The Texas Veterans Commission is offering a free hiring pipeline for employers in Central Texas, a resource largely unknown to many business owners, according to Isaac Marquez-Diaz, Veteran Employer Liaison for the commission. In a recent episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, Marquez-Diaz detailed how the state-funded program connects employers with qualified veterans at no cost, emphasizing that transitioning service members represent a strong but overlooked talent pool.
Marquez-Diaz, a military veteran and former police officer based at the Round Rock Workforce Solutions office, explained the practical mechanics of veteran hiring. He noted that the WorkInTexas.com platform automatically matches job postings to qualified candidates, including unemployment recipients who are required to maintain accounts. Additionally, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) internship pipeline allows employers to host transitioning soldiers for up to 90 days while the military continues paying their salary, reducing financial risk for businesses.
Marquez-Diaz addressed common misconceptions about veteran hiring, pushing back on the assumption that it requires special handling. He highlighted the discipline instilled in service members, stating, "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 also advised employers on translating military titles such as sergeant or commander into civilian equivalents like supervisor, manager, or director.
The episode also promoted the Texas Veterans Commission Job Fair Con at Kalahari, scheduled for July 22, which is expected to host over 200 employers. Last year's event drew more than 1,200 attendees, including candidates who flew in from New York. Marquez-Diaz shared a success story of 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.
Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, the podcast episode was released on May 26, 2026, and highlights why small businesses, including Eisenberg's A Place at Home franchise, can benefit from this talent pool. Employers interested in the program can contact Marquez-Diaz via email or connect through LinkedIn.
