Free State-Funded Hiring Pipeline Connects Texas Employers with Veteran Talent

A recent episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast has unveiled a significant, yet underutilized resource for Texas employers: a free, state-funded hiring pipeline for transitioning military service members. Host Bryan Eisenberg interviewed Isaac Marquez-Diaz, Veteran Employer Liaison for the Texas Veterans Commission, who detailed how businesses in Round Rock, Williamson County, and across the state can tap into this talent pool at no cost. The episode, released May 26, 2026, underscores why veterans are among the strongest yet most overlooked talent sources for employers.

Marquez-Diaz, a military veteran and former police officer based at the Round Rock Workforce Solutions office, outlined several practical tools available to employers. One key resource is WorkInTexas.com, which automatically matches job postings to qualified candidates, including unemployment recipients who are required to maintain accounts on the platform. Another is the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) internship pipeline, which allows employers to host transitioning soldiers for up to 90 days while the military continues paying their salary. Marquez-Diaz also explained how to translate military titles such as sergeant or commander into civilian equivalents like supervisor, manager, or director, making it easier for employers to understand a veteran's experience.

The Texas Veterans Commission Job Fair Con at Kalahari, scheduled for July 22, presents another major opportunity. Last year's event drew over 1,200 attendees, including candidates who flew in from New York. More than 200 employers are expected this year. Marquez-Diaz shared his own story of leaving law enforcement after the Texas Veterans Commission helped him find work at an Austin-area job fair, and he pushed back on the assumption that veteran hiring requires special handling. "When you go to basic training, they kind of delete who you were and they transform you into a soldier. If you give them a mission, they're going to accomplish it," he said.

The podcast also explored specific success stories, including a Marine veteran relocating from San Diego whose state application was nearly rejected over a technical error. After Marquez-Diaz advocated on his behalf, the candidate was hired and now serves as HR Director for the Texas General Land Office, where he is building new veteran-focused programs. Eisenberg, who operates the A Place at Home franchise providing care for seniors and veterans, pressed Marquez-Diaz on how small businesses can connect with this talent pool. The conversation underscored that veterans bring discipline and mission-focused skills that can benefit any organization.

Employers interested in learning more can contact Marquez-Diaz directly or connect via LinkedIn. Episode 75 of Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast is available now wherever podcasts are heard, produced and recorded at Round Rock Studio. This episode highlights a vital economic opportunity for Texas businesses to strengthen their workforce with highly skilled, motivated veterans while utilizing state-funded resources at no cost.