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SUCCESSSTORY success . Every aspect of our society desperately needs positive leadership . I believe it ’ s our role to provide that , wherever we choose to spend our time . To do that , I believe all veterans should endeavor to enhance & improve and share our leadership acumen every day .
The primary challenge I faced was converting my desire to serve something bigger than myself into something similar in the civilian world . Fortunately , I enjoy leading and helping my peers , my team , and my customers in any way I can .
What did you Achieve ?
I retired from the US Navy Reserve in 2014 with 22 total years of service as an O-5 ( Commander ) and Surface Warfare and Diving / Salvage qualifications . I was fortunate to be a small part of the recovery of the turret of the USS Monitor and a Discovery Channel documentary on the USS Oriskany entitled “ The Sinking of an Aircraft Carrier ”. During the time period following active duty , I ’ ve worked for Castrol , Chevron , Management Resource Group ( MRG ), and am currently with Valvoline .
Through the years , I ’ ve garnered the certifications of CLS ( Certified Lube Specialist ) from the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers and CMRP ( Certified Maintenance & Reliability Practitioner ) from the Society of Maintenance & Reliability Professionals . I ’ ve been fortunate enough to lead several teams in the areas of Sales & Marketing and have worked in both Latin America and Asia . Currently , I lead a team of 40 sales professionals who provide sales and service of Valvoline maintenance fluids through indirect distribution and direct sales . This team is responsible for roughly $ 100MM in annual revenue and supports both light-duty automotive and heavy-duty truck maintenance .
The achievement that I ’ m most proud of is having a happy and healthy family with a strong network of close friends .
Your advice for Veterans joining this Industry ?
Be patient , seek ways to convert your passion for service to a new adventure , and find ways to lead . Most companies need help and , though you may not be able to make all the changes you feel are needed , keeping on track by using skills learned in the service will help you make progress every day . Take care of your people but also offer help to your peers and seniors . Don ’ t expect too much of your bosses , they ’ re humans too . Impressive titles and large paychecks are not indicators of perfection . Stay in the reserves for as long as you can – the camaraderie and lifelong friendships created there can be vital in weathering the highs and lows .
What are the top three things that helped you become Successful ?
Mentors who cared , willingness to learn , desire to see new things . These , combined with an optimistic attitude have been keys to thriving in a post-military career .
READ SIMILAR INTERVIEWS
Welcome to the VETERANS CONNECTED Podcast ! During each one-hour episode , maintenance and reliability expert and military Veteran Eric Bevevino connects with fellow Veterans in industry . Military Veterans will exchange their experiences and discuss the transition from the military to industry , and the paths and resources that led them to where they are today …
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