A.J. Merrifield (Army)
Chief Operating Officer
REMii Group, Inc.
How has your military experience influenced your career in the automotive industry?
I think, more than anything, my military experience taught me to be flexible, to work well with a team to accomplish the mission, and to realize that very few plans go the way you intend them to.
What are some of the ways you have seen the industry support veterans?
There are a ton of veteran-focused initiatives in the industry, whether that’s hiring initiatives (which I’ve been lucky enough to help out with), veteran charity fundraising and outreach or veteran discount programs. Basically, if a veteran wants to benefit in some fashion from their military experience, the industry will bend over backwards to help you find a way to do so!
What is one piece of advice you have for veterans entering the industry?
I think a lot of veterans expect the civilian workforce to grasp what their experience and training brings to the table, but considering the vast majority of Americans have never served, it can be self-defeating to bring in that attitude. Instead, I think we need to take the time to show those we work with what we can do, show the breadth and width of our expertise and/or mission-focused attitude, and show how that can help the organization to succeed. Be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up!