At 84 Lumber, veterans find the right career move
Before joining 84 Lumber last June as a Recruiting Talent Acquisition Specialist, U.S. service veteran Phil Dollman was unsure of what his next career move would be.
Upon leaving his six years of active duty in the United States Air Force (USAF) Security Forces, followed by 18 years as a police officer, he had a tough time finding something that had the same structure and comfort level as his military and police background when he was ready to retire.
“Finding a stable career path that gives veterans like me the same structure as we had in the military was important,” said Dollman. “When you’re used to having a clear rank structure of leaders who are required to do their job in a professional manner, transitioning to a civilian job that has poor or inconsistent leadership can be a tough adjustment, and opportunities seemed sparse.”
His story is not uncommon among veterans.
Serving in any arm of the military is an honor, yet the transition from active duty to veteran status can be difficult when returning to civilian life. While there certainly are government resources available to veterans to ease and support their transition, such as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) which provides career training via e-learning and one-on-one assistance, as well as specific assistance to wounded veterans, according to Dollman, some vets either are unaware of them, choose not to utilize them, or don’t gain the support or clarity they are looking for.
During his time at USAF, Dollman, who retired as an E-5 staff sergeant, provided law enforcement and security services to military personnel and resources vital to national security; he was frequently in charge of a post, fire team, or some other group of airmen charged with an important duty related to the security of national defense. His attention to detail, duty, and high standards are what attracted him to 84 Lumber, after his follow-up stint as a police officer, as he felt the company respected this experience.
“Anyone who honorably separates from the military has shown that for that period of their life, they were held to a standard and performed their duties,” said Dollman. “I have found 84 Lumber to be a no-nonsense company. 84 Lumber puts heavy value on being a team player who is reliable and doesn’t make excuses.”
“I get along with other field recruiters, who also have a military background, and we bring our personal values to our job,” said Dollman. “And as a recruiter, I frequently speak with and hire veterans. There is usually a familiarity when we speak because of similar shared experiences."
Why veterans thrive at 84 Lumber
Dollman found his way to 84 Lumber after discovering a family member worked for the company, and, after more than a year in his role, he is happy he did.
He says the qualities that he gained through his military experience, such as teamwork, reliability, ownership, and leading by example, are qualities that have helped him succeed at 84 Lumber and why he encourages others to join the company.
“At 84 Lumber, veterans play a significant role in the company's success. Their leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence are qualities that align with 84 Lumber's culture and values,” said 84 Lumber Owner and CEO Maggie Hardy.
“When someone retires from the military, they’re typically used to a very structured, hard-working environment where they can grow and move up the ranks,” Hardy added. “That’s why veterans tend to thrive at 84 Lumber and become some of our most successful associates. On the other hand, 84 Lumber absolutely benefits from the hard-working values that our military has learned. These traits aren’t always easy to come by, and we sure do appreciate those who have them.”
For those veterans in a similar situation to Dollman who may be seeking a new career, he highly suggests 84 Lumber.
“As service members transition from military life whether through separation or retirement, many of us seek new careers to apply our skills in the civilian world,” said Dollman. “If you can carry the intangibles learned in the military over to the company, you will likely excel quickly.”
Click here to watch a video of Dollman discussing his career at 84 Lumber:
Recruitment Call Center
National Hire a Veteran Day – Tuesday, July 25, 2023 – aims to inspire employers to recruit and hire veterans by recognizing the unique skills and values that former soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen bring to the workforce.
No experience or degree is needed to join 84 Lumber. The company offers top-of-the-line training and development programs, so associates are prepared to move up quickly and become leaders at the company. To apply, visit 84lumber.com/careers.
84 Lumber is hosting a Recruitment Call Center, adding a personal touch for potential associates to ask questions and learn about opportunities throughout the 84 Lumber network without having to travel to a specific location. Callers will have an opportunity to speak to 84 Lumber associates from a variety of backgrounds.
The Call Center will be open on Tuesday, July 25 – National Hire a Veteran Day – from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. EST. Call 724-228-1885 to speak to a live recruiter and learn more about job opportunities at 84 Lumber.
84 Lumber Company is one of the largest suppliers of building materials, manufactured components, and services for single-family, multifamily, and commercial builders.
Based in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber operates more than 300 locations — including lumberyards and stores, design centers, and manufacturing facilities — in over 30 states.
The company offers a year-round 10% discount for all military personnel, purple wounded warrior parking spots at all stores nationwide, and hosts an annual “Operation Appreciation” month every May to show special appreciation to the military.
