Arriving back home in Michigan after leaving the military in 1992, John Hooppaw from Ann Arbor found himself working for minimum wage to support his family.

“Back then, the economic condition was much better than today, yet I still had to settle for minimum wage positions after sending out 70 resumes,” said John Hooppaw, a technician with HandyPro. “With our current economic situation, it is extremely difficult for veterans to find work today.”

I typically write a “How to” column on home repair and improvements. However, this is a slightly different angle. Similarly, it is a “How to” article; however, it’s how to help the people who have served to protect and defend our country.

Governor Rick Snyder is urging Michigan businesses to focus on hiring veterans since the unemployment rate for veterans is 30 percent, that’s roughly 700,000 unemployed. Fortunately, there's a step in the right direction to solve this national problem, right here, in our backyard.

Hooppaw will be participating in the Veteran Hiring Fair and Open House being held in Detroit June 26-28 at Cobo Center. This national event, sponsored by the Veteran’s Administration, is designed to give military veterans an opportunity to interview with more than 200 area businesses and organizations that have jobs available.

In addition to connecting veterans with jobs, the fair will also include a veteran entrepreneurial event called VetFran hosted by the International Franchise Association. Veterans will be able to meet with franchisors who offer incentives exclusive to them.

According to the IFA the number of veteran franchise owned businesses increased more than 35 percent, over 4,000 in the last year. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us in the franchising community to give back to those who allow so many to live the American dream” says Melanie Bergeron, Chair of Two Men and a Truck.

Veterans who are interesting in registering for the Veterans Job Fair should visit the VA for Vets website at www.vaforvets.va.gov. Those veterans interested in job or franchise opportunities with HandyPro should go to the company’s website at www.handypro.com.

Keith Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Paul serves as president and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. www.HandyPro.com. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.