Wired To Serve: How Veterans and Electrical Distributors Succeed Together

Much like an electrical system that is wired and programmed to work in a certain way, some people are wired towards serving others. That’s why it should not be surprising that veterans who have served our country also excel at creating lasting value for those we serve in the electrical industry.

What makes electrical distribution a good fit for veterans and vice versa? Here are five ways veterans and electrical distributors help each other succeed, from three veterans at Van Meter.

1. VETERANS BRING DISCIPLINE TO THE WORKPLACE

Jeff Timm, counter sales representative in Mankato, MN, served in the U.S. Army from 1992 to 2000. While he served in 11 different countries throughout his eight years, some of his best memories are from basic training.

“Every day was so organized. It was something different every day,” said Timm. “Every day you wake up and it’s ‘Let’s go! Let’s do this!’ Yeah, I had a guy screaming in my face every day, but that didn’t bother me.”

He was an electrician before coming to Van Meter in 2018. He has worked in warehouse, delivery and counter sales roles since then. While civilian life is less intense and structured, Timm’s dependability and discipline have served him well throughout his career.

“The bosses I’ve had appreciate that they don’t have to ask me to do things twice,” he said.

2. LEADERSHIP SKILLS BUILD BETTER TEAMS

Leading military units and observing strong leaders teach leadership skills that are valuable in post-military careers. Andrew Jensen is the leader for Van Meter’s local and traveling construction coordinators. He served in the Army from 1996 to 2002 and the National Guard from 2002 to 2005. He currently serves in the Air National Guard.

For him, the best leaders assemble talented people and give them the freedom to do their job. Van Meter is 100% employee-owned, and veterans identify with committing to a shared cause.

“The leader’s role is to compile everyone’s ideas and bring continuity,” Jensen said. “When you have veterans working at a company, you start to feel their team mentality and ‘go out and get things done’ attitude. That’s a huge value in a 100% employee-owned company.”

Leadership skills learned in the service can even lead to career opportunities for veterans. Anthony Weir has served in the Army National Guard as a medic and water purification specialist since 2009. He was able to join Van Meter as a delivery team lead in 2024 because of his leadership experience in the Army Guard.

3. VETERANS EXCEL AT LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONAL THINKING

As U.S. Army General John J. Pershing said, “Infantry wins battles. Logistics wins wars.” The military excels at complex supply chain and delivery operations much like electrical distribution companies must do to meet deadlines and keep customers happy.

Many veterans know how to operate large vehicles and how to prevent delays with forward thinking. It makes the transition to a career in electrical distribution easier.

Timm was in mechanized infantry where he drove the M1A1 Bradley, an armored personnel carrier that backs up tanks. After that experience, driving a delivery truck for Van Meter was a breeze.

Executing military missions builds critical thinking skills veterans can use to prepare for any situation and avoid delays.

Jensen said, “Knowing the plan forwards and backwards and always thinking ahead is critical. Today, I teach my team that we need to always be thinking six months ahead.”

4. FLEXIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION MAKE THE TRANSITION SIMPLE

Military orders are very strict and structured. The more relaxed atmosphere was the biggest culture shock for Timm when he was transitioning into a civilian job.

“Everything in the military was ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir,” he said. “Everyone is relaxed when you get home. I’ve been told many times, ‘My name is Bob, not sir.”

What can companies do to ease the transition? Weir says open and honest communication is key. He works with his leader daily, and he’s surrounded by the resources and expertise he needs to answer any questions.

“Everybody’s here to help each other,” said Weir. “Here you are, a military person transitioning to a new role, and you've known one way of life your whole career. Now you’re relying on somebody you don't know, yet you come to a company where everybody wants you to succeed.”

Weir also has the flexibility to continue serving in the National Guard, even if it means stepping away from his duties at work. He was away at training for a whole month earlier this year, but his leader and team made it a stress-free process while he was gone.

They knew it was something I had to do, and they’re committed to me. They asked what they could do to help me, and the communication streamlined everything.”

5. TEAM-FIRST, SUPPORTIVE CULTURES HELP VETERANS THRIVE

Veterans thrive in environments with connection and mutual support. Like Weir said, “Trauma bonding is a real thing. I’m still friends with people I met in the first couple months of my 16-year military career. It’s like a family.”

Weir, Timm and Jensen all spoke about their connections with other veterans at Van Meter. Timm mentioned a transfer truck driver he connected with because, “We speak the language and have the same values.”

It’s a bond that brings people together and pushes them to improve.

“Van Meter’s culture is inclusive and built on trust,” Jensen said. “There are other veterans on my team. We share a bond there, and we’re able to use our skillsets to move the whole team forward.”

The support isn’t just between veterans. Weir appreciates how the company sponsored him and his wife to attend a Salute to the Fallen gala just months after he joined Van Meter.

“I was new and nervous, but everyone was doing whatever they could to make me feel welcome,” he said. “The culture at Van Meter is exactly what [veterans] need to make it a good fit. The way they do things should be documented and sold.”