From military service to a new mission: Rob R.’s journey at Cummins

After 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, Rob R. found a new way to lead, serve and develop people through a career at Cummins.

For Rob, leadership has never been defined by a title or rank. It is defined by the responsibility to help others succeed. He spent 26 years in the United States Air Force before beginning his civilian career at Cummins in 2023. Today, he serves as General Manager of Cummins Sales and Service in Dedham, Massachusetts, where he leads teams supporting customers across on-highway, power generation and industrial markets.

His journey from military service to corporate leadership reflects the value of transferable skills, the importance of remaining open to new opportunities and a commitment to people that has guided him throughout his career.

“Leadership isn't about being in charge,” Rob said. “Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge while still holding yourself and others accountable for accomplishing what needs to be done.”

Rob joined the Air Force seeking an education and the opportunity to travel. What began as a practical decision became a 26-year commitment to serving his country.

His primary career field was petroleum, oils and lubricants, where his work supported the fuels operations needed to keep Air Force missions moving. Throughout his service, he was stationed across the United States and overseas, including South Korea and Japan, and deployed to locations throughout the Middle East. 

One of his most meaningful assignments came when he served as a Military Training Leader from 2014 to 2018. In that role, he helped lead and develop more than 4,000 Airmen as they began their military careers.

Rob retired from the Air Force in December 2023 as a Senior Master Sergeant. While his military career had come to a close, his commitment to developing people would continue in a new environment.

For Rob, the Department of Defense SkillBridge program provided a pathway from military service to civilian employment. While exploring opportunities, he connected with a Cummins recruiter, which led to a 12-week SkillBridge fellowship as Area Parts Manager supporting the company's Grand Rapids and Saginaw branches in Michigan. Following the fellowship, he joined Cummins as a full-time employee in the same role.

“I didn't need to leave my military experience behind to succeed in the civilian world,” Rob said. “I simply needed to learn how to translate it into a different environment.”

That mindset helped him navigate the transition. Although the terminology, systems and business environment were new, his experience leading teams, setting expectations, developing people and holding himself accountable for results provided a strong foundation.

In May 2025, Rob took the next step in his career when he was selected as General Manager of the Dedham branch. The opportunity marked a significant career transition, moving from a military career focused on fuels to leading a commercial operation serving a range of customer markets.

His experience also reinforced the importance of remaining open to possibilities that may look different from the path someone initially imagined.

As General Manager, Rob oversees branch operations and the teams responsible for supporting customers through parts and service. While the business challenges vary from day to day, he sees his central responsibility as creating an environment where employees have the support and direction they need to succeed.

“The people, without question,” Rob said when asked what he enjoys most about his role. “I enjoy the business side of my role and the challenge of running an operation, but what gives me the greatest sense of purpose is seeing people grow.”

Whether helping a new technician build confidence, supporting a leader through a difficult situation or taking time to listen to an employee, Rob finds purpose in helping others develop.

Rob said his experience at Cummins has given him opportunities to grow professionally while learning an industry that was new to him. His career progression also demonstrates how experience gained outside a traditional industry pathway can translate into new opportunities when paired with a willingness to learn.

He is also a member of Cummins' Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), which provides a community for employees with military connections. Although he is relatively new to the group, he sees an opportunity to become more involved and help other veterans navigate their own career transitions.

“After serving 26 years, the military will always be part of who I am,” Rob said. “I appreciate that Cummins has created a space for that community.”

He hopes that sharing his experience can help other transitioning service members recognize how their skills and experiences may translate into a career at Cummins.