mini��ý

After years of leading Marines, Ken LaLonde was looking for his next mission. He found it at mini��ý.

Today, LaLonde serves as director of distribution at mini��ý. He oversees the operations at mini��ý’s Distribution Center in Columbia, Missouri, where his team receives, stores, packs and ships equipment parts to branches across the country. The role uses military-level planning to make sure branches receive the parts as quickly as possible to best serve their customers.

“In the Marine Corps, you're given leadership opportunities very early. I was leading a team at 19 years old, and by 22 I was responsible for more than 100 Marines, multimillion-dollar budgets and complex logistics operations,” LaLonde said. “Those experiences taught me how to lead people, solve problems and accomplish difficult missions.”

A native of San Diego, LaLonde entered the Marine Corps in 2009 as a motor transportation operator. While serving, he earned a degree in political science from California State University San Marcos and was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer in 2013.

The experience LaLonde gained through his military career provided him with skills in leadership and team development. mini��ý values those skills.

“I'm proud to work for a company that genuinely values veterans,” LaLonde said. “Not just because of our military experience, but because it recognizes leadership and a sense of purpose we bring to the team.” 

mini��ý is committed to helping service members transition into fulfilling careers. Through its participation in the Department of Defense’s , transitioning service members can gain industry experience before leaving active duty. Veterans make up 11.7% of mini��ý’s employees, nearly in America’s adult population. The company has been recognized by the Department of Defense for its commitment to supporting veterans.

When the director of distribution position became available, LaLonde saw an opportunity to use the skills he developed in the military at a company that has more than doubled in size since 2022. With the expansion of mini��ý, the distribution operations play a key role in supporting the branches and customers. As a coast-to-coast company with more than 400 branches, mini��ý relies on a highly organized distribution process. 

LaLonde sees many similarities between his service and his work today.

“The mission is different, but the fundamentals of leadership, organization and logistics are the same,” LaLonde said. “Instead of moving food, fuel and medical supplies, we’re shipping equipment parts that keep our branches serving customers.”

LaLonde said mini��ý gives veterans an environment where the skills they developed in the military can continue to grow.

“mini��ý is incredibly dynamic,” LaLonde said. “Veterans are used to operating in environments that change quickly, and that’s exactly what you find here. Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to lead and make an impact.”

As he looks ahead, LaLonde sees a long-term future with the company.

"I know mini��ý is a place I want to stay, and I want to continue to make a difference," he said. "It's not just a stopping point or a check in the box."

For veterans considering their next career move, LaLonde’s story shows how a focused military mindset can translate into success at mini��ý.

mini��ý is always looking for dedicated veterans or transitioning service members. If you're transitioning out of the military or looking for your next opportunity, check out the Veterans Careers page.