What happens when an Air Force drill instructor trades the flight line for Flow Builder? In this episode, Greg sits down with 14-year Air Force veteran Nick Stump to unpack his journey from power production tech and military training instructor to Salesforce consultant at Cirrius Solutions. Nick shares how deployments, family priorities, and a Hiring Our Heroes fellowship guided his transition, and why AI has become his quiet superpower for communication and productivity. If you’re a veteran or military spouse wondering how your service translates to tech, this conversation is a playbook you can start using today.
Key Takeaways
- From 17-year-old recruit to 14-year Air Force veteran – Nick walks through joining at 17, working power generation and arresting systems, and ultimately becoming a training instructor.
- Why loving deployments still wasn’t enough to stay in – He loved the simplicity and purpose of being overseas, but repeated absences and growing family priorities pushed him to rethink a full career in uniform.
- Hiring Our Heroes as the on-ramp to Salesforce – A single education brief and a TAPS PowerPoint opened the door to Salesforce, and a Hiring Our Heroes fellowship became his bridge into Cirrius Solutions and Team Echo.
- Work–life balance the military rarely teaches – Nick explains how he gives 100% to work during work hours, then fully “takes off the hat” to be present with his family—something that was nearly impossible as an MTI.
- Using AI as your quiet professional edge – From polishing client emails to summarizing complex tasks, Nick shows how AI doesn’t replace the human element but amplifies clarity, professionalism, and efficiency.
- Imposter syndrome is normal—especially in tech – He admits going from 14 years of mastery to “new guy” in Salesforce was humbling
- Translating military bullets into civilian impact statements – Nick urges service members to use education offices, TAPS, and even AI to turn EPR/OER bullets and acronyms into plain-language, resume-ready accomplishments.
- Start planning your exit years—not months—before separation – Whether you serve four years or thirty, he stresses enjoying the ride and intentionally preparing for life after the military long before your final out date.
- Sports, Disney trips, and family experiences over “stuff” – Off the clock, Nick is an Ohio State and Reds fan, a Disney trip regular, and a dad who prioritizes shared experiences to teach resilience and savor post-service life.
Recommended Links
Nick Stump on LinkedIn
Cirrius Solutions
ACP
Candorful
Hiring our Heroes
Hire Heroes USA
Merivis
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Youtube
iHeartRadio
Castbox
Goodpods
Cirrius Blog
Greg Banks on LinkedIn
Jason Fowler Music
Contact us at Cirriustalk@cirriussolutions.com
