Lee Kirby, Salute Co-Founder, and retired Army colonel interviewed Steve Edwards, US National Guard Veteran.
What is the Salute Military Community?
The Salute Military Community is a unique cohort of veterans and the military community who serve as examples of the value their experiences bring to our industry. The Military Community supports Salute’s mission and strives to achieve our shared vision of providing veterans and military spouses career opportunities in the data center industry. We are proud of the military community for giving back to other members seeking to start careers in this industry.
Before we dig in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
I was born in Columbus, Ohio, and spent my teenage years at Andrews and Boiling Air Force Bases, where I was immersed in a military environment that profoundly influenced my aspirations. With a strong family tradition of military service on my mother’s side, joining the military felt like a natural progression. When the opportunity arose, I enlisted, following the path many of my relatives laid out. That profound- albeit very easy- decision greatly affected my professional and personal outlook, and I continue to draw on the lessons and values it instilled in me.
And what are you doing today?
As the Account Manager at Salute, I oversee four teams comprising 26 highly motivated individuals in total. My primary responsibility is coordinating these teams to deliver optimized, timely outcomes for our clients by efficiently managing internal operations. This approach not only ensures client satisfaction but also strengthens our relationships. Achieving success here also involves fostering team development by staying abreast of industry trends and identifying opportunities for innovation.
Can you tell us a bit about your military background?
I served in the Missouri Army National Guard with the 1138th Transportation Company as an 88M (Motor Transport Operator). My military journey began with the Army’s GED Plus Program, which I completed before attending Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Leonard Wood. During my service, I was responsible for operating and maintaining military vehicles to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of personnel and supplies. This experience provided me with an invaluable knack for discipline, teamwork, and resilience, all of which continue to serve me well in my approach to my professional endeavors.
Can you share the most interesting story that you experienced during your military career? What
“take away” did you learn from that story?
While I don’t have a single defining story, I would say my time in the military reinforced one core principle: the importance of teamwork. Early on, I learned that a unit is only as strong as its weakest link. This understanding has shaped my leadership approach in all aspects of my life, which is why I’m so invested in recognizing the value of each team member and fostering collaboration to achieve common goals and move forward together.
Do you think your experience in the military helped prepare you for business or leadership? Can you explain?
Absolutely. My military service honed my ability to make decisions under pressure and strengthened my capacity for team-based problem-solving. In high-stress environments, staying calm and focused while making informed decisions quickly became second nature. Additionally, working with diverse teams in the military taught me the value of collaborative problem-solving. Learning to leverage the unique strengths of each team member has also been crucial in my current role, where teamwork and collective problem-solving constantly drive our success and help us meet our objectives.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there someone you are particularly grateful to for helping you reach where you are today?
I am incredibly grateful for the support of my wife, Maritza Edwards, whom I met during my time in the Army. She has been an unwavering source of support through every challenge and milestone. Without her steadfast love and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I strive to be the same kind of role model for our children. Her influence on my life has been immeasurable, and I sincerely appreciate everything she’s done to support my personal and professional growth.
You are a part of Salute Veterans Community that shares a common passion of helping veterans get into this industry. This community is “Veterans helping veterans”. Why is this important to you?
Working at Salute was made possible by a fellow veteran who extended a helping hand, and that support transformed my life. It wasn’t just about finding a job—it was about finding a community and a renewed sense of purpose. Veterans helping veterans is a mission close to my heart because I’ve experienced firsthand how impactful that support can be. Now, I’m committed to paying it forward by helping other veterans navigate their transitions, share their experiences, and find opportunities for success. Being part of Salute allows me to contribute to this mission and mentor fellow veterans, fostering a cycle of support and empowerment that strengthens our community.
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Fostering global harmony and understanding where cooperation and shared progress are prioritized over conflict. I firmly believe encouraging a movement that focuses on collaboration and generally getting along would enable us all to unlock unconstrained positive change and, in doing so, address some of the world’s most significant challenges.
How can our readers follow you online?
They can connect with me on LinkedIn here.