June 3, 2025 Honoring Service Through Opportunity: Empowering Veterans

Across the country companies are discovering the value veterans bring to the workplace – discipline, leadership and a mission-driven mindset.

In the upcoming June edition of Industry Today we spotlight  Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses find meaningful employment. As part of our commitment to sharing impactful stories get a glimpse of some of the veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian careers through these partnerships – proof that when mission meets opportunity, everyone wins.

3Z Brands  

Victor H. Lopez, Safety Manager, 3Z Brands

Victor H. Lopez is the Safety Manager at 3Z Brands, where he brings more than a decade of military safety and leadership experience to the civilian workforce. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Victor served 12.5 years in various roles, including Ground Safety Manager, unmanned aerial vehicle operator, fixed airwing mechanic, Squadron Colors Sergeant, and Marine Corps martial arts instructor trainer.

Since joining 3Z Brands in July 2024 through a partnership with Hire Heroes, he has led efforts to develop and enforce safety programs at the company’s Phoenix facility. Passionate about protecting others, Victor conducts inspections, leads employee training, and fosters a culture of health and safety throughout the organization.

Originally from Hudson County, New Jersey, and the son of Peruvian parents, Victor’s journey began with a strong calling to serve. That same commitment now powers his civilian career. His vigilance and dedication continue to make a lasting impact at 3Z Brands.

Advance Auto Parts

Rich Bertran, Advance Auto Parts, Supply Chain Strategy & Operations Lead  

Rich Bertran plays a key role in executing the supply chain strategy for Advance Auto Parts. Following a 20-year career with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Forces, he joined Advance in 2024 to guide the strategic development and optimization of the company’s supply chain.

As a servant leader for his teammates and a trailblazer in supply chain development for the company’s future, he’s also passionate about developing and leading multifunctional teams that can meet today’s demands while paving the way for tomorrow. In the various initiatives he leads, Rich works to cultivate key partnerships that allow fellow veterans to continue to relentlessly pursue excellence in everything they do. His team’s mantra is, “Speed, Accuracy, and Surgical Execution.”

Advance Auto Parts, Inc., is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of December 28, 2024, Advance operated 4,788 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Orion Talent

Jay Koranda, Vice President of Recruiting, Orion Talent

Jay Koranda is a U.S. Navy veteran and Vice President of Recruiting at Orion Talent, where he has spent over 25 years helping fellow veterans transition into meaningful civilian careers. Drawing on his 11 years as an Aviation Electronics Technician and Master Training Specialist, Jay has built and led military recruiting programs that connect top-tier veteran talent with roles in engineering, operations, and maintenance. His focus today is on aligning military skill sets with critical workforce gaps in manufacturing—a sector that values the discipline, technical expertise, and leadership veterans bring. Jay has spent his career advancing pathways for service members to enter high-demand manufacturing roles.

TK Elevators

Nhiem Chau, Associate Superintendent, TK Elevator
Nate Holiday, Vice President of Human Resources

At TK Elevator, military veterans are doing more than just filling jobs, they’re building thriving careers. Associate Superintendent Nhiem Chau and Vice President of Human Resources Nate Holiday are two standout examples of how veterans are helping elevate the world of vertical transportation. With a background in project management and safety, Chau sees a natural fit between his military service, where problem-solving and project management were critical skills, and his role at TKE overseeing new installations. Holiday, who began his TKE journey in safety before transitioning to HR, says the company’s focus on growth and development makes it especially attractive to prospective employees. Through partnerships with organizations like Hire Heroes USA, TKE is not only hiring veterans but also empowering them to succeed in a dynamic global industry.

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