We’re honored to spotlight Dalton Thompson, Director of Operations at our Dallas, Texas facility, whose military background continues to shape his leadership and approach to work every day.
Dalton served 14 years in the U.S. Army before joining the cold storage industry, transitioning into civilian life in 2015 and then joining Americold in 2017.
A: It’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to, it would be commanding a field artillery battery - both in garrison and in Afghanistan. That period of my career was special because of the variety of missions and challenges that came our way.
Even when the timelines were compressed and uncertainty was high, my team always found a way to adapt and accomplish our mission. Nothing brings a team together like a good old-fashioned crisis. I look back on that time with appreciation for the high caliber of leaders I worked with, their belief in me, and the lessons in teamwork and resilience that I still carry today.
A: One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of presence, not just being physically present, but fully engaged and committed to the task or moment at hand. People notice when a leader gives full attention.
Along with that comes self-discipline and patience. Things don’t always go your way, even when you believe you’re right. The key is staying disciplined and finding another way to reach your goal - or accepting that some things can’t be changed and adjusting accordingly.
A: Initially, it was challenging. I had to adjust to managing people in a new way and recognize that the level of individual commitment can vary.
That’s not a bad thing - it’s just different. In the military, everyone is trained with a shared sense of mission and urgency. In civilian life, motivation looks different from person to person. Learning how to connect with people, understanding what drives them, and inspiring them to achieve team goals has made me a better leader.
A: Take time to figure out what you’re passionate about outside of the service. Not every military job has a direct civilian equivalent, and that’s okay. Talk to as many people as possible about different industries, companies, and career paths.
Be open to moving if the right opportunity isn’t where you are now and seek advice from people beyond your military circle. Expanding your perspective helps you see what’s possible, and you might just find a career that motivates you in new ways.
A: It’s a privilege to be recognized for something that has shaped who I am. Military service runs deep in my family, and it’s had a lasting impact on my character, values, and leadership style.
I’ve been fortunate to gain incredible experiences and opportunities because of my service, and I’m deeply grateful for that. Being recognized alongside so many deserving veterans at Americold is an honor.