Editor’s Note: The following story highlights a job opportunity at Mohawk Industries. Committed to filling its ranks with talented members of the military community, Mohawk Industries is a Hirepurpose client. Learn more here.
Mohawk Industries is a leading manufacturer of flooring products that serve the commercial and residential markets across the United States. They have received numerous awards for efficient manufacturing and have kept up with the times by maintaining a focus on environmental stewardship and lean manufacturing practices. Their products run the spectrum from carpet and rugs to tile, hardwoods, and more.
Mohawk’s global headquarters and many of its production facilities are located in Northwest Georgia. Why would you want to live here? Well, if you aren’t familiar with the area, here are some perks: You are just a short drive to Atlanta or Chattanooga, the tax rates are lower than most other parts of the country, and the surroundings are picturesque. Small-town life still happens here. You have the advantages of access to world-class entertainment, a major hub airport, concerts, and restaurants within a commutable distance, but you don’t have to deal with the traffic or crowds if that’s not your thing. Convinced yet?
Successful territory managers or account executives with Mohawk come from a variety of backgrounds, but a common element is a strong competitive spirit coupled with the desire to succeed as an individual contributor. This means you focus your energy into your territory — calling on existing clients, prospecting new ones — your success depends on your energy and your drive to achieve your own goals. You aren’t worried about subordinates; you are to an extent your own boss and the master of your own income, selling to high-volume merchants (think home-improvement retailers and specialty stores).
Veterans as a group tend to hesitate in pursuing sales roles. But, you just might not realize what makes a great salesperson. If you look back on your military career and think of a few times that you saw someone at your career level and time in service who just didn’t seem to care as much as you did, if you are a polished communicator, or if you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you should look at sales. The process with Mohawk starts with a 12-week training class in Georgia, after which you are assigned a territory in the United States from the available geographies at that time. You could be in the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Southeast — anywhere in the United States where sales are expanding. Sales roles are open to all ranks, branches, and specialties as long as you have a four-year degree.
This role is geared toward noncommissioned officers and junior officers with a background in hands-on leadership. Production supervision is an area familiar to most veterans: It requires you to work in a team environment that needs strong leadership, a focus on safety, and a commitment to the mission.
Production supervision is essentially leading a team of technicians and associates who operate and maintain equipment, make various products, package, and prepare them for shipment. You are on your feet most of the day walking from station to station and monitoring the facility using software that tracks the various components of machinery and the overall process for whatever line you are focused on. This is the kind of job where you are tired at the end of the day, but you weren’t watching the clock. Time goes by quickly, you work with a diverse group of hard working people, and you have a sense of accomplishment when your pallets and rolls go out the door.
These roles are found primarily in and around Northwest Georgia, where most of Mohawk’s production facilities are located.
If you have a background or degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, you’ll want to take a look at Mohawk’s engineering roles. If you just got your degree, Mohawk runs multiple training programs in Georgia centered around taking your academic knowledge to the next level. They will mold you into an industry-experienced engineering professional capable of solving ever-revolving challenges and dealing with a wide array of raw materials and production equipment. If you are a noncommissioned officer with an electrical or mechanical background (aircraft maintenance, electronics technicians, machinist mate), you can pick from a variety of roles at multiple plants right now. The skills you picked up in the military are recognized at Mohawk and they can easily lead you into a rewarding long term career.
If you’re interested in exploring roles with Mohawk, visit Hirepurpose careers page. Remember, what makes this worth your time is our team of Career Coaches. Sign up, create your profile, and click the button on your dashboard to get in touch with a former service member with civilian-recruitment experience who can provide you with tips and guidance on your resume, interview techniques, and getting your application in front of the people who want to hire you with our partner employers.