Greg Tanner (Aaron’s), Steve Calderia (IFA)
and David Nilssen, Outside the White House
Yesterday, Guidant CEO & Co-Founder David Nilssen was honored to represent our company at The White House during the signing of the VOW to Hire Veterans bill.
Of the experience, Nilssen reflects, “It was a great honor to attend and witness President Obama signing the bipartisan bill. The room was filled with democrats, republicans, veterans and those of us who serve the public sector. For a moment, everyone was able to get along and agree that we must help our veterans.
Michelle Obama started by sharing her gratitude to work on this with her ‘favorite person’ – Jill Biden. The President took that comment in good humor. After her introductory remarks, the President spoke. I was impressed by his presence. His call for American entrepreneurs was to ‘hire a veteran.’ Love him or hate him, he is right.
Vice-President Joe Biden stuck around after the ceremony and spoke with me, Steve Calderia (the President of the International Franchise Association) and Greg Tanner of Aaron’s franchise. The Vice President was very grateful to the IFA for its support of our vets and agreed that franchising could be a wonderful option for our soldiers.
I believe that our country will rally behind our servicemen and women, and fight for them so that they too can live their American Dream. I hope America proves me right.”
