Onsite Manager at Kelly Services Inc.
Former Army rocket chief launches new career at tire manufacturing plant.
by Warren Duffie

Taking a deep breath to gain strength and composure, Scott Loveless walked into the lobby of a local staffing agency, introduced himself to the smiling receptionist and announced he was looking for work.

Dressed in a pressed three-piece suit – clean-shaven with a high-and-tight military haircut – the 10-year Army veteran was visiting staffing companies in his hometown of Rocky Mount, N.C. When he stopped by Kelly Services Inc., Loveless immediately made a powerful impression. He landed an interview with the manager, who was so taken with him she offered him a job on the spot.

“We ended up talking for an hour and a half,” said Loveless, 34. “She said she was looking for someone to help open a new manufacturing plant for a major tire company. The assignment would only last four to six weeks, but it was work, so I decided to take it.”

On the Job
That was two years ago. Loveless performed so well and the plant was so successful that his assignment became long term. Based at a Bridgestone tire plant in Wilson, N.C., the former staff sergeant manages 50 Kelly Services employees contracted to work at the location, which manufactures tires sold by major automobile companies and retail giants such as Target and Walmart.

Loveless normally works from 0700 to 1600. He spends his mornings addressing employee issues such as hirings and firings, job interviews, worker’s compensation and performance reviews. His afternoons are filled with meetings with Bridgestone department heads and fellow Kelly Services accounting and human resources employees – touching on topics from reviewing and implementing corporate policies to bringing on new workers.

“Although I inadvertently landed in management, my military skills have helped me adapt and succeed,” he said. “The Army taught me about organization and leadership, and I learned how to deal with different people and motivate them.”

In Uniform
Loveless said he joined the Army to add structure and adventure to his life. “It’s funny. A friend of mine bet I would only last three to six months in the military,” Loveless said. “I lasted for 10 years, so I had the last laugh.”

A rocket chief, Loveless was stationed in Oklahoma, Germany and Iraq. But it was Loveless’ tour in Iraq that ended his Army career. He hurt his back in 2000, had surgery, and made a complete recovery. However, lugging around heavy weaponry and body armor in the desert beat down his body, and Loveless required a spinal fusion, resulting in a 2007 medical discharge.

The Transition
To prepare for civilian life, Loveless took a variety of transition classes and résumé-writing seminars. He and his family moved to North Carolina, where he found his job with Kelly Services.

“My first day was so hectic I didn’t have time to be nervous,” Loveless said. “I was at a job fair with other Kelly representatives, and we were interviewing prospective employees for the Bridgestone tire plant. It was a very long but exhilarating day.

When Loveless started with Kelly, he took a slight pay cut, but said the low cost of living in North Carolina made up for it. “There was a bit of sticker shock with civilian life,” he said. “In the military, you really have no idea of what you have access to – free health care and housing, for example. In the civilian world, you have to pay for everything, so I would encourage people to think about that during their transitions.”

Loveless’ Advice
Prior planning is crucial. “Take your transition classes. Start planning a year in advance. Plan your transition like a military mission.”

Don’t sell yourself short. “You have skills that you might not even know about, but I guarantee employers want them. Just the fact that you show up to work on time and ready to perform is enticing to the civilian world.”

Take some time off before starting your new job. “Relax and recharge. Spend time with your family, that way you can start work at optimum performance.”