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Randy in the early '90s |
Randy Nelson, one of the five founding partners of
Orion, is a former Navy Submarine Officer. He served within the Navy Nuclear
Program from 1983 to 1989, spending three of those years aboard the USS JAMES
MADISON (SSBN-627)(BLUE CREW).
After separating from the Navy in 1989, Randy
began a recruiting career with the same military recruiting firm as Bill
Laughlin and Jim Tully. It was their shared vision of creating a military
recruiting company that was different and better than anything in the industry
that led to the creation of Orion International. He now serves on Orion’s Board of
Directors.
We asked Randy to share his memories and advice below as Orion
celebrates its 25-year anniversary.
What
was the most fulfilling part of starting Orion? Knowing we could make a difference for both clients and
candidates leaving the service, in a way that was different and better than
other firms.
What
were the circumstances and how did you feel making your first hire? My first candidate
hired was Jonathan Fulton at Alcoa. I
was relieved and ecstatic, and I remember his name 25 years later!
Do
you have a veteran you placed that sticks out in your mind? We have had so many success stories over the past 25 years
that it is hard to name just one. Marvin Hamilton would be one to mention—he
rose very high in Target executive ranks.
What
has your career path been since moving on from Orion? I remain on the Board of Directors, so I never really left.
I built NSTAR Global Services into a leading semiconductor services company
from 2002-2010 and recently published my first book, The Second Decision; The Qualified Entrepreneur. My current
business is Gold Dolphins, LLC -- an executive coaching, public speaking, and
consulting firm for entrepreneurs and leaders.
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Randy today |
What
advice do you have for other would-be veteran entrepreneurs? I have had the honor of speaking at two vetpreneur events
recently, Patriot Boot Camp and VetStart (which was started by a former Orion
employee). I told them to be very proud of their service, take advantage of
their strengths (honesty, strong work ethic, integrity, loyalty, teamwork), and
build a differentiated company, not just another company that does the same
thing everybody else does. I also told them to work with mentors who can help along
the way, people who have been there and done that and can act as a sounding
board and advisor.
What
advice do you have for us as we head in to Orion’s 26th year?
Be very proud
of what we have done and what you will continue to do at Orion. Remain the
industry leader, and continue to take great care of our customers and our
candidates. Keep the passionate service and hard work going!
Thank you, Randy, for giving us
some insight into the early days of Orion! Your decision to take a chance and
start a business 25 years ago has led to a company that has proudly served more
than 36,000 veterans today.
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