2022-11-02 06:50:08
“The skills I learned in the military helped me become a great leader and taught me how to adapt to any type of change,” said U.S. Marine Corps veteran Armando Ruiz.
Ruiz would need to leverage that adaptability when transitioning from serving five years in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Marine in 2009, to an economy and job market that were at an all-time low. Knowing he needed to adapt and overcome, he enrolled in school and utilized the help of an employment agency, where he began working for Harbor Freight as an Equipment Operator.
Harbor Freight is one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, opening two stores each week with over 1,300 stores nationwide. Its mission is to be America’s leading provider of high-quality tools at the lowest prices available.
As a family-owned company with a people- first culture, Harbor Freight offers stable careers that provide a healthy work-life balance, competitive pay, great benefits, and promotional opportunities for all associates. The organization was recognized by Forbes as the #1 Employer for Veterans in Retail for 2021 and as the #1 Employer for Veterans in 2020.
Ruiz shared his experiences as a transitioning veteran and his time at Harbor Freight as a shipping Area Manager, and how the opportunities for growth within this family-owned organization continue to progress his career.
Describe your current role.
AR: As a shipping Area Manager, I am responsible for all the retail and regional distribution center outbound shipments in Harbor Freight’s Moreno Valley Distribution Center. My goal is to ensure that our center achieves maximum financial and service-oriented results by supporting the associates who work there, in their day-today operations.
What are some milestones you have achieved at Harbor Freight?
AR: Shortly after I began my temporary employment at Harbor Freight, I got hired permanently. I have since been promoted from an Equipment Operator to Operations Manager, to the most recent promotion as a shipping Area Manager.
How have your military experiences shaped your civilian career?
AR: I joined the Marine Corps as an Infantry Marine with the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) of 0311. In 2006-2007, and again in 2008, I deployed as a part of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the USS Boxer. Some of my favorite memories revolve around my time serving with the MEU. My time on those deployments gave me the leadership capabilities that I now utilize in my role at Harbor Freight. I hope to continue my upward trajectory in a leadership role and get the opportunity to be a senior area manager next.
How does Harbor Freight support veteran employees?
AR: Community is a huge part of the culture at Harbor Freight, and they make a lot of effort to celebrate and acknowledge veteran employees for their service. They also donate to multiple veteran organizations such as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the United States Veterans Initiative.
What’s your favorite part about your job at Harbor Freight?
AR: My favorite part of my job is how I get to lead my team in the right direction daily. I also enjoy collaborating with my team to ensure we are as successful as possible. Harbor Freight has seven different core values that I like to try to ingrain in my team’s day-to-day operations: collaboration, humility, frugality, excellence in execution, community, continuous improvement, and doing the right thing. I’m proud to contribute to these values as a leader.
What advice do you have for transitioning servicemembers?
AR: My best advice is to plan early. Save your money, network, and begin to build those bridges for employment where you can. If education is the direction you want to go, I also suggest that you apply for benefits as soon as possible.
Why should veterans consider a career in the supply chain industry?
AR: Through their military experiences, veterans have obtained the necessary transferrable skills to thrive in the supply chain industry. As the industry continues to grow, more and more jobs will continue to become available, making it a desirable job market for veterans and anyone separating from the military.
©RecruitMilitary. View All Articles.