Scott Faulkner (Marines)

2022 Honoree

Scott Faulkner (Marines)

Sales Team Leader
Bob Mills Mitsubishi

How has your military experience influenced your career in the automotive industry?

As a Marine who served from 2002 to 2018, I was often forced to face certain adversity and perform problem solving at an above-average level. A military career regardless of the branch an individual serves in will foster resilience as well as an ability to lead others the correct way. A true leader has the ability to accomplish tasks with their subordinates in a manner where the subordinates don’t just accomplish the task, but they want to accomplish the task. When I left the Marine Corps, I believed that the skills of a senior enlisted leader could transfer to any job and that I could handle anything. I was incorrect.

 

What are some of the ways you have seen the industry support veterans?

Automotive sales is, in fact, a rewarding career and it is just that. You don’t have to have any special qualifications to do it all you have to do is listen and learn. The automotive industry has always supported veterans and not just in the way of rebates or discounts for those who served. But veterans tend to do very well in sales and move up to management in companies due to inherit skills they possess regardless of their time served. The U.S. military does an excellent job of instilling ethics, morals, integrity and the ability to manage stress in chaotic situations. The automotive industry can, in fact, be incredibly stressful and is important to have individuals who can remain calm and collected in these environments. Car dealerships recognize these strengths historically and appreciate the presence of veterans in the workplace.

 

What is one piece of advice you have for veterans entering the industry?

Exiting the military can be one of the most difficult endeavors a veteran will go through. There is a huge comfort associated with the organization and structure a military life provides. Veterans find themselves very stressed out when returning to the civilian workplace, especially those who served for decades and retired from the armed services. Know that a choice to join the automotive industry will come with its own adversity, you will not immediately have the same authority or control you once had, quite the contrary really. It can be daunting to have to take instruction from younger people who are in positions of leadership by virtue of their time in the industry. If you enjoy talking about cars, driving cars, and would like an opportunity to interact and, in many cases, provide a great service to people this may be an excellent option for you.