"Anchoring Your Vision, Navigating Your Growth"
At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we transform challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re a veteran or service member transitioning to civilian life or a business striving to recruit and support top-tier veteran talent, we offer unparalleled expertise and strategies designed to help you achieve lasting success.
For Veterans & Service Members: Transitioning out of the military can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. With 21 years of military leadership, a Masters in HR, and over 15 years of human resources experience, I’ve walked in your boots and helped others thrive in civilian careers. From clarifying your next steps to building a winning resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview prep strategy, Tern & Anchor, LLC empowers you to achieve clarity and confidently navigate your civilian mission.
For Businesses: At Tern & Anchor, LLC we aren’t just HR professionals; we are a “translator” between two distinct cultures that often struggle to understand one another. Veterans are highly-skilled leaders, but recruiting and retaining military talent requires specialized expertise. I help companies attract, onboard, and retain veteran employees by leveraging strategies that maximize both veteran inclusion and business outcomes. With services like veteran-focused recruitment pipelines, workplace culture training, and certification guidance (V3 and beyond), I position your company as a trusted leader in veteran-friendly hiring.
Partnering with Tern & Anchor, LLC means working with someone who has lived both sides—the military mission and the HR strategy—to deliver results-driven solutions tailored uniquely to you.
Exclusive Services
At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we specialize in empowering veterans, businesses, and organizations to unlock their full potential. As a 21-year Navy veteran and HR expert with over 15 years of experience, in the private sector and government contracting, I bring a uniquely tailored approach to several core areas of service: helping transitioning service members and veterans confidently navigate the civilian job market with career coaching, educating on VA entitlements, interview preparation and much more! We also partner with businesses to recruit and retain top-tier veteran talent while fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Whether you're transitioning veteran finding your next mission, a business looking to honor its commitment to hiring heroes, or a local small business looking for a Veteran Integration Boot Camp, Tern & Anchor, LLC will be your trusted partner.
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At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we provide mentorship and coaching tailored to veterans and service members transitioning into civilian life. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your next mission, preparing for a civilian career, or want expert guidance to navigate the challenges ahead, we’re here to empower you with the tools you need to thrive. Our services combine firsthand military experience with HR expertise to deliver impactful, results-driven mentorship.
You’ve won battles—you don’t have to face this one alone. At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we specialize in guiding military service members and veterans who are transitioning into civilian life. With over 21 years of military leadership and 15 years of HR expertise, we understand the challenges you face. From redefining your identity to building a new career path or sharpening your leadership skills, we provide mentorship that empowers you to thrive in your next mission: your life after service.
Explore our tailored mentorship packages below and take the first step toward clarity, confidence, and success.
Sounding Board Session
Price: $149
Tagline: Quick, expert advice to get you unstuck and back on track.Description:
Sometimes, all you need is someone who gets it to help you brainstorm, strategize, and find the answers you’re looking for. Whether you’re stuck on translating your military experience, have questions about the job hunt, feel uncertain about your career direction, or need guidance on a specific veteran-related challenge, this 60-minute session is perfect for you.What’s Included:
A 60-minute 1-on-1 coaching session to address your specific challenges or goals.
Personalized advice and actionable steps tailored to your situation.
Email follow-up with key takeaways, recommended resources, and next steps for easy follow-through.
Perfect For: Veterans or transitioning service members who need quick, expert input without committing to a larger package.
Mission Reboot: Personal Alignment Session
Price: $499
Tagline: A guided mentorship session to realign your purpose, goals, and strategies during your transition.Description:
Facing big life or career questions as you transition to civilian life? This session is your go-to solution for clarity, direction, and actionable next steps. Whether you’re redefining your purpose, troubleshooting specific obstacles, or exploring personal or professional growth, this session will provide you with expert advice and personalized strategies.What’s Included:
90-Minute One-on-One Coaching Session tailored to your unique challenges and goals.
Post-Session Recap Report: A written summary of key takeaways, action steps, and resource recommendations.
Perfect For: Service members or veterans seeking focused, expert guidance to overcome specific challenges in their transition.
First Steps Forward
Price: $549
Tagline: Build your foundation for a successful civilian career.Description:
Transitioning to civilian employment involves more than just filling out applications. This package is designed to help you establish a solid foundation by identifying your transferable skills, crafting a compelling resume, and creating a clear game plan for the job market.What’s Included:
90-minute 1-on-1 Consultation Call to assess your skills, goals, and opportunities.
Translation of Military Skills to Civilian Resumes, tailored to the industries you’re targeting.
A Civilian Resume Template customized to your experience that you can adapt for future applications.
A Job Market Guidance Guidebook filled with actionable tips and insights for success in today’s hiring landscape.
Perfect For: Veterans who are starting their transition to the civilian workforce and need foundational tools for success.
