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 centre industry. We are proud of the military community for giving back to other members seeking to start careers in this industry.
Lee Kirby, Salute Co-Founder, and retired Army colonel, interviewed Military Community member Daniel Furbush, President & Co-Founder of autoLOTO, military spouse, and former US Navy veteran.
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 spent the majority of my childhood in a small suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. I was an energetic and active child, deeply passionate about outdoor activities and competitive sports. As I entered high school, I focused my interests on Cross Country, Swimming, and Tennis. Alongside my athletic pursuits, I maintained excellent grades and early on, I set my sights on a career in the military. I learned about service academies and their opportunities to receive a world class education and receive a commission in the armed forces. I applied to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ultimately choosing the Naval Academy, where I became part of the class of 2011.
And what are you doing today?
Presently, I serve as the President and CEO of autoLOTO, a company I co-founded. We specialize in hazardous energy management software, designed to eradicate human errors in hazardous energy operations, specifically Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. Our focus lies in the construction and operational sectors, where our mission involves transitioning from traditional analog, paper-based safety systems that are rife with inconsistencies to more reliable digital tools. We’re actively collaborating with major data center owners, general contractors, and trade partners to ensure safer work environments.
Moving on to your military background, could you provide an overview of your experiences?
Following my time at the United States Naval Academy, I received my commission in the US Navy and underwent submarine officer training. Although my academic background was in history and languages, I navigated the challenging transition to technical subjects, which taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability and determination. Unfortunately, my military career was cut short due to a life-threatening injury, leading to my medical retirement in 2014.
Can you share a significant experience from your military service and the lessons you learned from it?
One of my most challenging moments occurred during my time at the Naval Academy when I was selected to be a submarine officer despite my non-engineering background. At the US Naval Academy all midshipmen graduate with a Bachelor of Science plus whatever their chosen field of study is in, so I had more than the basic technical classes that most college graduates must take as part of their core curriculum. However, the transition from my STEM courses to nuclear physics, reactor dynamics, advanced chemistry, and thermodynamics was an extremely hard course correction for me to try and navigate. This experience taught me the power of resilience and embracing new challenges. It illuminated my ability to overcome obstacles and succeed in any operational environment with determination and adaptability.
Do you believe your military experience prepared you for your current role in business and leadership? If so, how?
Absolutely. Two fundamental skills I gained during my military service were the ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams to accomplish missions and mastering stress management and decision-making under pressure. The military taught me the importance of communication, relationships, and respect in achieving objectives. Moreover, facing a life-threatening injury equipped me with a unique perspective on handling high-stress situations, making the challenges of the modern workplace seem trivial in comparison. This resilience is a valuable asset in business, enabling me to remain composed and decisive in uncomfortable or unexpected circumstances.
Shifting focus, could you share your experiences as a military spouse and how it influenced your perspectives on leadership and business?
I am married to a US Naval Academy graduate and former US Navy P3/P8 pilot. So, when I was medically retired in 2014, I became both a veteran and a military spouse at the same time. Becoming a military spouse introduced me to a different side of military life, one that allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges faced by military families. Navigating multiple deployments while trying to establish my civilian career was demanding. Additionally, my experiences shed light on issues of sexism and unfair practices within the military, highlighting the significance of promoting a respectful and inclusive workplace culture. These experiences deeply impacted my approach to leadership and reinforced the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Is there someone specific you’re grateful to for supporting your journey?
My wife has been my greatest source of support. She encouraged me to pursue my dream of starting an electrical safety software company, even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the economic hardships, she stood by my side, strengthening our relationship and allowing me to focus on building our company.
You’re involved in the Salute Veterans Community. Why do you think it’s essential for veterans to support one another in transitioning to civilian life and careers?
The bond among veterans is unique and invaluable. As the gap between military and civilian experiences widens, veterans possess a mutual understanding that enables us to recognize the potential in our fellow veterans. In a world where many lack personal connections to the military, this shared experience fosters empathy and provides crucial support in transitioning to civilian life.
If you could inspire a movement, what would it be?
I would encourage people to challenge the status quo and embrace disruptive change. By eliminating the notion of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” we can foster innovation and progress. Creating a company culture that values thoughtful questioning, empowered decision-making, and agile thinking is key to overcoming institutional inertia and driving success.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can find us at www.autoLOTO.co, on LinkedIn, or email us at info@autoloto.co
If you are a veteran or military spouse looking for an exciting career in a growing industry, contact us at Salute. We can help put you on the path to success.
If you are looking to close the data center talent gap with individuals committed to bringing military precision to their careers, contact us. Employ the heroes of today, tomorrow.