Sometimes connecting the dots is the best way to solve a problem. Other times it takes a true partnership. The Baking Industry Alliance’s (B.I.A.) initiative with the U.S.O. Pathfinder program does both by finding careers for veterans transitioning out of the military while ameliorating a workplace shortage that almost every bakery experiences.

During the International Baking Industry Exposition, officials from the U.S.O. Pathfinder program and the B.I.A. — consisting of seven major baking organizations — described how the two groups are working together to connect military service members and their families with a variety of employment options in the baking industry. Partnering with U.S.O. Pathfinder provides a win-win for baking businesses as well as for veterans transitioning out of military service.

“Our ability to create a vetted Rolodex of organizations like yours that are incredible organizations with cultures that fit the people that we serve, and on the flipside, for us to essentially create a pipeline of people who know how to work hard and get the job done is really invaluable,” Charles Bailey, site manager, U.S.O., told IBIE attendees.

Many bakeries have difficulty not only meeting the increasing demand for their products, but also fulfilling orders from existing customers. It’s tough to grow when a company struggles with the status quo. This partnership also allows those proactive bakeries to expand their bonds with the military community while providing a clear path for a greater number of other bakeries to get involved.

Don’t wait for the next candidate to walk into your door. Instead, reach out to this network of qualified candidates who have served their country and who can take your company to the next level.