Clarios at Toledo Jeep Fest 2025: Honoring Veterans
By Dean Nemecek, Military Hiring Program Manager, Clarios, 26-year U.S. Army/Army National Guard Veteran
Before Jeep became a global brand, it was built to meet a critical military need.
In 1940, as the U.S. prepared for World War II, the military issued a call for a light, four-wheel-drive reconnaissance vehicle—one that could be deployed by glider, climb through mud, carry stretchers, relay messages, and lead convoys. What emerged from that challenge was the Willys MB, and later the Ford GPW—machines that would become known simply as the "jeep." By the end of the war, more than 600,000 of them had crisscrossed the globe, playing every role imaginable in military operations.
Jeep wasn't just engineered for military use. It was a product of grit, ingenuity, and adaptability—qualities that helped shape the Allied victory and later became part of Jeep's civilian identity.
It's fitting that Toledo, home to the Jeep brand, also serves as a backdrop for honoring those who served. This past weekend at Toledo Jeep Fest, Clarios proudly joined that tradition—not just by showcasing technology, but by celebrating the Veterans who now lead on our shop floors, in our control rooms, and across our organization.
Honoring That Spirit at Jeep Fest
When Jeep offered Clarios VIP rooftop access for up to 100 guests to watch the parade of over 1,400 Jeeps, our leadership team didn't hesitate; they immediately chose to dedicate this exclusive experience to our Veterans and their spouses. No program manager had to make the case. No initiative required it. Leadership simply knew: if we're getting premium access to celebrate American automotive heritage, it felt only right for our Veterans to be front and center.
At our Toledo plant activation event, we distributed OD green Clarios caps to our Veteran employees at our VIP rooftop viewing event for the parade of over 1,400 Jeeps. These weren't promotional items—they were symbols of respect. Each cap represented our commitment: we see your service, we value your contributions, and we're honored you've chosen to serve again with us.
The response was immediate and moving. One veteran approached me during the event and said, "This is really great, thanks much for acknowledging our service at this event."
That moment crystallized why this work matters.
Where Military Excellence Meets Manufacturing Innovation
Our Veterans bring something irreplaceable to Clarios: the ability to lead under pressure, adapt to complex environments, and maintain mission focus when stakes are high. These aren't just nice-to-have qualities—they're exactly what drives excellence on our production floors and in our innovation labs.
Veterans don't need special treatment, but they do need companies that understand how to translate their skills into meaningful career paths. That's the foundation we're building at Clarios.
From Recognition to Revolution: Our Veteran Hiring Strategy
What began with handshakes and caps in Toledo reflects a comprehensive nationwide commitment to supporting Veterans at Clarios. We've built strategic partnerships with programs like to create direct pathways from military service to meaningful careers within our organization. Beyond recruitment, we’re investing in tailored integration through specialized onboarding, mentorship, and coaching programs designed to support successful transitions into civilian roles.
We’re also equipping our recruiters and hiring managers to better recognize and translate military experience—ensuring no potential goes unnoticed. This isn’t just good corporate citizenship; it’s smart business. Veterans consistently bring the grit, ingenuity, and sense of purpose that align with our values and drive excellence across our teams.
Your Next Mission Awaits
To the Veterans reading this: your skills have a home at Clarios. From our manufacturing plants to our corporate headquarters, we're creating roles where your experience drives impact and your leadership shapes our future.
Your service prepared you for complex challenges. Our mission is to help you apply that preparation in new ways—building the energy solutions that power tomorrow's innovations.
Ready to lead again in a different capacity?