Pictured: Jordie Kern, 7 Eagle Group
Real American Express customer who was aware their testimonial may be featured by American Express.
When Jordie Kern set out to start his company, 7 Eagle Group, his aims went beyond founding his business. He had a mission. Jordie, the son of a WWII vet, had regretted not joining the military out of high school and had tremendous respect for the men and women who serve our country. “I thought if I could create a business that helps connect military veterans and military spouses with companies that are looking for top talent – that could be amazing.”
Jordie felt confident that veterans, their spouses, and those transitioning out of the military could be an invaluable resource to corporate America, especially in the areas of cyber security and information technology. “They bring leadership skills, grit, dedication, and an incredible can-do attitude.” In 2014 Jordie founded 7 Eagle Group and set to work helping these job seekers get careers in the civilian sector.
For the first five years, Jordie ran the company as a one-man business, but as things gained momentum, he started to bring on team members – and dream about growing even more.
“Over time I applied for loans from different banks – it can be an unbelievably painful process – and it would only be for, say, $5,000,” he recalls. “I got to the point where I just quit applying.”
New hires and fresh marketing campaigns
Jordie has been a satisfied American Express® Card Member for 29 years and was using the Business Platinum Card®2 for 7 Group when a representative reached out to tell him about the American Express Business Line of Credit. “I had been thinking about all these things I wanted to do for the business, and I said, ‘This is absolutely perfect for what I need right now!’”
“The application was straightforward” He was soon approved and had access to a line of credit.
With his business line of credit, Jordie was able to gain the financial flexibility to hire a videographer and a Vice President of Recruiting, and to fund several direct mail campaigns. “These were all things I had been dreaming of doing – and they all paid for themselves.”
“American Express Business Line of Credit really allowed me to put more muscle behind my business and level the playing field with some of my bigger competitors.”
Business success with far-reaching impact
7 Eagle Group is an example of its mission in action. Today they have more than 45 team members, the vast majority of whom are veterans, military spouses, or transitioning service members. And they speak to many candidates on any given day, as they fill scores of positions in any given year.
When asked what he found most valuable about having access to the American Express Business Line of Credit, Jordie didn’t hesitate. “It’s not the money. It’s that we’ve been able to put more military veterans to work because of this – they’re now in a rewarding and lucrative career path. And it doesn’t just affect those who get placed in the job – it’s also the spouse, the kids, the friends – when someone is passionate about going to work and making a good wage, what better result is there?”
Story Footnotes
1 American Express® Business Line of Credit offers access to a commercial line of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000, although some customers may have access to a larger line of credit. Decisions regarding the line of credit amount, loan fees and available installment term options are based on a review of your and your business’s overall financial profile, which may include your credit history, your relationship with American Express and other financial institutions, and other factors. The line of credit amount, loan fees, and installment term options are each subject to review and may change for future loan activity. A review of the line of credit may result in a suspension at any time, accompanied with or without a closure of the line of credit. Not all customers will be eligible for the lowest loan fees or all installment options, and not all industries are eligible. All loans are subject to credit approval, are secured by assets of the borrower, require a personal guarantee, and may be subject to late fees. Loans are issued by American Express National Bank.
Each draw on the line of credit results in a separate installment loan with monthly installments which may include 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, subject to eligibility. When you request a loan, you will be presented with the available installment option(s) and the monthly loan fee for that loan amount. The monthly loan fee is calculated as a percentage of the original principal amount of the loan and is charged monthly during the term of the loan along with a portion of the principal. Currently, the monthly loan fees may range from 0.55% to 1.55% of the original principal amount, but the loan fee offered to you for future loans may change at any time. You will be charged monthly loan fees only for months in which the loan has an outstanding balance.
If you repay the total principal of a loan early, you will not be required to pay the loan fees that have not posted for subsequent months. American Express may offer promotions and may reduce or waive loan fees from time to time.
2 Individual Card application and approval required.
