Tag Archive for: military to civilian

Glen Ferrarotto Delivers Keynote Address at The Victorian Premiers Anniversary of ANZAC Day State Luncheon

Glen Ferrarotto, co-founder of Ironside Resources and a respected figure in the Veteran community, delivered a profoundly impactful speech at the Victorian Premier’s Anniversary of ANZAC Day State Luncheon on 9 April 2024. In his address, Glen candidly addressed the systemic shortcomings within veteran support organisations, shining a light on the pressing need for stronger advocacy and leadership in addressing issues that directly affect Veterans in Australia. As a former soldier and now a key figure in the Veteran community, Glen’s words resonated deeply with attendees, sparking a ripple of conversation and reflection throughout the room. This speech serves as a rallying cry for all Veterans and their families, urging us to come together, demand better, and strive for meaningful change. Read on for the full transcript of Glen’s powerful address.

Glen Ferrarotto’s keynote address at the Victorian Premiers Anniversary of ANZAC Day State Luncheon

“Rob – thank you for the kind introduction.

Your Excellency, Governor-General,

Current Serving Australian Defence Force Personnel and your families,

My fellow veterans and your families,

To Service and Affiliate members of our beautiful Returned and Services League of Australia,

Our Veterans Minister, the Honourable Natalie Suleyman,

And to the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan –

Thank you for the opportunity to join you this afternoon as your keynote speaker.

In early 2009, I stepped out of full-time service in the Australian Army, having returned home from my second visit to Afghanistan.

My story of transition was common in 2009.

The Gold Standard Transition support package delivered through the Commonwealth Service Provider Right Management, currently offered to our serving personnel and their families, wasn’t available.

It was a lonely, scary, and daunting process that, as a Corporal, I had to navigate with only the support of my wife Rowena by my side.

Stepping out of Special Operations Command as support staff was perhaps even more isolating given the war in Afghanistan was escalating and the Command’s focus was rightly and stoically on the elimination of terrorism stemming from Afghanistan and the Middle East at the time.

Consideration of DVA entitlements was far from my mind. I didn’t have a white card, there were no veteran hubs, and no employment programs offered through RSLs or the State Government.

The notion that I may be suffering effects of the stresses of war didn’t even register as a consideration in planning out my future.

What I was focused on, was how I was going to establish myself as a civilian.

How could I use the skills and experiences that the Army had provided me to reach as high as I possibly could within what was a foreign landscape of corporate hierarchy?

Rowena and I knew the Army’s intent was to promote me and send us to Perth, a dream posting for us, however, we also knew that deep down our desire to start a family and remain back home here in Melbourne would ultimately guide our direction.

There was a profound moment some 12 months earlier that, in fact, marked the start of my transition journey though at the time it certainly didn’t register that way.

I was awarded an Australia Day Medallion in 2007 for services to Special Operations Command by Major General Hindmarsh. The citation read, ‘your enthusiastic, professional manner, and excellent management skills often required you to perform above the rank level that you currently wear.’

The night of receiving that award, I sat crying, inconsolably, in the lounge room of our married quarter. With Rowena’s embrace, I found the courage to admit I was scared; I was so scared that I had capped out my career and I had nowhere to go from there.

Two years earlier, I had been recommended for Officer Training by my previous OC following an opportunity to head to the Jungle Warfare Training Centre, and then onto Rifle Company Butterworth with 5/7 RAR as a Section Commander in a seconded ‘out of trade’ position. I sat the aptitude testing and I was unsuccessful.

To then receive an award by the Commander of Australian Special Operations telling me that I had the ability to do more than my worn rank would allow, through me, it confused me and I broke down thinking I had wasted my life.

Passing the Special Operations Entry Test and two deployments in quick succession to Afghanistan sat between that moment and my ultimate decision to transition from Regular Army.

I had a CV developed and I used Seek. I was applying for roles that I wasn’t qualified for but my experience in Army had taught me that holding a qualification wasn’t an indication of your ability to deliver outcomes or lead a workplace.

I took long-service leave from Army and began the interviewing process.

And my first interview was a complete disaster.

It lasted 10 seconds before the HR Manager paused me and said ‘you’re nervous, aren’t you.’ I responded yes and we agreed not to continue the interview.

