Testimonials

In their own words

Client spotlights, Patriot Award recipients, veterans’ success stories and Google reviews of LockLeed International.

Client spotlightsSuccess storiesGoogle reviews
Client spotlights

Employers we’ve been proud to work with

How five employers recruit, support and keep military-trained people, told through their own teams. Each spotlight is dated to when its story was told.

Q2 2026 Patriot AwardWalser Automotive GroupVeterans at Walser on service, support and building civilian careers at a Twin Cities automotive group.Read the spotlight → 2026 Patriot AwardIWCOWhy a Chanhassen direct marketing company wants more veterans on its team, and what keeps its people for decades.Read the spotlight → Partnership spotlight, 2025Anderson Trucking ServiceA St. Cloud carrier hiring veterans for roles from diesel mechanic to sales.Read the spotlight → Employer spotlight, 2025Ambush OutdoorA family-run Detroit Lakes ice house maker on growing its team and hiring through LockLeed.Read the spotlight → 2020 Employer of the YearNystromThe Minneapolis building products manufacturer LockLeed honored for hiring military talent.Read the spotlight →
In their words

What employers say about working with LockLeed

“Your partnership in connecting with Veterans to careers in automotive has been amazing! We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum!”

Angela LeathleySenior Human Resources Manager, Walser Automotive Group, 2026
Read the spotlight

“The LockLeed team screens candidates up front and is always willing to walk us through someone’s résumé, pointing out how their skill sets apply to our job opening.”

Alison WaltersHuman Resources Manager, IWCO, 2024
Read the spotlight

“LockLeed has a vast network of veterans that allows us to work with candidates we may not have been able to reach otherwise.”

Larry GordonSenior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Anderson Trucking Service, 2025
Read the spotlight

“It started as a connection to bring in mechanics and has now expanded to include various positions that we hire for in other areas of the business.”

Dan AscherLead Talent Acquisition Specialist, Anderson Trucking Service, 2025
Read the spotlight

“I love the idea that they work solely with veterans, and I have a lot of respect for them. In my mind, it’s a home run in the final inning of the World Series!”

Tim HildeCEO, Ambush Outdoor, 2025
Read the spotlight

“It’s a privilege to work with a military organization like LockLeed, and we are honored to be presented this award.”

Susan AakerSenior Human Resources Director, Nystrom, 2021
Read the spotlight
Recognition

Awards we give, and awards we’ve received

LockLeed’s Patriot Award recognizes an employer partner each quarter for its dedication to recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. The plaques are made by Mike Wolbrink, an Airborne Ranger veteran, and Jody Younger of Younger Gunworks in Le Center, Minnesota.

Q2 2026

LockLeed Patriot Award: Walser Automotive Group, for its dedication to recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans.

Walser spotlight
2026

LockLeed Patriot Award: IWCO, whose plaque hangs in its Chanhassen lobby.

IWCO spotlight
2020

LockLeed Employer of the Year: Nystrom, for its efforts in hiring military talent.

Nystrom spotlight

Awards and honors LockLeed has received

Platinum

2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award to LockLeed International from the U.S. Department of Labor, one of 859 recipients that year.

LockLeed News, Vol. 21
2023

Above and Beyond Award to LockLeed International from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, for outstanding service and continuing support to the national defense.

About the ESGR award
2023

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Patriot Employer Special Recognition to LockLeed International for Excellence in Community Support, small employer category.

About the DAV program
2022

LockLeed founder John Henka, a Marine Corps veteran, named one of Twin Cities Business’s Notable Military Veteran Executives.

Twin Cities Business
Where are they now?

Veteran success stories

Veterans and Guard members LockLeed has worked with since 2015, and where their civilian careers have gone.

U.S. Marine Corps, 2004 to 2010Brian KerkowMechanic, Dart Transit Minnesota Air National GuardMelody FastnerPersonal Trainer, Prairie Island Indian Community Fitness Center U.S. Army RangerJohn MitchellProgram Manager, Saint Paul College U.S. NavyChristopher PaulsenSenior Sales Account Executive, BearCom U.S. Marine Corps, 2008 to 2013Valente VasquezValue Stream Manager II, Andersen Windows U.S. Marine Corps, 2000 to 2004Pete HansonProduction Manager, Fierce Firearms
Read all 14 success stories
Google Reviews

Reviews of LockLeed

These are reviews from LockLeed International's Google Business Profile. Each one appears in full, exactly as the reviewer wrote it. Reviewers are shown by first name and last initial.

This page is a selection that we update by hand, most recently in September 2026. To read every review, including any posted since then, see our profile on Google.

5 out of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I can’t say enough good things about this veterans hiring service. From the moment I reached out, they were incredibly helpful and professional. They worked closely with me to improve my resume, making sure it highlighted my skills and experience in a way that really stood out to employers.

Beyond just the resume, they connected me with a number of great employers that were actively looking for veterans, which made the job search so much easier. They also provided support through the interview process, offering tips and advice that really helped boost/expedite my search.

One of the standout aspects of their service was their commitment to connecting me with local events and networking opportunities, which was a game-changer in expanding my professional network.

If you're a veteran looking for top-tier support in your job search, this is the service to go with. They understand the unique challenges veterans face in the job market and truly go above and beyond to help you succeed. Highly recommend, type of crew that really seems to enjoy their jobs/work environs and are just genuine.

Cody M.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

There resume helped me get exactly the type of job I wanted.

Bam T.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

The team at Lockleed was phenomenal. They went above and beyond to place me where my skills and abilities will fit right into the workplace. They worked tirelessly to ensure i didn't jusy find any job, but the job that i wanted. Thank you ! 🙏🏽

Ruben V.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

This review is written to extend my appreciation to LockLeed and their staff for providing me with a great opportunity.
It's obvious John is all about a WIN/WIN for his client and the candidate. He doesn't just throw any job your way, he seeks out and aligns the perfect opportunity for both.
His communication goes beyond. He makes sure you are informed in a timely manner about every step of the process. Weekends or after hours he is there for you.
If there is a negative review about this company, you need to understand there is always one in a crowd that will never be pleased.
LockLeed is all about supporting Vet's and he is "Outstanding" at what he does..

Marc A.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

After 3 months of job seeking and never getting more than a phone interview, I was contacted by the LockLeed team. I went in and they worked with me to fix my resume and answer any questions I had. They had a job in mind for me and within a week I had interviewed and accepted a position that has amazing benefits and more pay than I have made in the last 8 years. I can not recommend this place enough for Veterans seeking work. The team will work with you on all aspects of the job seeking process and never leave you in the dark. I am eternally grateful to John and his team.

Daniel W.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

LockLeed International is the reason I have a job in an exciting career field. I couldn't be more grateful for the work they did for me.

EldritchGoogle review

5 out of 5 stars

An absolute joy to work with the team here. From getting updates every single day of the week to calls after interviews to see how they went. The team really places you and your career first and it shows. I didn’t even have to look for them, they came to help me. Would recommend to not just friends but anyone they can help.

Chaz L.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

Lockleed International is a great opportunity for veterans that are seeking work, They set you up for nothing but success I’m glad to have worked with John and his team.

Daniel E.Google review

5 out of 5 stars

highly reccomend all veterans contact lockleed if they're looking for employment. john and his staff are very professional and courteous. they are q great resource for employment opportunities as well as continued support after the hiring process is complete

Derrick S.Google review

Read all reviews on GoogleLeave a review
Your Turn

Worked with LockLeed?

If we helped you find a role or fill one, a short review on Google tells other veterans and employers what to expect.

Leave a reviewRead all reviews on Google

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