The challenges soldiers face on the battlefield are indescribable, and the commitment to fight under fire isn’t for the faint of heart. As soldiers patrol the scenes of foreign countries, their lives often depend on what they see and what they don’t. For years, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have tormented United States forces and are responsible for killing and dismembering Americans by the thousands. In 2007, American troops were losing limbs from blasts about every other day on average.1 This is the reality that Nick Fuller endured as a major during the Global War on Terror.
Many veterans face another battle off the field when they begin to return to civilian life and look for meaningful channels of employment to support themselves and their families. After 23 years in the Army and three Purple Heart Medals, Fuller found himself motivated to continue his service in the private sector. Once confronted with his own mortality and the safety of his company, he recognized a need for improved training around protection from IEDs and operating weaponry safely.
In 2008, as nation-wide sequestration began, military funding was cut dramatically, resulting in less intensive training for soldiers before deployment. Without the proper resources, thousands of U.S. lives were at stake. Like Fuller, retired Lt. Col. Bryan Dyer observed the same need for support and was driven to do whatever he could to provide the necessary training for soldier protection, regardless of what funding was available.
With the primary goal of equipping warfighters with the tools they need to be successful in the field, Dyer formed Yorktown Systems Group in 2008. Together, Dyer, Fuller, and Nancy Acquavella, an expert in proposal and business development and former colleague of Dyer’s, joined forces to train more than 3,000 soldiers before their deployment to Baghdad. Of the group trained, zero soldiers died as a result of IED-related events; a massive shift from previous scenarios.
“We made a commitment to what was right, instead of what was profitable,” said Fuller. “Although we are no longer serving on the battlefield, working with military clients means that sometimes business decisions are a matter of life or death. We were unwilling to let these troops march forward without the proper resources for a successful mission.”
Since then, Dyer has crafted a powerhouse staff deeply invested in its customers’ end mission and in better supporting the Nation’s Armed Forces. In the beginning stages of the company, 95 percent of Dyer’s team were veterans, driven by a company culture with military mentality at its core. Dyer and other leaders at Yorktown recognize the value of grit, determination, and adaptability, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, which military veterans often bring to the table. Yorktown believes these qualities are the cornerstone of a quality workforce that can exceed the requirements of customers. Jared Lapp, Director of Operations, has seen firsthand the impact that veteran leadership has had on the firm.
“Those who have served in the military represent a special group. Their ability to make tough choices, lead under pressure, and think strategically is of great value to Yorktown,” said Lapp. “It’s easy to teach skills, but it’s hard to teach leadership. Because the military demonstrates leadership from day one, veterans often understand the importance of honor, duty, ad consistency – all important qualities we admire in our leaders at Yorktown.”
While Yorktown houses a strong network of veteran professionals, the management team is dedicated to choosing the best candidate possible for each position, regardless of outside factors.
“Our focus has always been to build the best team possible with the most qualified applicants possible,” said Dyer. “Every person at Yorktown has worked hard for our clients, while also playing a large role in enhancing our company culture.”
Since Yorktown’s founding, Dyer has envisioned a culture of comradery, tenacity, and integrity, and he’s worked to keep that culture in place as the company has grown from a small firm to one of the leading partners for the Nation’s Armed Forces. Yorktown has maintained the ability to seamlessly blend military and non-military cultures to support its clients, and Dyer credits much of the company’s success to that balance.
Yorktown’s client base consists largely of government and military organizations. For this reason, many former soldiers consider working for Yorktown a different, but impactful way to serve their country. Yorktown’s clients benefit from the expertise of the company’s veteran staff, because those employees, due to their military experience, are able to offer relevant and educated insights when identifying solutions for government and military clients.
Yorktown also encourages the success of current military spouses on their staff through flexibility and autonomy. The leadership team empowers each team member to grow alongside the company by providing ongoing training and mentorship opportunities to ensure all employees have resources for success.
“Yorktown has always provided support and adaptability during transitional times,” said Program Manager, U.S. Army veteran and military spouse Patrick Rousey. “Since joining the company in 2010, I’ve moved across five states to support my wife’s role in the military and have consistently received the resources I need to be successful.”
Yorktown’s top priority is its relationships with employees and customers. By keeping military mentality at the forefront of the business model, Yorktown ensures that those who have served, and military spouses, have what they need to build a prosperous civilian career.
For more information about Yorktown Systems Group or to search available career opportunities, visit ysginc.com or call 877-406-0262.
1 Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/18/ied-10-years-blast-wounds-amputations/3803017/