Command Post: Leadership Reimagined
Price: $999
Tagline: Become a force for success by building your leadership identity in civilian life.Description:
You were born to lead, but civilian leadership is different from military command. This package helps you transition your skills into civilian life with a focus on emotional intelligence, career growth, and building lasting relationships. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or advancing to the next level, this package prepares you to lead with confidence and purpose.What’s Included:
3 Personalized Coaching Sessions (60 minutes each):
Session 1: Bringing Military Leadership into Civilian Life: Learn to mentor and collaborate while staying true to your leadership style.
Session 2: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Navigate civilian communication and relationship dynamics.
Session 3: Career Growth Through Leadership: Define your personal leadership brand and create an actionable plan for long-term success.
Leadership Development Plan: Detailed insights and strategies tailored to your unique leadership journey.
Perfect For: Veterans or transitioning service members who want to maximize their impact as leaders in civilian roles.
Operation New Mission: Transition Mastery
Price: $1,199
Tagline: Secure your footing for a successful civilian life. Build the confidence, clarity, and action plan to thrive after the military.Description:
Transitioning to civilian life is about more than just getting a job—it’s about redefining your mission, rebuilding your identity, and navigating an entirely new culture. This package is designed to provide you with customized mentorship and a clear roadmap for success, whether you’re pursuing a new career, exploring education opportunities, or setting personal growth goals.What’s Included:
4 One-on-One Coaching Sessions (60 minutes each):
Session 1: Define Your Next Mission: Reflect on your service, assess your skills, and clarify your goals.
Session 2: Civilian Culture Navigation: Tips, tools, and strategies to succeed in the civilian workspace and build effective networks.
Session 3: Leadership in Civilian Life: Bring your unique military leadership style into civilian contexts.
Session 4: Crafting Your Personal Action Plan: Set actionable short- and long-term goals for your career, relationships, and personal development.
Custom Transition Workbook to help you stay organized and track your progress.
Leadership Alignment Checklist to translate military values into civilian opportunities.
Perfect For: Veterans in any stage of their transition who need structure, clarity, and a reliable partner to help plan their next move.
Ready to Land
Price: $1,299
Tagline: A comprehensive toolkit for securing your next mission in the civilian workforce.Description:
This package is for veterans who are ready to take the next step and launch a focused, successful job hunt. Covering resumes, job search strategies, and interview prep, we equip you with everything you need to stand out as a candidate and land your dream role.What’s Included:
3 Personalized 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions (60 minutes each):
Session 1: Resume Writing for Civilian Roles.
Session 2: Targeted Job Search Strategy based on industry trends and opportunities.
Session 3: Interview Skills Coaching & Mock Sessions to prepare for the toughest questions.
Deep-dive assessment of Military Skills to Civilian Skills Translation.
Personalized Resume & Cover Letter Templates that adapt to your target jobs.
LinkedIn Profile Optimization to attract recruiters and employers.
Perfect For: Veterans who are actively job hunting and need expert guidance and tools to maximize their success.
Why Choose Tern & Anchor?
At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we understand the challenges veterans face during their transition because we've lived it. Our unique combination of military experience and HR leadership positions us to provide tailored mentorship that bridges military discipline with civilian growth. We help you:
Rediscover your identity outside the uniform.
Build a sense of purpose in your career, personal life, or education path.
Develop leadership and emotional intelligence to succeed in a civilian world.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your transition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you need to plan your next career move, build on your leadership experience, or simply align your goals, we’re here to help you succeed.
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Hampton Roads, VA is home to one of the largest military communities in the nation, making it a prime location for businesses to tap into the incredible potential of veteran talent. At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we specialize in helping companies create effective veteran recruitment pipelines, foster veteran-friendly workplace cultures, and position themselves as leaders in veteran hiring and retention. With 21 years of military experience and 15 years in HR leadership, we bring unparalleled insight into how organizations can successfully attract, support, and retain military talent.
Veteran Hiring Starter Package
Price: $1,499
Description: Perfect for businesses just starting their veteran hiring journey. Learn the key benefits of hiring veterans and understand their needs to attract this valuable talent pool.What’s Included:
Veteran Hiring 101 Consultation (90-minute strategy session).
Recruiting Key Tips Sheet – Templated hiring best practices for veterans.
Veteran Recruitment and Retention Workshop Package
Price: $3,499
Description: Designed for businesses looking for a guided approach to veteran recruitment or wanting tools to enhance current efforts.What’s Included:
2–3 Hour Workshop (In-person OR virtual) for leadership and HR teams, focusing on military-specific hiring and onboarding best practices.
Custom Veteran Talent Acquisition Strategy Plan to structure your veteran recruiting efforts.
2 Follow-Up Coaching Calls (60 minutes each) to address pain points and adjust strategies.
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Company Certification Guidance (if applicable).