My interviewer then offered her guidance, advice, and counsel on how to better prepare for next time. A small gesture that I remain grateful for, and one that ultimately guided the principles and foundation of our business.

By 2010, I was in my second career post Army.

My first role allowed me to bring small team leadership skills into the workplace which enhanced productivity as I led a team of engineers, technical writers, and illustrators on a Defence-related contract.

My second role moved me into Business Development with a large UK Defence Contractor. There, I was able to draw on my experience in Defence to help guide the development and integration of weapons and warfare systems into Australian Special Operations vehicles.

Immersed in the Defence Industry and all of its politics, I soon realised I could achieve more than I was enabled to do whilst employed and restricted by my role and allegiance to my employer’s brand.

So, I started a small consultancy of my own to test my theory, and with Rowena heavily pregnant I took another leap of faith and entered the world of entrepreneurship.

As a middleman for international arms dealers unable to break down the Australian, South East Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, I began using my networks, engagement skills, and street smarts in countries most wouldn’t venture to facilitate demonstrations and trade in a world full of dark and shady characters.

Not necessarily conducive to raising a family, that first business ‘Ironside Defence and Mining’ became Ironside Recruitment as Rowena and I switched focus to helping my former Army colleagues secure roles as they transitioned by using the networks in industry and government I had since developed.

There’s more to share about the business, and Google is a good source for information. Though what I will say is having been through the acquisition process twice with what is now called Ironside Resources, once selling the business and then buying it back, I can safely say the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course is no match for lived experience.

Over a decade on, Rowie and I are immensely proud of having established Ironside Resources and set its foundations here in our home state of Victoria. The brand is recognised across the country as a certified Social Enterprise responsible for paving the way for what is now an industry in its own right, veteran employment.” (speech continued below)

 

Hawthorn RSL Shared a Snippet of Glen’s Speech in Instagram

 

 

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A post shared by Hawthorn RSL (@hawthornrsl)

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, veterans and our families are no longer an ‘untapped’ resource, and it’s inaccurate and misleading to refer to them as such. There are now countless organisations, many of whom are charities that have pivoted into career support and recruitment for veterans.

But the reality is this. They are providing services akin to an existing 17 billion-dollar a year recruitment industry, overseen by professional associations, trade unions, and regulatory bodies governing the behavior of recruitment agencies and labor hire providers and these necessary layers of governance are currently lacking in the ESO, charitable veteran employment space.

The right fit, for the right job must remain the primary objective for both employers, employees, and those working in or on the fringe of the industry, which includes charities.

To influence recruitment based on targets or public messaging is irresponsible, and to do so only leads to unsustainable hire and fewer successful long-term outcomes. Significant to the veteran community however not unique to us is the risk of mental health and financial instability linked to poor recruiting practices, both of which are intrinsically linked.

Our State Government has demonstrated good leadership in the development and delivery of its own Veteran Employment Program supporting careers within the Victorian Public Sector for veterans and families, and

I thank Premier and our Minister for their ongoing commitment to that program. There is so much more to be done though and on behalf of us all may I ask of you the following:

Put your (our) money where it counts. Fund more beds for Ward 17 – Get our veterans off the street – Focus on the outcomes of the pending Royal Commission Report into Defence and Veteran Suicide and establish or maintain initiatives that continue to reduce the numbers of our friends taking their own lives.

Help us by promoting the positive aspects of ADF service and recognise our contribution to the Country, the State, to business, and to Community by putting us first.

It’s also the simple things that count, – things like protecting our Anzac Day March from groups planning to use our Country’s most sacred day to push their irresponsible agendas.

Don’t tell us to be more accepting and more respectful, tell them. Put simply, we fought for you, now you fight for us.

To my fellow RSL leaders and Service Members.

How do we want to be remembered? What position do we want to leave our 100-year-old institution? How can we help the ADF in their mission to recruit and to retain? When are we going to truly hold our governments accountable? Why aren’t we at the table? And I don’t mean bloody ESORT, I mean the real table, inside Parliament before decision and policy is made. Decisions on education, health, child and aged care, infrastructure and planning, the things that we agreed to go to war to protect and we have a right to hold influence on.

