Successful Career Journeys for Two DLL U.S. Veterans, Emerging Leaders

Every career journey starts somewhere, and we can’t always predict exactly where it will take us. For some among us, professional life began by bravely answering a call to duty. Learn how that has made all the difference for DLL members Mike Bolt and Lauren Ortiz, who served in the military.

What Do Veterans Think About on Veterans Day?

Mike says, “I constantly reflect on my time in the service. I formed lifelong bonds and grew as a person. A sense of pride and accomplishment is what is with me most this year, as I begin to explain to my young daughter what being a veteran means.”

For Lauren, it’s “those who came before, past generations and the veterans who inspire me. Veteran status is a special kinship and bond. The thanks we receive are appreciated, but for me personally, not needed. I think for most veterans, we didn’t join for the thank you, but to serve our country and something greater than ourselves.”

In the Trenches

Michael served a four-year enlistment (2005-2009) on active duty in the Marine Corps where he received training in wired communications systems. He deployed to Iraq for 13 months in 2007 and managed a detention facility and maintained wired communications systems for the base. He assumed a leadership role as a Platoon Sergeant who oversaw daily operations of 75 Marines.

Lauren spent four years (2011-2015) in the Air Force Reserve as a medic, which took her to training locations such as Texas, Ohio, and Key West, Florida. Lauren follows in the footsteps of family members who have served. Her father is retired Army National Guard, and her aunt is retired Air Force Reserve, and they were in the same unit.

A Firm Foundation for Success at DLL

Today Lauren and Mike both enjoy successful and fulfilling careers at DLL.

One year ago, Lauren stepped into her role as the Back Office Support Specialist (BOSS) Team Leader, on the heels of graduating from the year-long Leadership Development Program at DLL in 2021. She began with the company in Customer Service in 2015 before moving to Invoicing for 6.5 years, and Lauren was promoted on that team. The life skills developed in the military that have helped her navigate her career are “decision making; penchant for training and improving processes; and organization.”

In addition, the diversity, equity, and inclusion perspectives and wisdom that were transformational, saying “I met and worked beside a broad range of people in society. When you’re in the military you understand the importance of teamwork, especially for those who are in a deployment zone or dangerous situation. All differences fall away, and every person is your military family member in a sense. In all situations, I look for what I have in common with a person and focus on our common goals, which served me well in the military and has at DLL. The ability to embrace differences while understanding the common goal allows for great success!”

Mike has a similar story of steady career growth at DLL.

He began with DLL in 2013 as a Customer Service Representative within the Operations Department. From there, he moved to our Invoice to Receipt department as a Specialist and shortly moved into a Team Lead role. After three years in Operations, Mike took a leadership role as Remarketing Manager in our Asset Management & Remarketing group. He was well positioned to then take a role on our Global Asset Management team in 2019 as Asset Risk Process Manager. In January, Mike was promoted to Head of Operations for Asset Management & Remarketing.

The skills he developed during service that he brings today are leadership, perseverance, and confidence. Mike says, “leading by example is a skill that I developed and has been an asset at DLL. In the military, I often faced adversity, and being able to persevere resonates with me now as I face positive challenges in my career that have helped me grow. Many of the roles that I have taken while at DLL have challenged me, but the confidence I gained through similar experiences during my service has helped me be successful.”

Finding Meaning in Career Transitions

He adds that “working at DLL has always felt like being part of a family or community, which is very similar to the military where there is a strong sense of connection between service members. The core values of the Marine Corps (honor, courage, commitment) are closely connected to the DLL values, in the sense that there is a strong passion and willingness to work as a team to be successful. This connection fosters an environment of feeling that you can be yourself and find opportunities that fit your skills, which has given me great satisfaction.”

Career transition is a hot topic, but perhaps it’s more of an evolution for professionals everywhere. Although one cannot see the specific path at the time, learning and development at any job are always building blocks to a bright future. The message Lauren has for all veterans at any stage is to “realize there are a lot of skills that translate. Many times, military personnel want to move to a different career as a civilian and don’t realize they have applicable skills. For example, I was in the medical field, but that job required quick and decisive decision making, which is valuable in any profession.”

Honor is Universal

The theme of Veterans Day this year is honor. Lauren reflects that “honor is one of the pillars of all military branches. It’s something both veterans and active military live and breathe. Obviously, we are human and make mistakes, but as veterans and military members, it’s important we uphold our oath.”

“Each Veterans Day, I realize how honorable not only choosing to serve is, but what it takes to be honorable in all aspects of life. Honor is not just reserved for military service; it is something that I am proud to uphold at DLL and personally every day,” says Mike.

We recognize all U.S. veterans for their service and all military professionals across the globe who answer the call to duty, with special thanks to Mike and Lauren. It's an honor to work beside you at DLL!