From U.S. Army Guitarist to The Home Depot Sales Associate: John Moody Talks Music, Appliances and Career Growth
Originally published on Built From Scratch
To his coworkers in Ogden, Utah, John Moody is known as a knowledgeable Home Depot associate who has been with the company for 15 years. He’s often seen wearing his orange apron in the appliances department, helping customers find the perfect fridge or stove for their home. But before his love for retail began, John explored his passion for music early on.
“I started playing guitar when I was six years old and was in several neighborhood bands,” remembers John. “When I was in college, I wanted to pursue my musical education, so I thought three years in a U.S. Army band would do me good and pay for my college.”
John auditioned as a guitarist and was sent to Germany, playing both military and civilian gigs. Once his enlistment ended after three years, he stayed in Germany to travel. “While touring, I met my German wife, Claudia, of now 35 years. I decided to stay ‘just a little longer,’ which ended up being 27 years in all.”
Eventually, John and Claudia decided to move their three children to the U.S. They settled in Park City, Utah, where John began working in restaurant management. However, he quickly turned his eye toward retail at The Home Depot.
John applied to the company in 2007 and began working as a night freight associate, but eventually landed in appliances. “Due to my restaurant experience, I gladly accepted. I love appliances and helping customers get exactly what they want.”
He’s worked in multiple departments throughout his career and was even on the team that helped open the St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, store.
Around 2010, John created MilitaryMusicians.com, a website dedicated to reuniting veteran military musicians with their old bandmates. “I’ve helped hundreds find friends from their military band times,” says John.
Regardless of the industry, John believes success in any career comes down to hard work. “If you put in the effort, you’ll succeed. I’ve seen associates move up from entry level, all the way to store manager positions. I’ll continue to work with appliances and elsewhere in my store until I decide to retire – someday!”
To learn more about a career at The Home Depot, visit careers.homedepot.com.
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