As League, we must do better and we must put ourselves back into a position of community leadership those far braver than us set the foundations for.

To those still serving in uniform. Thank you. We are here for you and your families when you make your decision, or the decision is made for you to transition. Don’t expect your journey to be an easy one. Don’t hold your hand out and wait for the support to come. If you’re a leader, lead by example. Use self-agency. Engage DVA early, Engage ADF Transitions early and build networks around you to use to your advantage. Everything you need to make a successful transition from the ADF to a Civilian life is at your fingertips. And never disregard the importance of community. Sporting clubs, school networks, associations, or interest groups. You will realise how valued your service and contribution are to this nation when you make friends with someone who has no connection to the Defence Force other than meeting you, and you will forge friends that will stay with you for a lifetime.

In 2019, 10 years after leaving the Army, I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress resulting from my service in Afghanistan. Throughout my entire civilian career up to that point, I was a nervous and anxious wreck. I would break out in facial acne before public speaking engagements. If I had meaningful contributions to make in group conversations, I’d remain quiet because the act of raising my hand to speak publicly would trigger crippling levels of anxiety. I suffered through this quietly and privately, avoiding those triggers and fearing the inevitable for years until Rowie challenged me to seek help. And through that process and engaging the Department, I got better, and I decided to use my own experience with DVA to help others, by getting inside the shed. That same year, I became aware of my dyslexia, a condition that, while now widely recognised and spoken of, was taboo for a young person completing high school in the Private System in Melbourne in 1997 hence I was never diagnosed. This realisation lifted a weight from my shoulders which had been present since not passing aptitude testing for Officer Training. I now knew why, and I could reconcile with that. Would it have made a difference if I had passed? Bloody oath it would have. It would have meant that every lesson I learned as a Non-Commissioned Officer, Every lesson I learned in the private sector as a Team leader and Business Development Manager, Every hard-earned business lesson I endured as an Entrepreneur and Company Director Through to my schooling in Bureaucracy at the highest echelons of the public sector in my role of A/g Repatriation Commissioner Every lesson would have been lost. And because nothing has ever come easy for me, I’ve never taken any of it for granted. My ADF service taught me to strive to achieve the highest levels of responsibility, accountability, leadership, and outcomes in each and every position I’ve held. These are values that we all share as veterans of the Australian Defence Force. This is what makes us unique, This is what makes us good employees, good business leaders, and good citizens. Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to share a small snippet of my journey with you today, and I hope in doing so I have inspired others to achieve whatever it is they set their mind to.”

 

In conclusion, the journey of transitioning from military service to civilian life is a unique and often challenging experience for Veterans and their families. Through the heartfelt recounting of his personal journey, Glen has shed light on the trials and triumphs faced by many Veterans as they navigate this transition. His story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment exemplified by our Veterans. As we reflect on his words, let us reaffirm our support for Veterans and their families, and continue to strive towards creating a community that honours their sacrifices and empowers their success in civilian life. Together, let us ensure that no Veteran walks alone on their journey towards a fulfilling and prosperous future.

From Service Record to Civilian Resume: Resume Writing Tips for Veterans

Guest Post by Adriana Modersitzki - The Elite Collective
A note from Adriana: I’m the Founder and lead career consultant at The Elite Collective. Elite supports a wide range of individuals through their career journeys, but as a Veteran-owned career coaching and resume writing company, we have unique insight into supporting transitioning members and helping ex-serving members communicate their expertise to civilian hiring managers. I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Rowena at Ironside Resources to create a short blog series offering some actionable advice on translating your skills and experience into language that resonates with civilian employers.

Looking for a new job is challenging for most of us. For ADF members transitioning to a civilian lifestyle and career can be a steep learning curve, and often the first step is the hardest. So how do you get things started? Well, the trick to a successful Defence transition isn’t so much working out what to do when you get out, as much as communicating what you CAN do.
How do you turn your service record into something that a civilian hiring manager or recruiter not just understands, but values?
How do you make your ADF background relevant to the civilian employment market?
Here are some essential tips to guide you through the process:

1. Identify Your Target

Before you start writing your resume, take the time to clarify your career goals. Research different industries and roles to identify the path that aligns with your skills and aspirations. Check out my previous blogs for some tips on digging deep and working out what kind of role you want to pursue.

