Join us for an insightful panel discussion focused on empowering military members in their transition to civilian careers through the art of personal branding. This event is designed to provide veterans and transitioning military members with tools and strategies to effectively communicate their unique skills, experiences, and values to potential employers. Our panel of seasoned veterans and industry experts will share invaluable insights, practical tips, and examples to help you establish a compelling personal brand that sets you apart in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re nearing the end of your service or have already transitioned to civilian life, this program will help you navigate your career journey with confidence and success.

Panelists:

• Yashira Rodriguez, Manager, Talent Strategy Programs and Veterans Connect for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Army Veteran

• Ray Gagnon, President & Chief Consultant, Business Operational Success Systems Inc., member of the Saratoga Chamber Veterans Business Council. U.S Marine Veteran

• Vic Lance, Regional Director, Northeast, FourBlock, U.S. Marine Veteran

Panel Bios:

Victor Lance, Regional Director: Northeast, FourBlock

Victor J. Lance (Vic) is a Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur. He graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Business Administration, and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Victor was commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps through Villanova’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). While in the Marines, he served as a logistics officer during a combat tour to Afghanistan, and was the officer-in-charge of a Police Transition Team while deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was subsequently assigned to the University of Michigan as the Marine Officer Instructor of the NROTC program.

After his military service, Victor became an entrepreneur, starting his own surety bond business. During this time, he focused on educating and assisting small businesses throughout the country with various license and bond requirements. His company became one of the fastest growing bond agencies in the nation, achieving Inc. 5000 recognition in 2020. After successfully selling his business, he now serves as the Northeast Regional Director of FourBlock Foundation.

Victor resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with his wife and four young children.

Yashira Rodriguez, MAOL, Manager, Talent Strategy Programs and Veterans Connect, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

Yashira Rodriguez served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2009 – 2017. Growing up in a Military household was a duty she always respected and admired. During her time in the U.S. Army Reserves she was able to pursue higher education and receive both her Bachelor’s, Master’s degree and now her pursuit of a Doctorate. Her Professional experience spans the military, healthcare, and civic/ non-profit sectors where she is today leading a regional initiative called Veterans Connect at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Yashira is dedicated to connecting with Soldiers at Fort Drum as well as transitioning service members from U.S. military branches across the country. She has thoroughly enjoyed advocating for and bringing awareness to the incredible talent this population of individuals holds to employers and organizations across the State of New York. Yashira was recognized this year for the incredibly impact she has had in her local community with the Veteran population by being awarded the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame by Senator Jeremy Cooney. A recognition she identifies as only being accomplished in collaboration with all her community partners.

She delivers high touch program delivery to each program participant she supports. Providing resources, connections, and mentorship that ensures successful and supported civilian reintegration.

Ray Gagnon–Husband–Father–Grandfather-Marine–Entrepreneur–Trainer–Mentor–Coach-Leader

Ray is the Founder, Creator, and Head Coach of CHAOS Coach, a professional coaching company that provides Business Leaders with real life training, coaching, and mentoring for their entrepreneurial journey. He is also the Founder, President, and Chief Consultant of Business Operational Success Systems Inc, a global provider of business and performance improvement programs. Founded in 2009, “BOSS” is a training and consulting company who works with businesses of all sizes to help them grow and prosper in any economy by transforming them into “High Performance Organizations”. He is internationally recognized as a world class business builder, coach, trainer, leader, and mentor. Ray speaks professionally globally and throughout North America at business conventions, retreats, conferences, and company meetings. Creator & Author of the 13 Point Business Battle Strategy, the 10S Business Building System, the Application Training Process, the KASH Adult Learning System, the APPE Time Management Methodology, the PESOS Training Systems, the 8-Point CHAOS Coaching System, and the CHAOS WARRIOR Business Training System, Ray uses his 50+ years of experience to help his clients develop leadership, train their teams, increase sales, improve interpersonal management skills, refine processes, build business systems, grow and expand in every domain of life, and achieve all organizational and entrepreneurial goals.

He is the President and CEO of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling LLC, based in Schenectady, NY. JDog is the only national franchise brand that is Veteran Owned, Veteran Operated, and Veteran Employed! JDog strives to support our local Veterans through Empowerment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship. JDog provides residential and commercial junk removal services with military precision.

Ray is a retired Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant with 25 years of distinguished service and over 20 years in Marine Corps Recruiting.

He is also a certified Master Trainer for the U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps, Franklin Covey, Xerox Professional Sales Systems, Learning International, Achieve Global, Sales Pro International, 360 Solutions, Maritz Learning, SER National Training Team, and CHAOS Warrior Curriculum. Ray is a certified curriculum developer and training course administrator whose training programs and training techniques have been published, adopted, and utilized with government agencies and private companies throughout the world.

Ray and his wife Robin have been married for over 33 years and they have two sons.