July 25 is National Hire A Veteran Day.
At Carolina Handling, we are proud of our commitment to veteran-friendly employment. 11.5% of Carolina Handling’s approximately 870 associates have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs has named Carolina Handling a veteran-friendly employer.
The SCDVA program recognizes South Carolina businesses that actively recruit military veterans and empower and enhance their employment through training and career development opportunities. Carolina Handling received the program’s certificate of bronze standard.
“On National Hire A Veteran Day, we proudly recognize the leadership, discipline and problem-solving abilities our veterans bring to the workforce,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “The skills developed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can make you highly successful in the material handling industry. At Carolina Handling, we are committed to helping veterans build meaningful careers through structured onboarding, skills development and a supportive culture that honors their service.”
In 2024, Carolina Handling was approved by the U.S. Department of Defense as a DOD SkillBridge Authorized Organization to provide job training opportunities for military service members transitioning to the civilian workforce.
DOD SkillBridge allows active-duty service members and select groups of the National Guard and Reserves within 180 days of their separation date the opportunity to gain civilian work experience through job training, employment skills training, apprenticeships and internships. It gives industry partners access to a highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost.
Carolina Handling participates in Recruit Military, a national platform connecting employers to military job seekers.
Carolina Handling Veterans Q&A
We proudly highlight these Carolina Handling associates. Carolina Handling thanks all veterans who have served and are currently serving.
U.S. Navy Veteran: Tracy Brown
Carolina Handling Service Manager Tracy Brown served in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 1993. Brown was an Electronics Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class ET2. The photos above show Brown with his parents when his ship, the USS Santa Barbara, returned home from Desert Storm. Brown is celebrating more than 30 years with Carolina Handling. Brown received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
Q: What brought you to Carolina Handling?
I worked maintenance at a couple of locations before I applied for the role of Field Service Technician in February of 1995.
Q: Which of your military skills or experiences have been especially useful in your role at Carolina Handling?
Electrical troubleshooting and leadership training gained in the Navy have served me well here.
Q: How does the culture and leadership at Carolina Handling recognize and value your military experience?
Carolina Handling has always recognized and shown appreciation for its veterans since I came here in 1995. Veterans are recognized at every gathering and holiday event.
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career at Carolina Handling?
Carolina Handling’s culture is right in line with what they are looking for in a career. The transition into this company is typically smoother for veterans due to the way our onboarding is structured.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ve only had two jobs in my entire adult life. The U.S. Navy and Carolina Handling. I wouldn’t change either of those choices if I had the opportunity to do it all over again.
U.S. Army Veteran: Jeremy Wilson
Carolina Handling Field Service Team Leader Jeremy Wilson began his 23-year military career as an Automotive Technician and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4), Senior Automotive Maintenance Technician in the 75th Ranger Regiment within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Wilson is celebrating 12 years with Carolina Handling.
Q: What brought you to Carolina Handling?
My resume was found online and I was contacted for an interview not knowing anything about the company or the duties and responsibilities. I turned down six-figure job opportunities and 12 years later, I’m still a proud member of the Carolina Handling Team.
Q: Which of your military skills or experiences have been especially useful in your role at Carolina Handling?
Time management and leadership. My experience was recognized immediately in the interview process and soon these skills were put to use leading multiple teams.
Q: How does the culture and leadership at Carolina Handling recognize and value your military experience?
Veterans within Carolina Handling are recognized at every opportunity, which is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted.
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career at Carolina Handling?
I would encourage any veteran to become part of the family because, similar to the service, we take care of each other and work as a team.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
I am grateful for the opportunity with Carolina Handling. This is the first “job” I have ever had, and there is no dollar figure large enough that would convince me to leave and work elsewhere. Retiring from Carolina Handling is the next long-term goal.
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran: Andy Donnon
Carolina Handling Director of Sales Andy Donnon served in the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly seven years, experiencing almost every core mission of the Coast Guard, from search and rescue (both air and sea) to counter-narcotics and migrant interdiction.
While stationed in Miami, he was primarily attached to a post-9/11 unit tasked with supporting Coast Guard operations worldwide in these critical areas.
Earlier this year, Donnon celebrated five years with Carolina Handling.
Q: What brought you to Carolina Handling?
I first learned about Carolina Handling through family connections in the Raymond network, but what’s kept me here and keeps me motivated every day are the people. The talent and dedication of my colleagues truly make this place special.
Q: Which of your military skills or experiences have been especially useful in your role at Carolina Handling?
Adaptability and stamina are essential in this industry. Our customers, our work and our teams are constantly evolving. Early in my military career, I learned to embrace change and find ways to thrive within it. Those skills have served me well here, where flexibility and endurance are key. I was fortunate to observe great leaders persevering through challenges, and I strive to bring that same resilience to my work every day.
Q: How does the culture and leadership at Carolina Handling recognize and value your military experience?
The culture at Carolina Handling is outstanding, especially when it comes to supporting service members. The recognition and genuine curiosity our team shows toward those who have served is unmatched.
Q: What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career at Carolina Handling?
Seriously, call me! If you’re a veteran who’s committed to building your career and looking for opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to thank all those who have served, as well as those currently serving. Let’s never forget the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
U.S. Army Veteran: Scott Furry
Carolina Handling Technical Trainer Scott Furry served in the U.S. Army from 1991 to 1993 and the U.S. Army Reserve from 1993 to 1999. His Rank was Sergeant, and his Military Occupational Specialty was 12B, a Combat Engineer. His specialties were combat construction and demolitions. Furry is celebrating more than 25 years with Carolina Handling.
Q: What brought you to Carolina Handling?
I previously worked for one of our customers and would pick up parts for the lift trucks we serviced in-house. One day, I noticed a sign on the parts counter that said, “Now hiring service technicians." I applied and was offered a position as a Field Service Technician in December of 1999.
Q: Which of your military skills or experiences have been especially useful in your role at Carolina Handling?
One of the things I enjoyed when I started was the service team structure. It reminded me of the squad and platoon structure in the Army. In October of 2004, I became a Technical Trainer. I was able to apply many of the skills learned in the Army regarding the planning, leading and conducting of training exercises. In the Army, my role was to build or destroy things. Now, I teach others to maintain and repair things.
Q: How does the culture and leadership at Carolina Handling recognize and value your military experience?
The things I enjoy most about working at Carolina Handling are the company culture and the people. You truly feel respected as a person, not just an employee.
