Episode 75 of Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, released May 26, 2026, features Isaac Marquez-Diaz, Veteran Employer Liaison for the Texas Veterans Commission. The episode details a free, state-funded hiring pipeline that many Central Texas business owners are unaware of, and explains 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 at the Round Rock Workforce Solutions office, breaks down the practical mechanics of veteran hiring. He explains how WorkInTexas.com auto-matches job postings to qualified candidates, including unemployment recipients who are required to maintain accounts. Another key resource is the TAP (Transition Assistance Program) internship pipeline, which allows employers to host transitioning soldiers for up to 90 days while the military continues paying their salary. Marquez-Diaz also addresses common challenges, such as translating military titles like sergeant or commander into civilian equivalents such as supervisor, manager, or director.
The Texas Veterans Commission Job Fair Con at Kalahari, scheduled for July 22, is expected to draw over 200 employers. Last year's event attracted more than 1,200 attendees, including candidates who flew in from New York. 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, 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."
Host Bryan Eisenberg, who operates the A Place at Home franchise providing care for seniors and veterans, presses Marquez-Diaz on how small businesses can actually connect with this talent pool. 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 recounts a recent community project and provides details on how employers can reach him for assistance.
The implications of this announcement are significant for Texas employers. By leveraging the free services offered by the Texas Veterans Commission, businesses can access a disciplined, mission-driven workforce without incurring recruitment costs. The state-funded pipeline, including the TAP internship program and job matching through WorkInTexas.com, reduces barriers for both employers and veterans. This episode underscores that veteran hiring is not only feasible for small businesses but can also be a strategic advantage in a competitive labor market. As Central Texas continues to grow, tapping into this talent pool could help address workforce shortages while supporting those who have served.
