 

"We created the Beacon of Hope contest to give back to our veterans across the country who have an essential need, a safe place to live,” said Swank. “This contest is intended to inspire communities to come together and provide the hope and recognition our veterans deserve." 

Beacon is teaming up with veteran-friendly roofing companies to deliver and install all necessary roof repairs/replacement at the homes of three veterans. In addition, seven runners-up will receive $2,500 to help complete necessary repairs.

Ten finalists will be announced in early October, and the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites. Beacon will announce the winners and runners-up on Veterans Day.

To learn more about Beacon, visit here.

Know a great company that hires and supports veterans and the military community? Email Julia@connectingvets.com