Interview With A Veteran: Doug Ruegger

UK2 Group, responsible for brands like UK2.net, 100TB.com, MidPhase.com, Resell.biz, and WestHost.com, was recently recognized by the Governor of Utah as a Patriot Partner. To celebrate Kelly Kirkham interviews a veteran of our own…
As a Patriot Partner, UK2 Group has pledged, as a company, to support military veterans. Plus, we’ve made a commitment to help returning service men and women succeed once they return home.
Here, one of our veterans, Doug Ruegger, talks about their role in the company and what it means to work for a Patriot Partner…

1. At UK2 Group you are a tremendous leader on the tech support floor, how has being a Navy Veteran trained you for this role?
I was in the Navy for 20 years and for about 17 of those years I was in some sort of leadership role. I thrive in that type of environment. I like to be in a position where I can use my “TEAM” philosophy to get the mission accomplished, no matter how big or small it may be.
When I was in the Navy I primarily dealt with college age kids and I had a core of stronger guys who worked for me, kind of like how things are set up here. A lot of the L1 techs go to a college of some sort and I have four very strong team leads that work for me. There would not be any success if we didn’t have a team atmosphere.
2. At crucial performance times you’ve had to work well under pressure – is this a personal trait that you’ve always possessed or did it evolve through your life experiences?
I was raised knowing that if I wanted to get anywhere in life I would need to put in hard work, long hours and I might have to start off doing work I don’t like. But I learned that if I continued to follow those principles I wouldn’t be doing work I didn’t like for long. Don’t get me wrong, there have been times in my Navy career where I was under extreme pressure. For example, I was an Officer Of the Deck onboard the USS NIMITZ CVN 68 and I was in charge of navigating and driving the ship during flight operations or in the middle of heavy fog bank with a timetable to keep. Those evolutions will literally raise the hair on your neck and you know what? I loved it! I have been able to adapt my experiences in the Navy with any pressured issues I face today. Even though it’s not as extreme, I still have the intensity and desire to find the solution.
3. We have noticed that your office is spotless- can we thank the Navy for this cleanliness?
Ha ha, yes and no. I have always been a ‘clean freak’ so to speak. When I was growing up I never had to be told to keep my room clean or do my chores, it was just part of my nature. My wife has diagnosed me with OCD, but I can neither confirm nor deny that allegation.
4.What specialized training have you received that contributes to UK2’s commitment to excellence in web hosting?
To be honest, I really wasn’t hired for my computer experience. UK2 Group took a chance on me and hired me for my military experience and my leadership values. I give thanks to UK2 Group every chance I get. Since I have been here I have been taught a lot. Kody [UK2 Group Super Guru] has been awesome since day one. I know there have been times where he mentally rolled his eyes at my questions, but without missing a heartbeat he would have the answer for me. I also have to give much credit to my team leads. They are great managers and keep their brands running like a machine. However, together as a team, we are breaking new boundaries on the tech support side of UK2 Group.
5.Can you explain why it is your best interest to hire fellow veterans?
The biggest reason to hire fellow veterans who fit the scope of what we do here at UK2 Group would be the same reason I was hired. Veterans have experiences beyond what you can put on a resume. Service men and women make great mentors and getting the job done is second nature.
6.Do you have anything you would like to say to returning heroes who are reading this post?
Stand tall, stand proud and I salute you! Thank you for standing “The Watch” while I have gone to shore. God bless you and your family and I pray for many more safe returns.
7. Thank you for your time Doug. Is there anything else you would like to add before we close?
Only one more thing, and probably the most important. Today, [22 July, 2014] I celebrate my 22nd wedding anniversary and I have to say that I couldn’t have been as successful and accomplish as much as I did when I was in the Navy if I didn’t have such a wonderful and supporting wife. She is my rock, my shoulder and my support when I need that little extra.