2. Identify and Highlight Transferable Skills

If you’re sitting down to write a resume, then you need to create a document that shows how the skills picked up during your military career can add value to a civilian job, and put a firm emphasis on how the supporting skills you have will allow you to make a smooth transition into the organisation. A lot of people stall out at this point, so taking time to remember what you did on a daily basis, and make a list of the key skills you used regularly is the perfect next step.

See below for some examples:

  • Logistics Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Planning exercises, events, or meetings
  • Performing Risk Assessments
  • Combat Communications
  • Administration or Records Management
  • Training and/or mentoring junior personnel
  • Managing Resources – personnel, equipment, finances
  • Team Leadership
  • Briefing Senior Officers
  • Working with other teams

It’s important to note – what you will create here is not a list of dot points suitable to insert straight into the resume. 
It’s a list of skills that you can keep coming back to as a touchstone or prompt, as you create the resume content. You can weave these words into your value proposition, your key skills and expertise section, and use them as stepping of points to create content for your career history dot points.

If you’re unsure what a value proposition is, or want some help crafting one – check out this free downloadable resource over on the Elite website. If you want some tips on taking this initial list a bit further, and building them into more comprehensive dot points for the career history, check out this blog on our website that will help you do just that!


3. Highlight desirable training and qualifications

Military training in Australia is some of the finest in the world, and members are given qualifications and training in a wide range of fields – many of which translate very well to the civilian market. For example – occupational health and safety training, leadership development, equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity and quality assurance training.

A word of warning though – don’t just copy and paste the entire list of every course, refresher or program you did. Keep this list succinct and relevant to their potential applications in civilian roles.

4. Showcase Your Achievements

It’s a drum we beat often – for a reason! Please don’t just list your job responsibilities; showcase your achievements and the impact you’ve made.

Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the results of your efforts. Whether it’s improving efficiency, increasing productivity, or leading successful projects, let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

Even when working with sensitive information, there are ways to articulate the impact of your work. Your PAR documentation will give you an overview of what could be considered key achievements.

5. Avoid the Acronyms

Most of the hiring managers or recruiters you come up against aren’t going to have any reference as to what a Flight Lieutenant is.  If you were to call yourself a black hander or a sig, chances are you’ll get a confused squint across the table.

This doesn’t just go for job titles; it also goes for tasks. For example, you didn’t ‘train snipers’, you delivered specialist training to small groups on a range of topics, including undertaking strategic operations and the operation of specialist weaponry in adherence with course requirements and health and safety policies. You didn’t ‘update PMKeys’, you used both standard and specialised IT applications to enter and extract data, run reports and store and retrieve documents.

Describe your job titles, duties, achievements and training in a way that can be understood.

If there’s an acronym – spell it out.

Make. It. Easy     

If in doubt, show your resume to a friend or family member with no Defence knowledge, and ask them to point out anything they don’t understand. Then go one step further, and ask them to tell you what you do on a day to day basis.

Crafting a civilian resume after leaving the Australian Defence Force is a significant step in your career transition journey. By following these tips and leveraging your unique experiences and skills, you can create a compelling resume that effectively communicates your value to potential employers.

Many employers realise the value of employing former ADF members. By partnering with an organisation like Ironside Resources to seek specific employment opportunities, or The Elite Collective to ensure your resume shows you in the best possible light, you’re already making it easier for a civilian employer to understand why YOU SPECIFICALLY are a valuable asset.

Need further help with writing a resume for your transition? The Elite Collective have been writing resumes and supporting clients Australia-wide since 2016, and have an exceptional reputation for delivering privately funded support to members seeking that little bit EXTRA as they transition.

Whether you’re a digger in Darwin, a Senior Officer in Canberra, or an Australian Defence Partner based in Townsville, Elite will unpack your professional story and help you approach your job search with CONFIDENCE.

Reach out to us here to start your next conversation!

