It was 2003 and Jarad Monin and Rob Rossi were both in the Army Reserves, deployed to the Middle East with the 368th Engineer Battalion. Jarad was a section leader and Rob, Bright Horizons' senior director of construction, was the Captain he reported to.

Long days working together led to conversations about future plans and life back home. "I recall describing the good work that we do at Bright Horizons," says Rob, "and how the company policies around hours and time off were flexible and the people here were great to work with." Working side-by-side in the Army made Rob sure that Jarad would be a great addition to the Bright Horizons team after the deployment.

"He had leadership and communication skills," he says, "as well as technical construction experience through his work in the Army." Rob was determined to keep an eye out for opportunities.

The two stayed in touch after their deployment, Rob returning to Bright Horizons, Jarad to a temporary job and a search for more stable work. Not long after, Jarad got a call. "Our Bright Horizons construction department was growing and we were looking to add a project coordinator," says Rob. "I thought Jarad would be a good fit." A six-month temporary job quickly became permanent. The rest, as they say, is history.

In Honor of Memorial Day

Jarad's story captivated us all recently as we learned he had been called up by the Army again. Earlier this month, he temporarily left his job as a Bright Horizons construction manager to go back to his other job as a Staff Sergeant and construction project manager in the Army Reserves. He leaves us for a year to deploy with his unit to Kuwait. Rob was on hand as we sent Jarad off with a reception befitting a member of the armed forces...and our Bright Horizons family.

Jarad left us with this message:

I would like to thank everyone at Bright Horizons for all the support and kindness that I have received, not only as I get ready to deploy but throughout my 11 plus years here. Bright Horizons has really gone above and beyond and I truly appreciate all everyone has done. 

When Rob asked me to join Bright Horizons I wasn't sure what to expect, but one thing he told me was how unique and different Bright Horizons was and how the company treated each other like a family.

Just goes to show he was right and I made one of my best decisions of my life by trusting in Rob.

Thanks again for all your support and I'll see everyone in a year!

Thank you, Jarad. Safe travels...we'll be thinking of you...and awaiting your safe return.

And to Rob and all the men and women in uniform this Memorial Day...our heartfelt thanks.

In April, 2016, Robert Rossi was honored by the U.S. Department of Defense with the Patriot Award for providing exceptional support for his former comrade and current employee. The Award is given through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to supervisors and bosses who support Citizen Warriors through a wide-range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. Read more here.