Transition

Benny Kinsey retired from the Army in 2010 thinking his experience as a command sergeant major with two bachelor’s degrees and an MBA would make it easy to land a job in the civilian workforce. 

It didn’t. 

“My transition was absolutely horrible,” said Kinsey, 48, who struggled to get interviews – even to stock shelves at a grocery store. “It was to the point that I was having problems paying my bills.” 

At the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, the estimator from Portsmouth, Va., rubbed elbows with Richard Petty. He met 2016 Sprint Cup Series rookie of the year Chase Elliott. And, he rode in a pace car for two laps prior to the AAA Texas 500, as it ripped around the track at nearly 100 mph. 

The U.S. Naval veteran, who grew up around rabid racing fans, was elated that day, as he was one of 10 veterans currently working in the collision repair industry to be honored by 3M’s automotive aftermarket division. 

Coming out of a life in the military, many former soldiers turn their attention to how they’ll support themselves and their families in the private sector. It’s an exciting and sometimes stressful prospect.

Making the transition to civilian life and work comes with several factors worthy of consideration: to what extent does military service matter to a prospective employer? Is there a culture of veteran hiring, or a military workforce within the organization? What kind of pay does military experience bring in?

When you ask successful entrepreneurs what it takes to run a successful business, they'll usually answer with a personal character trait, not a specific skill.

Tenacity. Determination. Passion. Adaptability. A willingness to take calculated risks.