Shon Smith II (Army)
Business Development Specialist
PRO Consulting LLC
How has your military experience influenced your career in the automotive industry?
Leadership – My military leadership courses and experience have helped me lead in the car business, while also showing everyone I lead the respect they deserve. Ethics – I believe my military experience has always helped me do what’s right, for my customers and the organizations I’ve worked for. Longevity/Loyalty – It’s no secret the car business tends to have a revolving door, where everyone thinks the grass is greener on the other side… I prefer to stay in one place and be the best I can be for that employer. I’ve been with PRO Consulting for almost four years now, and spent 14 years at Bradley Chevrolet before that. Integrity – Sometimes we mess up. We’re only human. One of the biggest things I learned from the military was integrity. For me, this is the ability and duty to fess up when a mistake is made. Coming up with a solid resolution to any mistakes that were made has always been key to handling mistakes and issues. Chaos – Sometimes the car business can be chaotic. To be in this industry, you have to know how to handle that, while still smiling for your customer. The military taught me to be cool and collected in those times, which has been a huge help in the car business.
What are some of the ways you have seen the industry support veterans?
The automotive industry provides an avenue to make a good living without any experience at all. By default, this industry helps veterans with a way to enter the workforce simply by being able to talk to people and make friends. Being a veteran also helps build rapport with everyone. I haven’t met a customer yet that didn’t appreciate what a vet has done. And usually they have a friend, family member or even themselves who have also served. Coworkers have always been extremely supportive as well.
What is one piece of advice you have for veterans entering the industry?
Don’t be scared to get going. This industry has made a lot of inexperienced people extremely successful with no more than a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. Jump in, don’t look back and in a few years, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at where you are financially.