Volume 28 | Issue 2
By Aubrey Gonzalez, 3Z Brands
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The principles that define expectational military service, like discipline, leadership, and commitment, often translate directly into success in civilian roles. This alignment has helped form the partnership between 3Z Brands and Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization focused on helping U.S. military veterans and their spouses secure meaningful employment. Through this years-long collaboration, the company has worked to strengthen its workforce while supporting those who have served.
A compelling example of this partnership in action is the hiring of Victor H. Lopez, who joined 3Z Brands in July 2024 as the Safety Manager at the company’s Phoenix manufacturing facility. His transition from military service to manufacturing leadership illustrates the effectiveness of purpose-driven veteran hiring initiatives and the long-term value they can bring to both individuals and organizations.
Victor H. Lopez is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 12 years of service, including deployments for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Unified Protector (OUP), and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Throughout his military career, he gained experience in operational safety, aviation mechanics, unmanned aerial systems, and martial arts instruction, ultimately attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Raised in Hudson County, New Jersey, and the son of Peruvian immigrants, Lopez made the decision to serve at a young age. “I walked into the recruiting office in Jersey City and told them I wanted to be a Marine,” he recalls. “That was it, I was ready.”
That sense of purpose would define his military trajectory and, later, his civilian career. Today, Lopez serves as the Safety Manager for 3Z Brands, a leading manufacturer in the sleep and bedding industry. In this role, he leads safety programs at the company’s Phoenix facility, overseeing risk assessments, training sessions, and safety investigations. The leadership and discipline honed during his time in the military have translated seamlessly into a role focused on protecting people and maintaining a high- functioning, compliant workplace.
Lopez’s transition to the private sector was facilitated by Hire Heroes USA, a longstanding partner of 3Z Brands. Beyond helping secure employment, Hire Heroes USA provides career coaching, resume support, and job search assistance, all tailored to the unique needs of the military community.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hire Heroes USA, an organization that shares our commitment to meaningful career opportunities,” said Jen Bruno, Chief People Officer for 3Z Brands. “Through this partnership, we’ve welcomed exceptional veteran talent into roles across our business. These individuals bring leadership, resilience, and technical skill that elevate our teams and strengthen our operations. It’s not just about hiring veterans, it’s about finding the right match, and Hire Heroes has helped us do exactly that.”
John Merwin, CEO of 3Z Brands added: “Our veteran team members embody the kind of leadership, integrity, and work ethic that inspire everyone around them. We’re honored to have such outstanding individuals contributing across our organization. Their impact goes far beyond their roles, helping to shape our company’s culture and drive the performance that makes 3Z a great place to work and grow.”
Hire Heroes USA plays a key role in bridging the gap between employers and highly qualified veteran talent. For companies like 3Z Brands, this partnership offers access to candidates with proven leadership adaptability and a strong work ethic, characteristics that align well with the demand of manufacturing operations.
Veteran hiring isn’t just a values-based decision, it’s a strategic one. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, veterans possess skills that are directly transferable to manufacturing, logistics, and operations. Additionally, leadership under pressure, attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Companies that invest in veteran recruitment often see measurable benefits in retention and performance. A recent study by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families found that veterans are more likely to be promoted earlier and stay longer in their roles than their civilian counterparts.
Companies, like 3Z, that implement structured veteran hiring initiatives often see tangible benefits in productivity, culture, and retention. Veterans bring a mission-oriented mindset and are typically well-versed in working collaboratively in diverse, high-stakes teams.
Veterans bring a wealth of skills, leadership experience, and strong work ethic that align naturally with many of the roles within 3Z Brands. From manufacturing and safety to IT and operations, the company has successfully matched veterans with roles that leverage their existing strengths while offering new opportunities for growth.
3Z focuses on identifying where veterans’ capabilities, such as operational discipline, technical expertise, and a commitment to teamwork, fit seamlessly into its current organizational needs. The result is a workforce enriched by individuals who are already well-versed in complex problem-solving, fast moving environments, and continuous improvement.
This alignment is further supported by structured onboarding, targeted training, and clear pathways for advancement, ensuring veterans are not just hired, but positioned for long-term success.
The veteran employment landscape is evolving and organizations like Hire Heroes USA remain essential in supporting that evolution. 3Z’s ongoing collaboration with Hire Heroes USA demonstrates how mission-driven hiring can align with broader business objectives. The case of Victor Lopez underscores what is possible when veterans are supported through purposeful recruitment, onboarding, and professional development.
By embracing the strengths veterans bring, the manufacturing sector and the broader economy stand to benefit from a more skilled, committed, and resilient workforce.
Hire Heroes USA: Channeling Veteran Skills to Power U.S. Manufacturing
Tune in for a timely conversation with Susan Spence, MBA, the new Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. With decades of global sourcing leadership—from United Technologies to managing $25B in procurement at FedEx—Susan shares insights on the key trends shaping global supply chains and what they mean for the manufacturing outlook.
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