Embedded Veteran Hiring Advisor Package
Price: $5,000/month (6-month minimum commitment required)
Description: For companies committed to growing a veteran talent pipeline and fostering a veteran-friendly workplace, this retainer package provides hands-on, ongoing support.What’s Included:
Monthly Strategy Session (90 minutes): In-depth insights on veteran recruitment, strategies, and metrics.
Customizable worker skills analysis and hiring-focused consulting for open roles.
6-month onboarding process audit and Work Opportunity Tax Credit review.
Ongoing 1:1 Consultation with HR teams to fine-tune handbooks, hiring processes, and onboarding practices.
Quarterly Progress Metrics & Adjustments for Strategy Alignment.
Priority Email Support for HR teams to troubleshoot veteran-specific issues or recruitment emergencies.
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Your Dedicated Partner in Veteran Recruitment and Workplace Excellence
Hiring and retaining veterans is an incredible opportunity—but getting it right takes expertise, strategy, and follow-through. That’s where Tern & Anchor, LLC comes in. We offer companies ongoing, tailored support to attract, retain, and build veteran-driven workplace cultures that deliver measurable results.
When you retain Tern & Anchor, LLC, you’re hiring more than a consultant—you’re gaining a trusted advisor who understands the unique challenges businesses face when integrating highly skilled military personnel into civilian roles. We’ll help you:
Recruit smarter by tailoring your job descriptions and finding veteran talent that aligns with your goals.
Retain longer by creating inclusive workplace policies, mentorship programs, and leadership strategies that allow veterans to thrive.
Save time and money with streamlined processes, reduced turnover, and expert guidance to keep you competitive in the hiring market.
Maximize your impact: From achieving “Vet Friendly” status to gaining the respect of your peers and community, we’ll help you build a veteran-focused workforce that sets you apart.
Whether local to Hampton Roads or operating on a national level, companies retain us because we deliver lasting, measurable solutions that work—and because veteran-driven businesses succeed.
Price: $6,500–$8,000/month (12-month minimum commitment)
Description: Be a leader in veteran inclusion with a dedicated expert by your side. This retainer builds long-term value by enhancing veteran hiring, creating an inclusive workplace culture, and supporting your company's broader veteran-related initiatives.
What’s Included:
Veteran Talent Acquisition Consulting:
Workforce analysis to identify roles suitable for veterans.
Optimize job descriptions and outreach materials for military candidates.
Access to veteran recruiting channels and platforms.
Veteran-Inclusive Workplace Support:
Onboarding consultation to help HR teams integrate veteran hires.
Monthly leadership training on managing and retaining veteran employees.
Retention-focused strategies such as mentorship or Employee Resource Groups.
Ongoing Military Advising & CSR Support:
Guidance for VA/V3 certification to meet state compliance and earn financial incentives.
Develop community-facing initiatives and partnerships to position your brand as veteran-friendly.
Monthly Strategy Sessions with leadership teams to measure improvement and fine-tune efforts.
Bonus: Onboarding audit(s) and Monthly Progress Report Tracking Veteran Hiring ROI.
Mission Statement
To bridge the gap between military service and civilian success by empowering veterans through personalized mentorship and equipping organizations with the strategic insight to integrate elite military talent.
Vision Statement
To become the global gold standard for military-to-civilian transitions, where every veteran is valued for their leadership and every business is optimized through veteran excellence.
Why Tern & Anchor?
Large firms are often impersonal. Free non-profits are great but high-volume; they lack the bespoke, 1-on-1 “executive coaching that Tern & Anchor provides. For B2B services, many hiring managers want to hire veterans but don’t know how to translate “NCOIC of Maintenance” or “OSCM(SW/AW) into “Operations Manager”. We fill that gap.
Our Team
Zach McKinley
Principal Managing Consultant
After retiring following a successful two decade military career from the U.S. Navy, Zach experienced firsthand the unique challenges that come with transitioning from military life to the civilian world. Zach created Tern & Anchor, LLC after noticing a critical gap: too many service members leave the military feeling underprepared and unsure of how to navigate the next phase of their lives.
After his military career, Zach levered his education and experience and became a human resources professional in both the private sector and government contracting. This combination puts him in a unique position to help others—offering guidance from both sides of the equation: a veteran’s perspective on military-to-civilian transitions and an HR expert’s insight into what businesses truly expect and need.
Tern & Anchor, LLC is a specialized consultancy dedicated to bridging the gap between esteemed veterans and forward-thinking companies. We provide comprehensive training for veterans transitioning into civilian careers, arming them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in new professional environments. Simultaneously, we empower organizations by educating them on the unparalleled value and unique strengths veterans bring to the workforce, ensuring seamless integration and maximized potential. At Tern & Anchor, LLC, we strive to create a mutually beneficial landscape where military experience and business excellence converge.
Contact Us
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