Quiet Competence: Opening the Imaging Industry's Doors to Military Talent | Episode 19

On this episode of The Stramaglio Show, Mike welcomes Chris Johnson, Senior Director of Sales for the Central Region at Sharp Electronics Corporation, for a conversation about military service, veteran hiring, and what the imaging industry gains when it opens its doors to those who have served. Chris spent 22 years in the Army Reserve, including a year in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Division and a year in Iraq during the drawdown, working in psychological operations. He brought that same instinct for listening, building trust, and influencing outcomes into a 25-year career in the imaging channel. At Sharp, Chris helped build the company's military employee resource group from the ground up, rewriting job descriptions, translating military resumes, and creating pathways that make Sharp a genuine destination for veteran talent. His message to the industry is straightforward: veterans bring discipline, leadership, and adaptability that no classroom can replicate, and the channel needs them. The episode also touches on Sharp's dealer culture, the company's focus on being the hardware platform information moves on, and why lean and mean can be a competitive advantage when you actually live it. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Chris Johnson & Career Start 03:02 Sharp’s Culture and Veteran Initiative 05:23 Bridging the Veteran Employment Gap 09:43 Veteran Recruitment & Support Strategies 15:06 Military Experience & Civilian Application 22:45 Family Impact & Leadership Lessons 29:41 Veterans: Future of the Industry 32:22 Sharp’s Culture and Vision 36:50 Sinatra, Gratitude, & Veteran Support Guest Links: Chris's Email - Chris.johnson@sharpusa.com Sharp Military Employee Resource Group Enterprise (MERGE) - Sharpmerg@sharpsec.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Show Links Learn more about Stramaglio Consulting: https://stramaglioconsulting.com/ Facebook:   / nextweekslifepodcast   Instagram:   / nextweekslifepodcast   LinkedIn:   / next-week’s-life-podcast   Youtube:    / @thestramaglioshow