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At Schneider, we uphold a company culture in which associates can thrive, feel a sense of pride and grow their careers. This is undoubtedly true for the many military veterans and active service members on our teams – and it’s why Schneider is one of the nation’s largest and most decorated employers of current and former military personnel.
Ashton Frank is one of these associates. He currently drives the International Rig of Recognition – one of Schneider’s specially wrapped trucks honoring the branches of the U.S. military. Here’s how he exemplifies the spirit of service and why he’s honored to represent the National Guard and reserves on the road.
Learning from a decade of Military service
Ashton enlisted in the U.S. Army over a decade ago as an active-duty mechanic, working on diesel vehicles to keep them ready for missions and objectives. While his unit was never deployed to a combat zone, he spent time in Poland, Germany and South Korea.
“I joined because I was drawn by the idea of selfless service and putting my country before anything else,” Ashton said. “It was a passion of mine to work on vehicles while feeling pride in what I was doing.”
He especially took pride in the efficiency with which he and his team were able to repair and prepare so many vehicles. On his final rotation to South Korea, they were put to the test.
“I was in a unit that had just been created, and right away we ended up getting a large fleet of vehicles that weren’t in the shape they needed to be,” Ashton said. “We took our operational readiness from 11% to nearly 90% in a matter of months. I enjoyed the challenge of aiming to get the job done quickly and effectively.”
Transitioning from the Army to Schneider
Ashton later left active duty but continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve. This allowed him to explore civilian opportunities as a correctional officer, then as a foreman with a company that builds U.S. Navy ships. In 2023, he joined Schneider and felt it was a perfect fit.
“I realized Schneider understands the processes and perspectives that military personnel operate with,” Ashton said. “I appreciated not only Schneider’s training tuition reimbursement for veterans, but also the trust and empowerment they grant you once you’re in the truck. Yes, I have leaders, but they’re here to assist, not just issue orders.”
After starting as an over-the-road driver, Ashton transferred to a dedicated account based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that allows him to return home at the end of each day.
“I grew up in Wisconsin, so this is perfect for me,” he says. “The home and work balance means I get to help out around the house and spend time with family.”
Balancing Military service and civilian life
Ashton believes his experience with military vehicles and transportation set him up for a smooth transition to driving at Schneider.
“In the military, you have every type of logistics you can think of,” he said. “I’ve driven everything from a Humvee to a Freightliner. I know these vehicles inside and out, so if I feel, smell, or hear any issue, I can get it corrected. I’ve used that knowledge on a couple occasions to make minor, temporary repairs myself without needing to call for maintenance.”
Ashton’s passion for vehicles extends beyond trucks, as he enjoys riding motorcycles when he’s not at work. He also loves outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
But one of his most important pursuits remains his service as a U.S. Army Reserve soldier. Every year, his unit reconvenes for month-long annual training; plus, Ashton handles other local, routine tasks that often pop up on short notice.
“My Schneider leaders have provided me with a lot of flexibility to take care of those,” he said. “Everything from inventory to moving things around the motor pool – some of it happens at the last minute, and my leaders are very accommodating.”
It’s just one way Schneider demonstrates its esteem for service members. With 19% of our associates bringing military experience, we foster a culture that embraces the thoughts, experiences and backgrounds of veterans because they make us a better, smarter company.
“There’s a lot of respect for the military here,” Ashton said. “We have the same values and the same resilient and selfless approach to service. Veterans feel welcome at a company that operates this way because that’s what we’re used to. It’s like home, in a sense.”
