VETS stories of success: Aaron
Veteran Employees Targeting Success (VETS), one of TQL’s Employee Resource Groups, attracts and develops military, veteran, military family and supporter talent.
The VETS Spotlight features military members who have served our country. Meet Aaron, a TQL Sales Team Leader and Air Force veteran.
What motivated you to enlist?
My senior year of high school, I was considering a partial track scholarship to Illinois State University and visited the team, coaches and facilities. Since I was the one paying for college, I wanted to check out other options as well. The military motivated me with attractive college benefits, work and leadership experience, the potential for lifelong friendships and the desire to pursue a unique challenge.
What are the benefits of having your military experience at TQL?
Discipline is by far one of the most important benefits of military experience. You can't just quit when the going gets tough. Other benefits include resilience and problem-solving abilities.
What motivates/inspires you?
Growth motivates me. I read, and I also train my body very hard through endurance exercise such as running, cycling and swimming. I primarily train at high altitudes. The more you make the uncomfortable a norm, the stronger you become and the faster you grow. Sales is no different.
Do you have a TQL mentor? If so, how is that beneficial to you?
Austin Hodson has been my main mentor throughout my TQL career. It has been very beneficial to learn from someone with 10 years of experience in the job.
Having served, what do you appreciate most about our military?
I appreciate the opportunities our military provides, whether that’s to grow professionally, leave a bad home environment, pay for college…the list goes on. Our military also gives the entire country the protection to live the lives our people truly want.