Founders’ Story

We Believe that Veterans are
Better Off for Their Service.

The founders of VIQTORY and Military Friendly® left the Navy in the late 1990s only to discover a lack of good resources to help them transition into civilian careers. The government’s Transition Assistance (“TAP”) Program was around then, but limited in scope. As Chairman and co-founder Chris Hale likes to say, “It took nearly 11 months of plebe year for the Navy to transform me into a midshipman. TAP class is going to turn me back into a civilian in 2 ½days?”

Chris, along with co-founders Rich McCormack and Scotty Shaw, knew there was an opportunity to create vital, civilian-produced resources for the approximately 250,000 people who leave military service each year—and to create a more efficient way for schools and employers to connect with this group of talented candidates. In 2001, they founded VIQTORY and launched its flagship G.I. Jobs® magazine and website that still serves today as the go-to resource for service members, veterans and transition managers.

Meet Our Founders

Chris Hale, CEO

Chris Hale
Chairman and Co-Founder

As CEO, Chris Hale oversees the strategic direction and growth of the company. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and nine-year Navy veteran, Chris is passionate about connecting the military community with opportunities in the civilian sector, including as entrepreneurs like himself. He is an advocate for veterans and their families, believing that military alumni are better off for their service and that America benefits from their many contributions.

Rich McCormack, President

Rich McCormack
Co-Founder

President Rich McCormack helped to create the G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse brands and digital resources that thousands of active duty service members, veterans and military spouses use every day. A four-year Navy veteran himself, Rich has worked tirelessly to expand the reach and influence of these brands, along with Military Friendly®, within the military community and government agencies.

Scott Shaw, VP of Business Development

Scott Shaw
VP of Business Development and Co-Founder

As head of Business Development, Scott Shaw has worked with employers and schools to build their presence within the military community and drive response to their jobs and programs since 2001. A 21-year Navy veteran and retired Senior Chief Petty Officer, Scotty has developed long-standing relationships with hundreds of organizations nationwide.

We have a sign that hangs prominently in our office in Pittsburgh. It reads, “We believe that veterans are better off for their service.” This belief drives everything we do. This belief also drives corporate America and educational institutions to invest in programs to recruit veterans as employees, students, suppliers and customers in a way that creates sustainable demand for their services.

Chris Hale, Chairman and Co-Founder