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Translating Military Skills into Corporate Strengths

The transition from military life to the corporate world is a journey filled with potential and promise. For many Veterans, the military skills honed on the battlefield are not just relevant but highly valuable in the boardroom. This article delves into how the unique capabilities developed in military service can become formidable assets in the corporate sector.

Recognising the Value of Military Skills

Military skills are not confined to strategic combat or tactical manoeuvres; they encompass a range of attributes that are highly sought after in the business world. Leadership, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to ethics are just a few of the competencies that Veterans bring to the corporate table.

Leadership and Management

Leadership in the military goes beyond commanding authority; it involves inspiring trust, fostering team cohesion, and leading by example. Veterans often excel in leadership roles within corporate settings due to their experience in guiding diverse teams under challenging conditions, making critical decisions, and taking responsibility for outcomes.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Military operations rely heavily on effective teamwork and collaboration. Veterans understand the importance of working cohesively towards a common goal, respecting diverse viewpoints, and supporting team members. This ability to collaborate effectively is a vital asset in any business setting, where teamwork is key to success.

Adaptability and Resilience

If there’s one thing military life teaches, it’s adaptability. Veterans are well-versed in adjusting to rapidly changing scenarios, making them particularly adept at navigating the uncertainties of the business world. Their resilience in the face of adversity also means they are well-equipped to handle business crises and challenges.

Problem-solving and Strategic Thinking

The military environment fosters sharp problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Veterans are trained to analyse situations, assess risks, and develop effective strategies – skills that are directly transferable to corporate problem-solving and strategic planning.

Ethical Integrity and Responsibility

Ethics and responsibility are cornerstones of military training, and Veterans carry these values into their corporate roles. Their commitment to ethical practices and taking responsibility enhances corporate governance and builds trust among stakeholders.

Integrating Military Skills into the Corporate Environment

While the value of military skills in the corporate world is clear, the integration process involves recognising, translating, and adapting these skills to a new context.

For Veterans:

  • Articulate Your Skills: Clearly articulate how your military skills translate to corporate needs.
  • Seek Opportunities for Growth: Look for roles that align with your skills and provide opportunities for further development.
  • Embrace Continuous Learning: Be open to learning new corporate practices and enhancing your existing skills.

For Employers:

  • Recognise the Value: Understand the unique skills Veterans bring and how they can benefit your organisation.
  • Provide Support for Transition: Offer resources and support to help Veterans adapt to the corporate environment.
  • Leverage Their Skills: Utilise Veterans’ skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in strategic roles.

Bridging Two Worlds for Mutual Success

The journey from the battlefield to the boardroom is about translating military skills into corporate strengths. For Veterans, it’s an opportunity to apply their unique abilities in a new arena. For businesses, hiring Veterans means bringing in a wealth of skills that can drive success. At Ironside Resources, we’re committed to facilitating this transition, helping Veterans find fulfilling corporate roles and assisting businesses in harnessing the strengths these Veterans offer.

Career Transition After Defence: A Veteran’s Guide to Navigating Civilian Careers

The transition from a Defence career to civilian life marks a significant chapter in the lives of military Veterans. This journey, while promising, comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. At Ironside Resources, we’re committed to guiding Australian Veterans through this transformative phase, leveraging our expertise to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the civilian workforce.

Understanding the Career Transition Landscape

Adapting to civilian life is more than a career change; it’s an adjustment to a new environment, culture, and working style. Veterans often experience a mix of excitement for new opportunities and uncertainty about the future. Acknowledging these emotions is the first step towards a successful transition. An essential part of this journey is recognising how the skills and experiences gained in Defence can be invaluable assets in civilian roles.

Identifying Transferable Skills

Identifying and articulating the skills developed during military service is crucial. Leadership, teamwork, strategic planning, and adaptability are highly sought after in the civilian job market. For instance, the leadership experience translates into effective team and project management, while the discipline and strategic thinking honed in Defence are invaluable in corporate roles. Veterans need to highlight these skills in their resumes and interviews, showcasing their unique value to potential employers.

Exploring Civilian Career Paths

There is a myriad of career options aligning well with military experience. Fields such as project management, logistics, security, and emergency services often seek the specific skill sets that Veterans possess. Success stories of Veterans in these fields can be incredibly inspiring and provide a roadmap for others. Ironside Resources plays a pivotal role in highlighting these paths and connecting Veterans with these opportunities.

