Liza Rodewald and Erica McMannes noticed a pattern throughout their time as active-duty military spouses. They were experienced, qualified, and willing to work — but with each permanent change of station, they struggled to find meaningful employment in their career fields as options for remote jobs for military spouses were often extremely limited.

They weren’t alone. The military spouse unemployment rate is 5x higher than the national average. Frequent moves, increased home demands, and locations of military installations can make finding a “normal” 9-5 job nearly impossible for military-connected professionals. It’s one of the many reasons remote jobs for military spouses are so important.

Erica was a child development specialist turned consultant in Silicon Valley. As she worked with various accelerator groups, she realized that companies weren’t utilizing military spouses and were unfamiliar with their versatility, skill sets, and unique professional and life experiences.

In 2016, Erica contacted Liza, asking for feedback on a remote hiring model to create and fill remote jobs for military spouses. Erica and Liza had crossed paths at a previous duty station and connected through their shared passion for entrepreneurship and the military community.

Liza had extensive software development and contracting experience but had pivoted to project management and business development. Erica pitched Liza (virtually, of course), who loved the concept. They immediately started a business plan to help get military spouses remote jobs they could take with them when they relocate and launched MadSkills.