Published: July 30, 2025
When Leslie joined The Home Depot in 2015 as a cashier, she was just looking for a job. Instead, what she found was the beginning of a fulfilling and flexible career where she could continue to grow. As a military spouse, Leslie has navigated numerous cross-country moves, each one bringing its own set of challenges. Thanks to The Home Depot’s commitment to supporting military families, Leslie found stability, opportunity, and a workplace that truly values its people.
The Home Depot was an early adopter of the 4+1 Commitment: The Formula for Military Spouse Success, created by Blue Star Families and Hiring Our Heroes. This commitment supports the unique needs of military spouses — for The Home Depot that means ensuring jobs transfer seamlessly from one duty station to the next. Leslie is living proof of how this works in practice. Check out her cross-country journey with The Home Depot — and a career that stayed intact every step of the way.
Thriving Through Change
Leslie’s journey took her from California to Virginia, then to North Carolina, and back to the West Coast — all while staying with The Home Depot! The Home Depot’s commitment to supporting military spouses in their careers meant she was able to transfer between stores, working in various roles, including service desk associate and an order fulfillment associate (OFA). This kind of job security — being able to transfer between stores across the country — has been invaluable to Leslie and her family.
“When my husband commissioned, I moved out to Virginia to be with him while he completed military school. I worked as a service desk associate for about six months, then I was able to transfer down to North Carolina where I worked for another five months as an order fulfillment associate while my husband completed more schooling. Once we moved back to the West Coast, I was able to transfer as a service desk associate. I can’t imagine going through all of these moves and also having to worry about finding a job!” she said.
Even more meaningful was the support from leadership. Leslie recalls how her store manager didn’t hesitate to approve pre-deployment leave, giving her time to be with her husband before his deployment. “I took pre-deployment leave to be with my husband before he left. My store manager did not think twice about allowing me to take that time to be with my family,” she said.
Growing with the Company
Throughout her career, Leslie has held multiple positions at different stores. “When I started back in 2015, I did not expect it to become my career. I’ve grown with the company. The company takes care of its associates in more ways than one. Our benefits are amazing. From free vision plans to 401k, to stock purchasing, pet insurance, and of course the ability to transfer to other stores as a [military spouse]. Not only does The Home Depot take care of its associates, but they also take care of our community, especially our veterans,” she shared.
At one point, she stepped down from a leadership role to adjust to the uncertainties of military life. But she never lost sight of her long-term goals.
When she returned to California, Leslie set her sights on the next step in her journey at The Home Depot. She began training with her store’s Associate Support Department Supervisor and earned the role herself just 11 months later. Her message to others: growth is possible, even when life is in motion.
Career Advice for Fellow Military Spouses
Leslie wants other military spouse associates to know that growth is always within reach and not to let the challenges of military life deter their career growth.
“Just because we move every few years doesn’t mean you can’t grow. Growth looks different for everyone. For some, it means stepping into leadership. For others, it’s about mastering a new skill or department. You’re in control of your journey. You can go as far as you want with The Home Depot.”
Leslie’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and mindset, a job can grow into a career — no matter where life takes you.
If you’re interested in exploring job opportunities or career resources for military spouses and veterans at The Home Depot, reach out to our Blue Star Careers team. They’re ready to put in a good word and help open doors for you.
The Home Depot is dedicated to hiring and retaining military spouses — making sure you don’t just get the job but have the support to grow and stay. If you want a workplace where you’re seen and valued, The Home Depot has your back — and Blue Star Families is here to help you take that first step.
Posted In: Careers, Celebration, Changemakers, Family Life, Military Appreciation, Our Stories, home depot