Profiles in Success: Stories

Jesse served in the Army from 2005 to 2012, then attended John Jay College. In the Army his duties included breach man, team leader and section sergeant. Values he developed included judgment, decisiveness and accountability as often he was called upon to protect his team in combat situations. “I learned how to think and act quickly in tight situations,” he said. “And I learned how to complete a mission all the way through and be responsible for the decisions I made.”

“My experience in the Army gave me an incredible foundation for responsible action in civilian life, but I needed to learn how to translate those values and skills. Edge4Vets offered a very forgiving environment. What I mean by that is mentors in the workshops were patient and supportive as I found words to express what I wanted to do. They helped me see how skills I developed, such as leading a team, could be applied in business and could make me very valuable to employers. They helped me build a network for my civilian job search as well, and helped me craft my resume. They gave me one-to-one interviewing practice which was invaluable. I learned how to understand how valuable my military experience could be to find a job, and not just any job but one that could lead to the kind of career I wanted.”

After graduating from John Jay, Jesse was hired by 1-800-Flowers. He’s a manager in the emerging business and mobile operations department - and he’s moving up fast. As he said, “My Inter-drive keeps me moving forward toward my goals. I never quit until my task/project is complete. I learned that from the Army, how to get things done, no matter how tired I might be. I don’t give up. Truth be told, I like to be the last one in office, the guy who turns out the lights.” It’s no surprise that Jesse’s being promoted so rapidly: he helped turn a $2 business into a $15 million one through, as he says, “lessons I learned in the military.”