Networking and Resources for a Successful Career Transition

Effective networking is vital in the civilian job market. Veterans should leverage their military connections and seek new networks through Veteran groups, professional associations, career fairs, and online platforms like LinkedIn. Additionally, resources like career counselling, workshops, and mentorship programs can offer significant support. Ironside Resources provides access to such resources, helping Veterans build a robust professional network.

Preparing for the Civilian Workplace

Adapting to civilian workplace culture is another crucial aspect of this transition. Veterans should be prepared for a different pace and style of communication and decision-making. Emphasising continuous learning and development is also key to adapting and thriving in new career paths.

How a Recruitment Agency Can Help

Recruitment agencies help individuals who are looking for new job opportunities with job placements and career advice. At Ironside Resources, we specialise in assisting Veterans on this journey. Our programs and services are designed to understand and match Veterans’ skills with suitable civilian careers. We provide personalised guidance, from interview preparation to onboarding, ensuring that Veterans feel supported throughout their transition.

Embracing Your Next Chapter with Confidence

The journey from Defence to civilian life is not just a career shift; it’s the beginning of a new chapter full of potential. This transition opens doors to opportunities where you can apply your unique skills and experiences in meaningful ways. With the right mindset, support, and resources, your move into the civilian workforce can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Ironside Resources is committed to ensuring that this journey is as smooth and successful as possible, helping you embrace your new chapter with confidence and optimism.

Your Partner in Successful Career Transition

Are you ready to embark on your civilian career journey? Ironside Resources is here to guide you every step of the way. From identifying your transferable skills to finding a role that fits your aspirations, we provide tailored support to make your transition seamless and successful. Contact us today to explore how your military experience can pave the way for an exciting civilian career. Together, we can unlock your potential and achieve new heights in your post-Defence career.

How Do I Manage My Transition Out of The ADF to Get The Best Job?

At Ironside Resources, one of the most common questions we encounter from Veterans is, “How do I manage my transition to secure the best job?” Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant step, and while everyone’s journey is unique, there are key principles that can help you make a successful transition.

Transitioning is a monumental phase in your life, and it can be approached in various ways. Some individuals choose to dive right into the civilian job market, finding employment within weeks of leaving the military. While this approach works for some, a more structured and career-focused transition can yield exceptional results. At Ironside Resources, we’re here to support you on this journey, providing guidance and assistance tailored to your needs.

There are two crucial aspects to effectively manage your transition process: paperwork and accessing the right support services. Let’s delve into these key elements to ensure you’re on the path to success.

1. Managing Your Paperwork

One of the foundational steps in your transition is organising your paperwork. Having a clear timeline is essential, as it determines when you’ll be ready to engage with potential employers and apply for roles. Ironside Resources can assist you in creating a structured plan that aligns with your goals and desired timeline.

2. The Power of the Defence Force Transition Program (DFTP)

One invaluable resource at your disposal during your transition is the Defence Force Transition Program, also known as DFTP. This program is a dedicated framework within the defence sector designed to support Veterans as they transition into civilian life.

DFTP offers a wealth of benefits, including:

  • Free Services: Access to a range of free services, from training and resume writing to career management and guidance. These resources are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the civilian job market.
  • Expert Guidance: The program provides expert guidance tailored to your unique career goals. Whether you’re aiming for a specific industry or seeking further education, DFTP can help you navigate your options.
  • Structured Support: DFTP manages your career transition, ensuring that you have a structured plan in place. This support ensures that you’re well-prepared for the next chapter in your professional life.

At Ironside Resources, we collaborate closely with DFTP to complement their services and provide you with comprehensive support. Our goal is to ensure that you have access to the best resources and guidance available, helping you achieve a seamless transition and secure your dream job.

In conclusion, managing your transition effectively involves meticulous planning, utilising support services like DFTP, and seeking guidance from experts like the team at Ironside Resources. Your journey to a rewarding civilian career starts with a well-structured transition plan and the right support network. We invite you to reach out to us and discover how we can assist you in making your transition a resounding success.