JUNIOR ENLISTED SUCCESS STORIES - Regional Vice President of Operations at Dunbar Armored, Texas Region

Where Are They Now?

Former Army Sgt. Emando Mendez was first profiled in the March 2002 issue of G.I. Jobs – the magazine’s third issue!

Regional Vice President of Operations at Dunbar Armored, Texas Region
Army infantryman rises rapidly from vault teller to regional vice president for Dunbar Armored.
by Warren Duffie

A world-famous armored car company wanted to convert six of its Texas branches from paper to electronic operations. For years, employees had used cumbersome paper manifests and handwritten pick-up slips. Now they would need to be taught how to use computerized scanners, work with electronic software, and new corporate policies would have to be drawn up. mendez219x292

The main problem was finding someone to lead the effort. Enter Emando Mendez, a general manager already in charge of three Texas branches. A former Army infantryman, Mendez didn’t hesitate to volunteer. He completed the job with flying colors and further distinguished himself as a rising star within the company.

“Tackling that project was the catalyst for my taking over the region,” said the ex-sergeant. “One thing I learned about civilian success – something I encourage all veterans to do – is to not be afraid to take on additional projects when no one else wants to. You already know how to work hard and overcome challenges. That will really impress your employer.”

On the Job
Mendez, 35, has been dazzling his superiors at Dunbar Armored since 2001. Dunbar Armored is America’s largest independent armored transportation carrier, serving major retailers, financial institutions and government agencies.

Mendez is regional vice president of operations for the Texas region. Working from 0745 to 1700 daily, he oversees seven branches comprising 270 employees and 120 armored trucks. His main duties are to make sure the branches operate smoothly, managers have the resources they need, customer service is first-class, and respond quickly to emergencies.

When G.I. Jobs first profiled Mendez in 2002, he was operations manager for Dunbar’s San Antonio office – in charge of 45 employees and 14 trucks. He had joined the company only a year before but already made an impressive charge through the ranks.

Joining the Company
After leaving the Army, Mendez spent a couple of years with another armored car company. The problem was that his office was 75 miles from home, so he spent a year driving 150 miles each workday.

In March 2001, a former supervisor who had left to work for Dunbar called Mendez and told him about a vault teller opening at the company’s San Antonio office. Wanting to work closer to home, Mendez jumped at the opportunity. Within six months, he was promoted to crew chief and operations manager. After his 2002 G.I. Jobs spotlight, Mendez served as the branch manager of Dunbar’s San Antonio and Houston branches and as general manager of South Texas operations before assuming his current position.

Appreciating the Military
“One of the best parts of my job is running into employees with a military background,” Mendez said. “Even when I joined Dunbar in 2001, the company had a high number of military veterans. At some branches, the number is around 50 percent.

“You can tell the military people,” he continued. “They’re extra neat in their appearance and they take direction really well. They’re also anxious to learn more about their jobs and the company, and want to advance far.”

Mendez’ Advice
Don’t be afraid to make decisions. “Like the military, civilian employers look for individuals to stand out as leaders.”

Understand company policies and procedures. “Learn why things are done and how. This is especially important if you want to be a manager. You’ll have to know a little bit about everyone’s job.”

More articles from JUNIOR ENLISTED SUCCESS STORIES

Inside Solutions Architect at CDW
Creative Exterior Designer at General Motors
Service Technician for STERIS Corp.
Service Technician at Johnson Controls
Counselor at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Email this article:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Recipient Name:
Recipient Email:
Message: