A recent episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast has brought attention to a free, state-funded hiring pipeline that many Central Texas business owners may not know about. Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, episode 75 features Isaac Marquez-Diaz, a Veteran Employer Liaison for the Texas Veterans Commission, who discusses how employers can tap into a highly disciplined and overlooked talent pool: transitioning service members.
Released May 26, 2026, the episode explains the practical mechanics of veteran hiring and the support available at no cost to Texas employers. Marquez-Diaz, a military veteran and former police officer based out of the Round Rock Workforce Solutions office, outlines several key resources. WorkInTexas.com automatically matches job postings to qualified candidates, including unemployment recipients who are required to maintain accounts. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) internship pipeline allows employers to host transitioning soldiers for up to 90 days while the military continues to pay their salary. Marquez-Diaz also explains how to translate military titles such as sergeant or commander into civilian equivalents like supervisor, manager, or director.
Marquez-Diaz shares why he left law enforcement to take this role after the Texas Veterans Commission helped him find work at an Austin-area job fair. He pushes back on the assumption that veteran hiring requires special handling, explaining 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.
The conversation includes specific success stories, such as 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. Marquez-Diaz also detailed last year's Kalahari job fair, which drew over 1,200 attendees, including candidates who flew in from New York.
Looking ahead, the Texas Veterans Commission Job Fair Con at Kalahari is scheduled for July 22, with over 200 employers expected. This event offers another opportunity for businesses to connect with veteran talent. For small businesses, Eisenberg pressed Marquez-Diaz on how they can actually connect with this talent pool, highlighting the accessibility of the programs.
The implications for employers across Round Rock, Williamson County, and the broader Texas economy are significant. By utilizing these free resources, businesses can access a workforce known for its discipline, mission-driven mindset, and leadership skills. The episode underscores that veteran hiring is not only feasible but also advantageous, with state-funded support removing financial barriers. As Central Texas continues to grow, leveraging this pipeline could help employers fill critical roles while supporting those who have served.
