We had the good fortune of connecting with Hernán Luis y Prado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hernán, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I saw so many veterans, and even friends, who struggled with finding purpose as they transitioned to civilian life. When I looked at them, I saw intelligent, motivated, and resourceful people who were desperate to contribute and continue serving their country in a meaningful way, but didn’t know how. While still in the Navy, in 2008 my wife and I sold everything we had to start Workshops for Warriors and provide opportunities for these talented men and women, while also solving the advanced manufacturing crisis that is hurting American competitiveness. We are at a critical moment for manufacturing and our nation’s safety. The immediate expansion of Workshops for Warriors’ proven, nationally scalable training infrastructure is critical to fortify the American economy, one veteran at a time.

What should our readers know about your business?
Workshops for Warriors is laser-focused on training America’s veterans, an underutilized resource that can rebuild America’s advanced manufacturing and economic backbone right now. We harness the tenacity, mission-focus, self-discipline, ethical mindset and dedication all veterans possess, and combine it with four months of accelerated skills training and portable, nationally recognized credentials. Then, we redirect our graduates into the world of advanced manufacturing. We manufacture productivity and purpose for veterans seeking a viable career path that benefits the nation’s economic resilience. Our graduates step out of our doors and onto the shop floors of SpaceX, Ford, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., Siemens and more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have them stay at the Catamaran Resort as they have beautiful views of the bay and it is a short walk to the beach, shops, and nightlife. I would meet them for a drink at Mrs. B’s before heading over to Belmont Park to Escapology and try to Escape the Budapest Express Room. Afterwards, we would head to dinner at the Sandbar, which has the best TKO fish tacos. After dinner, we would walk down the Boardwalk to the Pier for some good people watching time. The next morning, we would rent a catamaran from Mission Bay Sports and sail around the bay for the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Rachel, who happens to be our COO; our corporate partners; generous donors and staff have been instrumental in growing Workshops for Warriors. We now have over 750 graduates working in every state of our nation and could not have accomplished this without their support.

Website: wfw.org
Instagram: @workshopsforwarriors
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/workshops-for-warriors
Twitter: @workforwarriors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkshopsforWarriors/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/workshopsforwarriors

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