After 21 years in the United States Air Force, Greg Laing was ready to transition to civilian life, but he knew there would be challenges ahead. “Leaving the military is a major life shift,” he said.
That’s when he learned about DOD SkillBridge, a program that provides service members with the opportunity to gain civilian work experience during the last 180 days of service. After hearing from a friend about O’Reilly Auto Parts, and then talking with an O’Reilly recruiter, Greg decided to give it a try, becoming the company’s first program participant.
“Honestly, I hadn’t considered O’Reilly until I learned about the robust commercial trucking program. Once I saw how well it aligned with my military experience in transportation operations, I realized it was a natural fit.”
The job duties weren’t the only similarity. “What stood out to me most was how closely the O’Reilly Culture mirrors the Air Force core values, something I found incredibly important. No matter where I went, I consistently encountered a strong, values-driven culture that aligned with the company’s mission and with my own personal and professional values.”
Greg visited a lot of places during his SkillBridge experience. “Wherever I traveled, West Coast, East Coast or Puerto Rico, I witnessed professionalism, dedication and teamwork on a daily basis,” Greg said. “During my weeks in Springfield, Missouri, I traveled out on routes with drivers. The efficiencies I witnessed from the docks to the routes was like watching a well-oiled machine. I was able to assist a driver who was troubleshooting a maintenance issue on a truck that was loaded and ready to run a route. The transportation supervisor and team came together, swapping out that truck and getting the driver on their route with zero delays.”
Experience like that solidified what Greg said he knew right away upon arriving at O’Reilly. “Within the first week of the program, I knew O’Reilly was the right place for me. From day one, I was welcomed with open arms. The culture here is both strong and supportive, very reminiscent of the camaraderie I experienced in the military. The decision to stay was easy, and I was excited to apply for a full-time position as soon as my SkillBridge ended.”
The internship also gave Greg’s O’Reilly leader a deep knowledge of his skills and values. “Greg displayed positive indications early on that he was a potential fit for the position,” said Clark Gray, O’Reilly director of Fleet Operations. “Due to the broad scope of learning objectives involved in his internship, we were absolutely sure he was a solid fit for the position and for our company. I believe the SkillBridge program is a win-win scenario for both the candidate and the company.”
While O’Reilly is new to the DOD SkillBridge program, it has a long-standing reputation for being an ideal workplace for the transition from active service to civilian life for veterans and their families. The company also actively participates in other military hiring programs, including the Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program and Hiring our Heroes.
Take Greg’s advice: “The support system is strong, the people are genuine, and you’ll quickly find your path forward in the civilian workforce. Trust the process and the people who are there to help you succeed.”
Learn More about Military & Veteran Support at O'Reilly
Find a list of career opportunities, including our veteran and spouse hiring programs. 
