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The Few, The Proud, The Marines. Taking it as more than just a tagline for this branch of the U.S. military, Cassie Cirisan lived out this slogan during her time serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1990 to 1998. As one of a small percentage of women who have served in the Marines, Cassie embraced the challenge.
“I was raised in a military family, but because I was a female, the Marines was not the first choice they had for me,” Cassie says. “In high school, I remember reading that Marine Corps basic training was one of the hardest things an American woman could do, so I wanted that challenge.”
During her time in the Marine Corps, Cassie’s occupational specialty was aviation ordnance, where she worked on and loaded the weapons systems on aircraft. She began working on fighter jets and later transitioned to helicopters.
As a part of the Marines, Cassie says she appreciated the opportunities she had to travel and the experiences she was able to engage in.
“One of my favorite experiences about serving was getting to see and do so many things your average person doesn’t even have the chance to do,” Cassie says. “I’ve gone hiking in the Hawaiian mountains, toured the Australian outback and flown over Atlanta hanging by a rope to name a few things.”
Craving Hands-On Work
After all of the adventures she experienced in the Marines, Cassie knew her next job would need to be dynamic to keep her attention, so she turned to her local hardware store.
“When I got out of the Marines, I knew sitting still was not for me, so I went to work in purchasing for my local True Value,” she says. “I am a very hands-on person and like to tinker and fix all sorts of projects. The hardware store provided me the opportunity to experience something new every day and use my hands.”
Cassie started working at Hopp’s Lumber and Supply in Mayville, Michigan, in 2002. In 2015, she moved over to become the store manager at Frankenmuth True Value in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Frankenmuth True Value is the sister store to Vassar True Value in Vassar, Michigan, which is celebrating 45 years in business this year.
“The owner of Frankenmuth True Value, Adam Barden, brought me in as assistant manager while we were literally building up the store in July, and had enough faith in me that when we opened the doors in August, he promoted me to manager,” Cassie says. “I am proud to say that in just 10 years, we have become a community fixture and the local go-to destination for paint and hardware.”
Just like she developed and grew relationships in the Marines, Cassie says her favorite part of working in the independent channel is building relationships with her regular customers and anyone who comes into the store.
“I love knowing the majority of my customers by name, and I can keep track of what projects they are working on and encourage them,” Cassie says.
Along with lifelong experiences, her time in the Marines gave Cassie skills and lessons that she has utilized in her roles in the independent home improvement channel, including work ethic and tenacity.
“Serving in the Marines taught me how to get things done with whatever is at hand,” Cassie says. “Being an independent hardware store, we don’t have the corporate cookie cutter format, so we can be creative in our solutions.”
Because of their dedication, Cassie believes that military veterans are a good fit for the channel.
“I think veterans are ideal for this type of work,” she says. “We can be pointed in a direction and will do our best to complete any task.”
Paying Tribute
While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry.
To honor the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry,
NHPA launched the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show (NHS) as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.
We need your help honoring these amazing men and women. Please visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to nominate a Helmets to Home Improvement honoree.
