Attention to Service
Hardware & Building Supply Dealer magazine for months has been collecting thoughtful comments about the leadership-inducing experiences that hardware-and-building-supply pros gained from their service in the U.S. military.
One of the happy circumstances of this project is that our team has its own in-house veteran.
His name: Greg Cole. The Seymour, Ind., native joined the Marines in his late teens, serving in California, Carolina and Tennessee. Today he is regional account manager for HBSDealer.
What follows is a slightly edited, From-the-Editor exclusive:
From the Editor: Greg, you told me once how you were inspired to be a U.S. Marine. You felt that if you could make it through boot camp and earn your stripes, then there’s nothing you couldn’t accomplish in life.
Greg: That is exactly right. And I still live by that motto.
From the Editor: I’ve often watched you at trade shows as you approach someone who is wearing a Marine Corps pin and you say, ‘I’d like to shake your hand.’” That’s pretty cool.
Greg: That’s part of being a Marine. There’s a bond. Definitely.
From the Editor: In a recent cover story, we have comments from veterans telling us how their time in the military influenced them. What about you?
Greg: My military occupation specialty was 6413, that translates to high level radar altimeter technician. And to make a long story short, I did a lot of work outside of my specialty as a material control expeditor. Think Radar O’Reily from M.A.S.H. I was the person who knew how to find things and order things and work with suppliers. That experience led to a job as a purchasing agent when I left the Marines. And I think part of my success in sales is that I’ve been on both sides of the desk.
From the Editor: Of the approximate $500 billion in annual military spending from that period, what percentage went directly across your desk?
Greg. I couldn’t tell you.
From the Editor: Let’s just say $100 billion. What else can you share about how you were shaped by your service?
Greg: You know, to this day, I will still use ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’ when speaking to people. That comes from just being a Marine.
From the Editor: I’ve noticed that. You don’t have to do that with me anymore. Thank you for your service.
Greg: Thank you, sir.
Read more about Veterans in the ranks of home improvement here. And we continue to invite you to share your military experiences with us at [email protected].
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An existential question
