Gridiron Capital Sets the Standard for Veteran Hiring in Private Equity
By partnering with JobPaths and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Gridiron Capital is creating a ripple effect across its portfolio, equipping each company with the tools to recruit, hire, and retain veterans, and setting a new benchmark for private equity-led social impact.
In an industry often driven solely by financial returns, Gridiron Capital is demonstrating that private equity can—and should—be a force for social impact. Through a strategic partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and JobPaths, Gridiron has committed to ensuring that every company in its portfolio actively supports veteran hiring and career advancement.
This partnership gives Gridiron-backed companies access to a custom-built hiring and workforce development platform designed specifically for veterans. JobPaths, a national leader in veteran employment solutions, provides comprehensive tools including military-to-civilian skills translation, job matching algorithms, mentorship opportunities, and career navigation resources. With over 350,000 users and more than 36,000 new users joining each month, the platform is helping employers tap into one of the most skilled and mission-driven segments of the American workforce.
The impact of this initiative is already visible across the Gridiron portfolio.
At FEI Group, Senior Vice President Brian Penabad has led efforts to integrate the platform and strengthen veteran recruitment across the company’s network. He was recently honored with the JobPaths Bronze Award for his role in placing veterans into roles that align with their leadership experience and skillsets.
At Leaf Home, the results have been similarly impressive. Since 2020, the company has seen a 240% increase in veteran hires. Nick Busse, a U.S. Army veteran and Leaf Home’s Military Engagement Manager, has played a critical role in driving that growth.
“I’m highly impressed with JobPath, a powerful platform that creates seamless career pathways for transitioning service members," Busse said when reflecting on the value of the platform. "My own experience, along with many others, is proof of its impact. What truly sets JobPath apart is the dedicated team behind it, personally invested in safeguarding opportunities for our heroes. I highly recommend it to anyone supporting veteran career transitions.”
What makes Gridiron’s approach stand out is not just the quality of its partnerships; it is the integration of veteran hiring into its core operational strategy. Rather than issuing general guidance or encouraging optional best practices, Gridiron has systematized veteran recruitment across its portfolio, setting a new precedent for how private equity firms can lead with purpose.
Veterans offer companies unmatched dedication, leadership, and adaptability. Gridiron Capital’s investment in their futures is not just a moral decision; it is a strategic one.
To learn more about Gridiron’s veteran hiring initiative, visit gridiron.yourjobpath.com.