Aaron grew up in W.Va. and was familiar with Dominion Energy as an employer of choice. “After returning from a tour in Iraq, I began getting serious about starting my career at Dominion Energy,” he said. “I graduated with a degree in architecture and impressed by DETI’s Gold LEED certification recognizing its green building standards.”
But for Aaron, it was the current employees who had the biggest influence on his career choice. “My military friends, people I met at car enthusiast events, and college classmates would encourage me to apply and keep applying until I found the right fit,” Aaron remembers. “That’s what led me to talk to Dominion Energy’s staffing specialist, Kelli Jo McNemar, who guided me through the employment process.”
Kelli Jo met Aaron while participating in an employment event with Operation Welcome Home, a non-profit dedicated to bringing employers together with veterans. Aaron was a former Armorer and Supply Specialist and a Carpenter and Masonry Specialist with the 115th Engineer Company of the West Virginia Army National Guard and has extensive knowledge in carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing, and project management. Kelli Jo remembers meeting Aaron saying, “He was a talented and determined candidate that needed some support fitting his skills with the right job.” She went on to send Aaron several job listings until finding the right fit for Aaron. She continued to coach him throughout the process.
As Aaron reflects on this time, he now offers encouragement to fellow veterans: “Apply, be persistent, and stay confident in your abilities; it will pay off in the end.” How does Aaron feel now that he is part of the Dominion Energy team? “Even two months in, I can already see that this company backs its spoken commitment to veterans with real action.” Aaron went on to commend his new workplace saying, “There is a great spirit of comradery here with supportive and happy people. I am fortunate to have found my career and want to support other veterans so that they can too.”
Learn more about Dominion Energy’s commitment to veterans and the military.
