June 30, 2025 Why Hiring Veterans is a Smart Strategic Move

Volume 28 | Issue 2

Honor, talent and service; Advance Auto Parts proudly hires veterans for their leadership, work ethic and commitment to excellence.

By Abel Wen, Director, Advance Auto Parts.

Click here to read the complete illustrated article or continue below to read the text article.

In today’s competitive labor market, companies are continuously seeking talent that brings not only technical skills but also resilience, leadership, and a mission-driven mindset. Veterans represent one of the most talented yet underutilized talent pools in the workforce.

Veterans are more than former members of our armed services. They are problem-solvers and strategic thinkers. Their experience in high-pressure environments, ability to adapt quickly, and commitment to mission success make them uniquely suited for roles across industries. Whether in logistics, operations, cybersecurity, or customer service, veterans bring a level of discipline and accountability that is difficult to teach but essential to business success.

Leadership is another hallmark of military service. Veterans are trained to lead diverse teams, make decisions under pressure, and execute complex missions. These skills translate directly into the corporate world, where leadership, initiative, and reliability are in high demand.

Despite their strengths, many veterans face challenges when transitioning to civilian careers. The structured nature of military life doesn’t always translate easily to the ambiguity of the corporate world. There’s often no clear “script” for what comes next, and veterans may struggle to articulate how their military experience applies to civilian roles.

This is where companies can make a difference. By offering mentorship, skill-bridge programs, and veteran-specific onboarding, organizations can ease the transition and unlock the full potential of veteran hires. It’s not just about being “veteran-friendly” – it’s about being “veteran-ready.”

Advance Auto Parts has embraced this approach. With a veteran CEO and a dedicated Service Network, they actively recruit and support veterans, recognizing the value they bring to every level of the organization. Their efforts reflect a broader truth: hiring veterans isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also good for business.

Veterans consistently outperform in areas such as retention, leadership, and productivity. They bring a sense of purpose and camaraderie that elevate team culture and drive results. As the workforce evolves, the companies that thrive will be those that recognize the value of service, the strength of character, and the leadership potential that veterans bring.

It’s time to move beyond “thank-you-for-your-service” and start saying: welcome to your next mission.

Championing Veteran Talent at Every Level

“At Advance Auto Parts, championing veterans is not a campaign – it’s a core belief that runs from the top of the organization to every store and distribution center across the country,” explains Kristen Soler, Advance’s chief human resources officer. “With thousands of veterans on our team, we see daily how the experience of military service enriches our workforce. These team members are not just part of our workforce – they are integral to our success. They are not only present, but rather veterans are leading, mentoring, and shaping the future of our company, underscoring the depth and geographic diversity of this talent pool.”

But hiring veterans is just the beginning. We believe in supporting their full journey – from transition to transformation. We don’t just welcome veterans – we build with them. That’s why we’ve built a strong internal community through our veteran’s Employee Resource Group, which now includes 2,800 team members and allies. This network is more than a support system – it’s a talent pipeline and a cultural cornerstone that reflect our values to Inspire, Serve, and Grow.

We also recognize that the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. That’s why we’ve pilot-tested bringing veterans into our organization through a structured transition program. Building on that success, we are now developing a focused onboarding experience tailored specifically for veterans – an initiative designed to ease the transition gap, accelerate integration, and empower veterans to contribute earlier and more meaningfully.

Our goal is not just to offer jobs but to create careers. We want every veteran who joins Advance to feel supported and set up for long-term success. Because when veterans thrive, our teams thrive. And when our teams thrive, our customers and communities benefit.

This is how we champion veterans – not just by hiring them, but by investing in their growth, honoring their experience, and creating an environment where their service continues in new and meaningful ways.

From Boots to Business: Rich Bertran’s Journey from Transition to Trailblazer

When Rich Bertran, Advance Auto Parts’ manager, supply chain development, began his transition from military service, he wasn’t just looking for a job – he was looking for purpose. After a 20-year career with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Forces, Rich retired as a Master Sergeant (MSG) and connected with Advance Auto Parts through The Honor Foundation, a career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces. What began as a pilot opportunity quickly evolved into a leadership role, and a platform to help shape the future for others.

Today, Rich plays a key role in executing Advance’s supply chain strategy. As an operations lead, he guides the development and optimization of logistics systems that keep the business moving. But his impact goes beyond process as he’s already managing a high-performing team member and helping design a dedicated onboarding experience for veterans.

“Advance is a results-focused organization that empowers leaders to take action and rise to the occasion,” Bertran says. “The team’s willingness to explore things from an outside perspective has made the experience incredibly rewarding.”

Rich’s journey is a case study of what’s possible when veterans are given the right tools, support, and trust. His military background equipped him with leadership, adaptability, and a mission-first mindset – qualities that translate seamlessly into the fast-paced world of supply chain operations.

But it wasn’t just his skills that made the difference, it was also his approach.

Rich’s Tips for a Successful Transition from Military Service to the Private Sector

1. Be Proactive in Learning the Landscape
   “One of the best things I did early on was schedule coffee chats with people to build networks so I would be able to understand the businesses, what different roles look like, and where I could grow and contribute.”
2. Translate Your Experience with Confidence
   “In the military, I was responsible for sourcing and designing mission-critical equipment, which involved everything from evaluating vendor capabilities to ensuring the right specifications were met under tight timelines. That experience directly translates to what I do now in supply chain logistics. It allowed for a smooth transition from serving the needs of the warfighter to the needs of the customer.”
3. Find a Place That Invests in You
   “Advance didn’t just hire me – they invested in me. That made all the difference. I’m not just building a career here – I’m helping build the path for others to follow.”

Rich’s story and experience are also helping shape Advance’s veteran onboarding experience – one that eases the transition, accelerates contribution, and turns jobs into careers. 

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