Operation New Uniform: Building Veteran Careers Beyond the Military - Michele McManamon | Ep. #450

Ever wondered what happens when sales training expertise meets veteran transition needs? In this conversation with Michele McManamon, CEO and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform, Cam and Otis explore how a single scholarship offer evolved into a national movement helping veterans build meaningful civilian careers.

"We're not teaching them how to interview, we're teaching them how to sell," Michele explains, sharing how ONU helps veterans translate their military experience into success beyond service. What began as one scholarship to her Sandler sales program has grown into an organization that’s impacted over 700 servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses across 28 states.

From expanding veterans’ career perspectives to sharing stories of transformation, Michele offers valuable insights into the challenges of transition and the power of mindset. As Otis puts it, “Every time I stood up in front of the boss and said, ‘This is what I think we should do’… I was selling. And there ain’t nobody teaching it.”

More About Michele:
Michele McManamon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform (ONU), a nonprofit helping veterans and military families overcome unemployment and career transition challenges. ONU’s curriculum, based on Sandler training, has reached over 700 graduates and impacted more than 2,400 lives. Michele’s leadership has earned her multiple honors, including Woman Business Owner of the Year, Jacksonville’s Top 25 Influential Women, and Veteran Community Champion of the Year.

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Chapter Times and Titles:

From Sandler to Service [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Michele McManamon
The origin story of Operation New Uniform
How one scholarship evolved into a national organization

"We're Teaching Them How to Sell" [05:01 - 15:00]
The Sandler methodology applied to veteran transition
Why interview skills aren't enough
Teaching veterans to articulate their value

Opening the Aperture [15:01 - 25:00]
Helping veterans see beyond military roles
"There's HR roles, there's IT..."
Breaking down limiting beliefs about civilian careers

The Military-Sales Connection [25:01 - 35:00]
Otis: "Every time I stood up in front of the boss... I was selling"
How military experience translates to business skills
Building on existing strengths rather than starting over

Building a National Impact [35:01 - 45:00]
Expanding from Jacksonville to nationwide
The power of partnerships with other veteran organizations
Success stories and transformation examples

Getting Involved with ONU [45:01 - End]
How veterans can apply for the program
How businesses can partner and hire ONU graduates
Final thoughts and contact information (ONUvets.org)

Connect with Michele McManamon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelemcmanamon/
Website: ONUVets.org