During Military Appreciation Month, we’re honored to spotlight the brave service members who bring their expertise, knowledge and dedication into our workplace. Their stories reflect the company’s core values of community and respect.
Louis F. is a Home Depot store co-manager who grew up with a passion for military service in his DNA. Both of his parents were active duty in the Air Force and collectively served for 44 years. Louis followed in his parent’s footsteps and joined the Army, leading a successful 17-year military career working in logistics.
Once his service in the Army came to an end, Louis searched for a civilian job that would offer him the flexibility he needed to serve in the Army Reserve. “Not only was The Home Depot a place I shopped at regularly, but the organization and support structure were very similar to the Army. It seemed like a great fit for my skills and experiences,” says Louis.
He joined The Home Depot in 2004 as a store manager in the training program. The program pairs each trainee with a manager and takes them through the different phases of the store, from associate to assistant store manager in various departments. “I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a great store, district and regional managers in both the Northern Plains and Ohio Valley regions during my career,” he says.
Being a store co-manager, Louis draws from his experience as an Army officer and the example his parents set as two Air Force master sergeants to help guide his leadership style. “My parents helped instill in me that those you lead or supervise are just as -- if not more -- important and knowledgeable as those you report to,” Louis says. “I was able to develop this understanding in the military and then use this knowledge with The Home Depot to be more approachable with associates and better help them develop and grow.”
Louis has been able to take advantage of several Home Depot benefits over the last seven years. In 2015, he received a master’s in business administration with the help of Home Depot’s tuition reimbursement program. He also began contributing to the 401(k) savings plan as soon as he signed on with the company.
“Working at The Home Depot has been a tremendous experience. I always tell my military peers that it’s a great company to work for, with a very similar work environment and values as the Army. A place that will challenge them to grow and improve daily,” says Louis.
The Home Depot is proud to employ more than 35,000 veterans and military spouses throughout the company. If you’re a veteran or military spouse looking for career opportunities at The Home Depot, visit www.careers.homedepot.com/military.
