Bill McCarty (Navy)
Innovation Center Manager
Reynolds and Reynolds
How has your military experience influenced your career in the automotive industry?
The military provides experience and training that you cannot get anywhere else. Through hard work and high expectations, it builds confidence and structure in young individuals. In the military you need to be prepared, motivated and committed to what you are doing. That type of mentality leads to success in any profession. This is even more important in automotive because this industry is driven by people who work hard every day and deliver results.
What are some of the ways you have seen the industry support veterans?
Veterans are given a priority in the job market. Employers know that if you have served your country and departed under honorable circumstances, that they have an individual who can adjust to their policy and procedures and can be trained. I have also seen a lot of respect for having served in the Navy, which gives me a sense of pride I might not otherwise have.
Although it’s a simple thing, dealers and OEMs give discounts to military and veterans. Trust me, when you can help a person with the price of a vehicle — that’s a big deal.
Give one piece of advice for veterans entering the industry.
Keep with you what you learned in the military but get rid of the high and tight. Share your experience and training with your coworkers and you’ll build a strong team.