Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast

75. Isaac Marquez-Diaz | How Veterans Can Find Great Jobs in Texas

What makes veterans some of the best employees a business can hire? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Isaac Marquez-Diaz, Veteran Employer Liaison for the Texas Veterans Commission, to discuss how veterans transition into civilian careers, why businesses should actively recruit veteran talent, and the free workforce resources available to employers across Texas. Isaac shares his personal journey from military service and law enforcement into helping veterans find meaningful careers. He explains how the Texas Veterans Commission supports both veterans and employers through hiring events, workforce development, internships, job fairs, and tools like WorkInTexas.com. The conversation also dives into: * Why veterans excel in leadership and operations roles * Common challenges veterans face when translating military experience into civilian resumes * How employers can better identify military leadership experience * Free hiring and recruiting support for businesses * Veteran internship opportunities through military transition programs * How local businesses can access workforce solutions and hiring events * The impact of veteran-focused job fairs across Central Texas If you’re a business owner looking for reliable talent, or a veteran exploring career opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice and resources. Texas Veterans Commission: https://www.tvc.texas.gov Learn more about Workforce Solutions: https://wfscapitalarea.com [https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/] Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

74. Van Baker | How Pink Zebra Moving Is Disrupting the Moving Industry in Texas

What happens when a Google finance professional decides corporate life isn’t enough anymore? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Van Baker, owner of Pink Zebra Moving in Round Rock, Texas. Van shares his journey from working in data center finance at Google to launching one of the fastest-growing moving companies in Central Texas. They dive into: * Why Van chose entrepreneurship after corporate life * The pros and cons of franchising * What makes Pink Zebra Moving different * How customer experience drives word-of-mouth growth * Moving tips that can save you stress and money * Why “fun” and moving can actually go together If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, buying a franchise, or improving customer experience in your company, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 📍 Learn more about Pink Zebra Moving Round Rock 📍 Serving Round Rock, Pflugerville, Austin, and surrounding areas Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

73. Hunter Leatherman - The Future of Round Rock Business & Leadership

Round Rock native Hunter Leatherman joins Bryan Eisenberg on Rock Solid to share his journey from working as a bat boy for the Round Rock Express to becoming Vice President at Frontier Bank. In this episode, Hunter reflects on growing up in Round Rock during its explosive growth, learning the value of community from his banker parents, and why local relationships still matter in today’s business world. He also shares lessons from professional baseball clubhouses, the importance of servant leadership, and why community banking plays such a critical role in helping local businesses thrive. Bryan and Hunter discuss: * The transformation of Round Rock over the last 20+ years * Why local banks invest differently than national banks * Lessons learned from working around professional athletes * Building relationships before you need help * Leadership, teamwork, and serving the community * The impact of businesses like Kalahari and the Round Rock Express * Raising the next generation in Round Rock If you care about entrepreneurship, leadership, local business, and the future of Round Rock, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hometown perspective. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

72. Candyce Hunt | The Career Mistake Costing You THOUSANDS

In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with career strategist Candyce Hunt to uncover a powerful truth: many professionals are unknowingly undervaluing themselves—and it’s costing them more than just money. Candyce shares her shocking “$85K vs $175K” salary story that sparked her mission to help others “get off the clearance rack” and recognize their true worth. From navigating burnout to understanding your value in the age of AI, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. You’ll learn: * How to identify if you’re being undervalued in your career * The mindset shift needed to demand your true worth * Why burnout is more dangerous than you think * How AI is changing the workforce—and how to stay relevant * The power of small, consistent actions for long-term success If you’ve ever questioned your salary, felt stuck in your career, or struggled with burnout—this episode is for you. 📌 Connect with Candyce Hunt: Search “Five Minute Career Hack” on YouTube or visit her website for tools to elevate your confidence, career, and compensation. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

71. Trina Martin | The Fight to Save Arts Education in Texas

In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Trina Martin, founder of Parents for Arts Education, to discuss the growing crisis around arts education—and why it matters more than ever. Trina shares her powerful journey from music marketing to becoming a passionate advocate for fine arts in schools. From her experience speaking at TEDx Round Rock Women to working with policymakers, she reveals why arts programs are often the first to be cut—and what that means for future generations. This conversation dives deep into: * Why arts education is often misunderstood as a “luxury” * The real-world skills students gain from music, theater, and dance * How removing arts impacts student development and workforce readiness * What parents, businesses, and communities can do to make a difference * The surprising research behind arts, performance, and human skills If you care about education, creativity, or the future workforce, this is a must-watch conversation. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with local leaders and change-makers. 🎧 About Rock Solid: Rock Solid is the Round Rock Business Leaders podcast, where we explore the journeys of entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and organizations shaping our community. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.