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Veterans Connect Radio
A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country.
#VetsConnect
@VetConnectRadio
Roger Roley, Forrest Woodland, Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson , John Phillips and Lloyd Knight
Forrest Woodland/JDog Lawrenceville
Owner/Operator
Roger Roley CSM (Retired) / Four Block
Atlanta Program Director
Roger joined the Army where he served for 24 years; during his tenure Roger had several positions of Leadership and responsibility and was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and numerous other awards. Roger achieved the highest non-commissioned rank of Command Sergeants Major.
After retiring from the Army Roger joined Ferrellgas as a District Manager where he took a District ranked at #123 to #1. In 2 years Roger grew the District’s customer base 78%, doubled top line earnings, received the Donald Trump Award for the highest margins over projections while reducing expenses by 18% under projections.
Roger joined Cintas in 2001 as an Advance Management Candidate; during the next 11 years Roger held the positions of; Market Manager where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for internal growth, Top Sales Manager of 22 Location generating $160,000 in weekly volume over a 3 year period, as a Director of Facility Services (Group Level) Roger developed over $200,000 in weekly volume in new business services; Roger’s last position was as Atlanta’s Market Manager for the Deep Clean Division where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for 2 straight years.
Roger joined Osprey Biotechnics Inc. in January 2012 as Vice President of Business Development Growing sales 30% ($1.4M) creating the company’s first growth year in 3 years.
In August 2013 Roger joined Corporate Leads Inc., as Senior Partner. Corporate Leads Inc. is a Veterans placement organization with an outstanding record with both Veterans and corporations.
Roger joined Building Global Leaders Team in December 2014 as Vice President of Operations and Partner. Building Global Leaders (BGL) mission is to develop future business leaders utilizing business training, leadership training and mentorship.
In continuing to support our veteran Roger joined Four Block in November 2015 as the Atlanta Program Director: Four Block Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares transitioning veterans for careers in corporate America. We teach a semester long, university accredited course that assists student-veterans with obtaining competitive internships and full-time positions.
Lloyd Knight / VETLANTA
Co-Founder
Lloyd Knight is Director, Government, Aerospace & Project Cargo Operations at UPS. He oversees multiple freight forwarding programs supporting a wide range of clients including the Department of Defense, defense contractors, humanitarian and aerospace customers. He develops operational strategies to meet business objectives and ensures UPS remains compliant with government regulations. Lloyd has been employed at UPS since 2007 and in addition to his current assignment has served in several different roles including Government Tender Manager, Global Government Operations Manager and a special assignment with corporate HR focusing on veteran hiring initiatives.
Lloyd retired from the Air Force in 2007 after 20 years of service. During this time, Lloyd logged over 3,000 flight hours as a Loadmaster on several operational and flight test aircraft including the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-23 Sherpa. He also served assignments as a Tanker Airlift Control Lift Element (TALCE) Loadmaster, HQ Air Mobility Command Functional Manager and First Sergeant.
Lloyd founded the UPS Veterans Business Resource Group in Atlanta and co-founded and the Chairman of VETLANTA, an industry collaboration of Veteran friendly/ affiliated organizations in the Atlanta region. VETLANTA mission is to make Atlanta a top destination for veterans. He is an active volunteer for multiple veteran non-profits including American Corporate Partners and Hire Heroes USA.
Lloyd has associate degrees in Aircrew Operations and Human Resources Management from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor Degree in Transportation & Logistics Management from American Military University and a Master’s Degree in Logistics & Transportation Management from American Military University.
He has been married to Suzan for 28 years and has two sons (James & Brandon). Brandon is a college sophomore and James is a soon to be transitioning solider assigned to the 82nd Airborne.
John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers
Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA
John has had a distinguished career in both military and civilian service. John is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army where he served in the Field Artillery as well as a Financial Comptroller. With more than 20 years of service, he served in Corps Artillery, Division Artillery, Army Headquarters and Forces Command, the largest command and the generating force provider for combatant commanders – at home and abroad. He has served in Europe, throughout the Middle East and the United States. Among his awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.
John is the Author of Boots to Loafers, Finding Your New True North which outlines a proven process of transitioning out of the military and into the private sector. He is also a contributing author to Paddling Guide to the Sunshine State and An American Crisis, Veteran Unemployment, Stand by Them/How You can Help/Solution. He has been featured on The Mike Huckabee Show, the Dennis Miller Show as well as a number of radio appearances across the country.
John is a finance executive at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. In his spare time, John spends his time travelling with his wife, Sailing in the British Virgin Islands, remote wilderness trips in the western United States, and helping our nation’s military and veterans make the transition into society and finding a job in the private sector.
John holds a BS in Finance from University of Central Florida and an MBA from Syracuse University. He lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia with his wife, the former Melissa K. Smith and their Australian Shepherd, Bear.
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