Featured Story October 06, 2025
The Dealer Technician Shortage Is Real. So Is the Solution.
When David Bostic walks into one of our dealerships, he sees more than machines. He sees opportunity. As a Marine Corps veteran and service development manager, David has transformed how we connect with military talent.
“I understood the challenges of transitioning to civilian life,” David says. “I wanted to build something that made that journey easier for others.”
Deere’s Military Hiring Program
What began in 2019 as a grassroots effort to help dealers connect with nearby military bases has evolved into a nationwide initiative. Today, the John Deere Military Hiring Program serves as a central hub, linking service members and veterans with meaningful careers in service, parts, and sales at John Deere dealerships across the country.
David Bostic, who leads the program, emphasizes that this success is a team effort, “I have two of the best possible people backing me up. I couldn’t do this work, at this scale, without Jess Maty and Marcus Irizarry.”
Jess, a former Air Force officer, joined the team in February 2023, followed closely by Marcus, a former Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), in April of the same year.
“Jess and Marcus bring a perspective and passion for the program that resonates deeply with the veterans and dealers they work with every day,” David adds.
A Veteran’s Perspective
David’s journey began as a technician working at dealerships in Illinois before and during his service in the Marine Corps Reserve. That experience shaped his understanding of both the technical demands of the job and the unique strengths veterans bring to our workforce.
“Dealers are facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, especially in technician roles,” he says. “Veterans bring the discipline, experience, and drive to meet those real-world labor market demands. And that’s exactly what our dealerships need.”
Building a Future Together
Through our partnership with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, dealerships offer active-duty service members a structured pathway into civilian careers. The program enables service members in their final six months of duty to train with civilian employers while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. It’s a practical, hands-on bridge between military service and meaningful employment.
Since its inception, John Deere dealerships have hired approximately 800 veterans and hosted over 300 SkillBridge interns, with many advancing into leadership roles. “These numbers reflect more than participation,” explained David. “They represent long-term success, improved retention, and the value veterans bring to our workforce...But we can do more.”
Since its inception, John Deere dealerships have hired approximately 800 veterans and hosted over 300 SkillBridge interns, with many advancing into leadership roles.
Looking Ahead
David continues to evolve the program, focusing on mentorship, training, and supporting dealerships in their hiring efforts. He’s working to ensure every candidate is set up for success and every dealership is equipped to welcome them. “We’re not just solving a hiring challenge,” David says. “We’re building a pipeline of talent that’s disciplined, driven, and ready to lead. The future of our workforce depends on how well we support veterans today.”