Branch Service Manager at Penske Truck Leasing
Vet relies on military skills to lead his new team at Penske Truck Leasing.
by Warren Duffie

The job was daunting. During his 2007 deployment to Iraq, Kurt Nienhuis was one of 10 people selected to organize his unit’s takeover of base operations. Taking the reins from a preceding unit is never easy. Equipment and supply inventories must be reviewed, new people must be placed in positions of responsibility and Soldiers need to be fed and lodged during the transition.

“The logistical details were insane,” Nienhuis said. “That mission tested everything I had, but I didn’t want to let down my unit, which was the closest 300-person family I had ever known.”

On the Job
Such painstaking attention to detail and commitment to his work helps Nienhuis succeed daily as a branch service manager for his new “family” – Penske Truck Leasing. Based in Colorado Springs, Nienhuis, 39, is responsible for supervising a truck maintenance team of eight associates. His duties include creating the daily work schedule, ensuring that vehicles are serviced and repaired in a timely manner, interacting directly with customers, reviewing maintenance data, keeping abreast of costs and managing inventory.

“The main military skills I use on a daily basis are organization and structure,” said Nienhuis, who served in the Air Force and Army Reserve. “I also learned how to lead and develop the people I’m responsible for. Organization is personally a big word for me – you need to follow through and be a person of your word.

“A big part of my job is to lead our team through an unknown day, which can be both a challenge and a reward,” he continued. “I find it rewarding to watch people develop and do things more on their own. To see them make better decisions, become independent and take more ownership of their jobs, that’s rewarding. It is great to see them excited when the light bulb goes on.”

In Uniform
Nienhuis joined the Air Force in 1989, serving until 1999. He was trained as an aerospace propulsion specialist – commonly known as a jet engine mechanic – as well as a truck maintenance technician. Nienhuis served in the Army Reserve from 2005 to 2008. During his military career, Nienhuis served in California, Washington and Iraq.

The Transition
When Nienhuis left the Air Force in 1999, he took a few transition classes. He held several mechanic jobs before moving to Las Vegas in 2004, seeking a fresh start. Thanks to a friend, he heard about a job opening with Penske.

“I had already been in the truck leasing industry and, because I had friends at Penske, I received good reports about the company,” Neinhuis said. “I knew of their great benefits, loyalty to employees, and their good reputation as being a supporter of the military.”

“During my job search, I was sure to highlight my military skills and maintenance background,” he continued. “As a jet engine specialist, I had to pay very close attention to detail. A plane cannot just break down and pull over. That could be very dangerous and life-threatening. Plus, the plane tires alone are more expensive than the trucks we work on at Penske.”

“During my job search, I was sure to highlight my military skills and maintenance background,” he continued. “As a jet engine specialist, I had to pay very close attention to detail. A plane cannot just break down and pull over. That could be very dangerous and life-threatening. Plus, the plane tires alone are more expensive than the trucks we work on at Penske.”

What Nienhuis Likes About His Job

• Using my leadership ability
• Training people
• Exceeding customer expectations
  

Nienhuis’ Advice:
Be prepared financially. “In the civilian world, there is less security, less vacation time and a financial adjustment. I left the Air Force as an E-4. It took a few jobs for me to get back to my last military salary. In the military, you knew that your salary and benefits were going to be there, and we received an additional allotment for food and housing.”

Develop a strong résumé. “Make sure it captures your military skills and experiences, and translates them into civilian terms.”

Penske Truck Leasing
HQ: Reading, Pa.
Employees: 19,000
2010 Annual Revenue: $4 billion
www.GoPenske.com