Store Manager at Kmart
Battle-tested Marine leans on leadership skills to run a store for the nation’s 4th largest retailer.
By Warren Duffie 

Rick Folz loves a challenge. In 1995 the Lima, Ohio, native was a self-described “big kid.” At 285 pounds, he wanted to dramatically alter his body and change his life through adventure. So he decided to join the military – specifically, the Marine Corps because he viewed it as the toughest service branch – and embarked on a rigorous training regimen.

“When I told people I wanted to be a Marine, a lot of them laughed,” Folz said. “But I made it through boot camp and weighed 185 pounds when I completed it. The funny thing is that my own parents didn’t even recognize me at the graduation ceremony. They walked right by me.”

After 10 years in the Marine Corps, including a combat tour in Iraq, it’s no surprise that Folz, 34, sought a new challenge. The former sergeant charged into the world of retail – where every day is a battle to keep customers happy, keep employees motivated and keep sales and the bottom line healthy. 
 
On the Job
Folz is the manager of a Kmart in St. Mary’s, Ohio. Kmart is a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation and has 1,327 stores worldwide. Folz commands a team of between 70 and 100 employees – depending on the time of year – and his store attracts about 700 customers daily.

Folz usually works five to six days a week, from 0800 to 1700 – though he is required to close his store twice a week. “One thing I love about retail is that it’s always changing,” he said. “Each day and season is unique. In the summer, my store is stocked with grills and in the winter we have Christmas trees.” 

In Uniform
After completing basic training on Parris Island, Folz attended radio field operator training at 29 Palms in California. He served in Okinawa, North Carolina and Kansas. In 2003 his unit was part of the initial invasion force into Iraq. 
 
“I loved being a Marine,” Folz said. “It was an exciting and rewarding part of my life. But in 2005, I was hitting the 10-year mark, and that’s normally when you need to decide if you’re going to make the military your career or get out. My kids were getting older and I wanted to plant some roots for my family.”  

The Transition
Folz began planning his transition in 2004, a year before his separation date. He sat through transition classes and landed a job in sales with Lowe’s, where he worked for three years. 

In 2008, he met a representative from Sears Holdings Corporation, who told him about that company’s efforts to attract military veterans. Folz applied for a job and was hired by Kmart within a few months. 

“When I was getting ready to leave the military, I had three types of résumés,” he said. “They were aimed at government, retail and management jobs. Within all of them, I played up my leadership skills. Employers know that if you can lead troops, you can lead civilian employees. They know you understand the importance of getting the job done and focusing on the mission. Also be sure to mention awards and commendations in your résumé. 

“When I left the Marine Corps, I nearly doubled my salary,” Folz continued, “but I had a new set of bills to pay. When I was in uniform, I lived in base housing. No rent or utilities. Sure, you can make more money as a civilian, but really think about where you want to live and what the cost of living is like in that area.”

Look into companies with a strong military recruitment history. “They already know the value of veterans and understand what we bring to the table.” 

Plan early. “You can’t start planning your transition a month before you get out. Start at least a year out. Make connections at various companies that interest you. Keep in regular communication with these connections.”

“When I was getting ready to leave the military, I had three types of résumés,” he said. “They were aimed at government, retail and management jobs. Within all of them, I played up my leadership skills. Employers know that if you can lead troops, you can lead civilian employees. They know you understand the importance of getting the job done and focusing on the mission. Also be sure to mention awards and commendations in your résumé.” 

What Folz Likes About His Job 

• My employees
• Being a presence within and helping my community
• Each day is a different challenge
  

Sears Holdings Corporation
HQ: Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Employees: 290,000
2009 Revenue: $46.8 billion
www.searsholdings.com 
www.searsholdings.com/careers/opportunities/military 

Did You Know?
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada.Sears Holdings Corporation offers a military pay differential (to fill the gap between military pay and employer pay) and benefits continuation to 60 months for eligible employees called to duty in the Reserve or National Guard.