In this must-listen episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, Shawn and Mark are joined by Will Gibson, a 22-year Navy veteran and the visionary founder of VETS on T.A.P. Will shares the incredible journey of how he built VETS on T.A.P., a thriving networking organization that has grown to over 4,000 members and hosts an impressive 138 events annually.
Inspired by the Veterans Beer Club in San Diego, Will founded VETS on T.A.P. in Jacksonville to address the unique needs of transitioning veterans. The organization has since evolved into a community-focused powerhouse offering networking opportunities, educational sessions, and hiring events tailored to empower veterans and military families.
In this episode, Will dives deep into:
- The Origin Story: How his post-military transition and medical challenges sparked the idea for VETS on T.A.P.
- Overcoming Challenges: The hurdles of starting and growing an organization while staying true to community needs.
- Event Formats: An inside look at their inclusive and welcoming events, from casual coffee meetups to speaker series and professional networking mixers.
- Success Stories: Heartwarming examples, including helping a homeless veteran secure employment and another veteran landing a $65,000 job with a $15,000 relocation bonus.
- Future Growth: Plans for expansion to other cities, challenges of franchising, and an open call for listeners to bring VETS on T.A.P. events to their communities.
- Holistic Transition Support: Why veterans need to focus on both professional and personal transitions to thrive in civilian life.
- Will also shares his philosophy on creating safe, inclusive spaces for veterans, particularly those dealing with PTSD or social anxiety, and why relationship-building is more important than event size. His passion for helping veterans achieve their goals shines through as he discusses the rewarding impact of VETS on T.A.P.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Will Gibson, a true leader in the veteran community! Whether you're transitioning out of the military, supporting a loved one, or looking to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartwarming success stories.
Connect with VETS on T.A.P.:
📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsontap
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/veterans-united-craft-brewery/vets-on-tap-networking-event/334440040497673/
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