Stephanie Holman found success with SkillBridge program and shares opportunity with fellow veterans
Stephanie Holman, President & CEO of FourFront Design, exemplifies the seamless transition from military service to corporate leadership. Growing up with a father in the military, Stephanie
joined the Air Force at 17, serving for 21 years as a member of the Civil Engineer Squadron. Her experiences across various bases, including Montana, Alaska, New Jersey, Idaho, and Korea, provided a solid foundation for her future.
While stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Stephanie started to prepare for her career post-service. She leveraged the SkillBridge program to gain valuable civilian experience, working as an intern at FourFront Design, an architecture and engineering firm in downtown Rapid City. Impressed by her skills and dedication, FourFront hired her full-time upon her retirement from the Air Force.
She worked remotely while her husband was assigned to the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Stephanie and her family recently moved back to the area. Personally, Stephanie had a smooth transition into civilian life, but she says that the SkillBridge program is extremely helpful for those who might not be as confident when it comes to making the shift out of the service. “SkillBridge helps fill gaps as simple as how to dress for the right job while fine-tuning proficiencies like giving feedback in a work setting,” she explained. SkillBridge is also an opportunity for service members to try out a civilian career and see if their skills fits a new career they might not have considered.
Often, in the hiring process, a veteran’s resume might not have the verbatim qualifications a company is searching for. But, Stephanie praises the transitional skills that make veterans incredible employees. For example, in her field, veterans make exceptional project managers. A willingness to learn is another skill Stephanie has found to be a stand-out trait in veterans. “Those with military experience are always willing to wear a lot of hats and are always asking ‘what do you need help with?’” she said. Stephanie also believes you’d be hard-pressed to find a more reliable pool of candidates than veterans.
This belief is evident in the FourFront company culture. At FourFront Design, 14 out of 50 employees are veterans, representing a diverse range of military branches. This dedication to hiring veterans has earned FourFront Design the prestigious Hire Vets Gold Award in 2023 and 2024. The Department of Labor awards this to recognize a company’s commitment to hiring veterans. To achieve this, a company must meet certain hiring and retention criteria.
For those currently serving, Stephanie recommends actively seeking opportunities for professional development. Whether it’s pursuing certifications, gaining hands-on experience, or continuing education, these steps can significantly enhance your marketability in the civilian workforce.
As FourFront Design continues to grow, and Stephanie steps into her new role as President and CEO, she is committed to making a positive impact on the Rapid City community. Through initiatives in STEM education, veteran support, and fostering women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, the company aims to be a catalyst for progress and innovation.
