Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
A dream since childhood, Joe Rawson always knew he wanted to be in the military.
Rawson served in the U.S. Air Force starting in 1998. He served on active duty until 2004, and then full time in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard until October 2018, when he transitioned to his current role as a drilling status guardsman.
During his time in service, Rawson served in eight deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. He worked as an Airlift and Special Operations Navigator, directing low-level flight navigation and airdrop operations.
“My favorite part about serving was getting to see the world and gaining the friends I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had,” Rawson says.
A New Role
Stepping in to help his wife’s family’s business when they lost a general manager, Rawson began working at RJ Dunham’s Inc. in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. Today, Rawson works as general manager and part owner for the hardware division of RJ Dunham’s Inc., where he has served for over six years.
His experience working for his father as a teenager prepared Rawson well for a role in the hardware industry.
“My dad was a contractor, and I worked for him through high school and college,” he says. “That knowledge has been invaluable.”
The independence of running his own operation and being able to meet the needs of his local community are a few things Rawson loves most about working in the independent channel.
“It is also much easier to adapt my operations and stock what my customers need in an independent operation,” he says.
Prepared for Professionalism
Rawson’s military experience was invaluable in preparing him for his professional role today. The discipline, professionalism, desire to serve and ability to interact with a variety of customers set military veterans apart from others working in the independent home improvement channel, Rawson says.
“Leading people is the same in uniform or out,” he says. “The skills and techniques the military taught me—like planning, problem analysis, problem solving and the ability to make decisions, reevaluate and adjust as required—work well in this channel.”
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.
