Former U.S. Army captain
Managing Director, Field Human Resources, Rollins, Inc.
In 1990, 23-year-old second lieutenant and recent West Point graduate Quentin Misenheimer led a 41-person platoon in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He called the mission a great challenge that led him to learn “a great deal” about himself and his soldiers.
Misenheimer served for five years on active duty, starting as a Military Intelligence Officer and ending his military career in 1994 as a captain. During his time at West Point and throughout his entire career, Misenheimer learned how to lead effectively and stay determined despite challenges. The skills he gained during his military career would be useful to Misenheimer in all aspects of his life, including in his career with Rollins.
“While at West Point, I was forced into a situation my Plebe year to observe various leadership styles from the upperclassmen and then choose which styles to emulate,” Misenheimer said. “I have tried to form my leadership style over the years from the things I liked and thought people would respond best to.”
Misenheimer added that he learned the importance of having a clear mission and communicating that mission well to everyone on the team. Though it has been decades since Misenheimer served in the military, he said members of his platoon still call him “lieutenant” or “sir,” which he said “blows (him) away.” This sense of camaraderie remains a source of pride for Misenheimer when he looks back on his time in the Army.
Misenheimer recalls multiple role models and mentors that have shaped him over the years, including Dr. David Cundiff. Cundiff was his high school class sponsor and guidance counselor during his high school years in Terre Haute, Indiana. When Misenheimer returned from Desert Storm, Cundiff asked him to speak to the graduating class in 1991 about his leadership experience in combat.
For Misenheimer, lessons learned from his military career are always relevant in his every day life.
“We learn in the military that we have to be flexible. We learn to value relationships. We learn the value of creating memories. We learn the value and importance of treating people with dignity and respect,” Misenheimer said. “I appreciate the tough work our military does every day to keep our nation free from its enemies. I appreciate our great country and the opportunities we have here. And I greatly appreciate those people who thank me for my time in the Army when they realize I served.”
After his military career, transitioning to the private sector was not easy according to Misenheimer, and he said he would encourage someone looking to make that transition to seek help and advice, and to take advantage of all the resources available to them. Misenheimer spent time trying out a couple of different careers but ultimately ended up in human resources, where he has worked for the last 20 years. He joined Rollins in January of 2017.
Leading various teams of people in the army prepared Misenheimer for leading teams in the business world and he said the pest management industry is well-suited to receive people transitioning out of the military.
Working at Rollins, Misenheimer said he finds the opportunity to make a difference and how to make life better for the Rollins family most rewarding.
“Our industry has a noble purpose—we protect people’s health and property,” Misenheimer said. “We have a very disciplined approach to what we do, and that is a great match for someone transitioning out of the military.”
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