Texas Veterans Commission Liaison Reveals Free Hiring Pipeline for Employers
The latest Rock Solid podcast episode highlights a state-funded, free hiring pipeline for veterans that many Central Texas employers are unaware of, explaining why transitioning service members are an overlooked talent pool.
A recent episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast has shed light on a free, state-funded hiring pipeline for veterans that many Central Texas employers are unaware of. Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, episode 75 titled 'How Veterans Can Find Great Jobs in Texas' features Isaac Marquez-Diaz, Veteran Employer Liaison for the Texas Veterans Commission. Released May 26, 2026, the conversation underscores why transitioning service members may be the strongest, most overlooked talent pool available to employers across Round Rock, Williamson County, and the broader Texas economy.
Marquez-Diaz, a military veteran and former police officer based out of the Round Rock Workforce Solutions office, explained the practical mechanics of veteran hiring and the support available at no cost to Texas employers. Key topics included how WorkInTexas.com auto-matches job postings to qualified candidates, including unemployment recipients required to maintain accounts. He also detailed 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. This effectively gives businesses a risk-free trial period to evaluate potential hires.
Marquez-Diaz pushed back on the assumption that veteran hiring requires special handling, emphasizing the discipline built into service members. '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. He also advised translating military titles such as sergeant or commander into civilian equivalents like supervisor, manager, or director to make resumes more accessible to hiring managers.
The episode highlighted the Texas Veterans Commission Job Fair Con at Kalahari, scheduled for July 22, which expects 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.
Eisenberg, who operates A Place at Home franchise providing care for seniors and veterans, pressed Marquez-Diaz on how small businesses can connect with this talent pool. Marquez-Diaz noted that employers can contact him directly via LinkedIn for assistance. The episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.