Matthew Curless is a veteran employed since 2014 as a sales manager by Impact Networking at the dealership’s Indianapolis branch. Focused on new business for the past 11 years, Curless’s responsibilities have included recruiting, hiring, training, marketing, strategic planning, P&L accountability, and forecasting. Curless enrolled in college following his four years of service in the United States Marine Corps.
“In an ever-evolving marketplace, Matt has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with clients and drive results,” praised Impact Networking CEO Mike Lepper. “His passion for sales is matched only by his dedication to our team’s success. Matt not only achieves remarkable sales figures but also fosters strong relationships that uplift our company culture. His commitment to both our clients and colleagues is a true embodiment of what it means to be an Outstanding Veteran Award Recipient. We are proud to nominate Matt Curless for this prestigious award.”
FC: Matt, what was your motivation for joining the military?
MC: I have my great-grandfather’s Civil War sword and his 1865 documents in my office. We have an exceptionally extensive line of family who served. My grandfather in WWII, my father as an officer in Vietnam. I had the choice to go to college or continue our family tradition. That was a driving factor.
FC: What responsibilities did your Military Occupational Specialty entail?
MC: For the first 18 months, I was an 0651—small-computer specialist—I was attached to the main base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We looked at naval messaging up and down the east coast to determine what information urgent vs. non-urgent.
The last 2.5 years, I was an 815—Marine Corps Security Forces Guard—attached to MarForEur, (Marine Force Europe). The base was Panzer (German word for tank) Kaserne. We travelled and provided security for any three-star general and above.
FC: What did you like doing best, and what were you not so happy to do, if anything?
MC: As an 0651, I had an office job. I got promoted from PFC to LCpl (Lance Corporal) and meritoriously promoted to Captain while in North Carolina but did not feel fulfilled in what I was doing. This is the reason I applied for the 815 designation. It allowed me to travel the world and meet interesting, high-ranking officials.
FC: What were the most important things you learned in the military, and are any of them useful in your employment today?
MC: I learned a lot. Humility and respect, being team-oriented, adaptability, and discipline were among the many [lessons]. One other thing I took from serving: be grateful!
FC: We understand that making the transition to civilian employment has become exceedingly difficult. What advice would you give to a fellow military veteran leaving the service today?
MC: Companies are searching for individuals who have served based on the core traits individuals leave the military with. Civilian employment is quite different from military life, not as structured. But that is okay. Military traits will hopefully help you stand out in an effective way. When searching for employment and entering the job market, make sure you utterly understand what you want out of a career before just searching for a job.
Once you figure that out, then do research on the company. Understand who your ideal clients and competitors are. Research the individuals who will be interviewing you. Try and locate individuals who are in the same role and connect with them. Ask them via LinkedIn or other forums if they have time to speak. Get as much information as you can from them prior to your interview.
Research what others are saying about the company. Keep in mind, if you truly know what you want to do and you are looking to build something special, you are interviewing them as much as they are you.
Come prepared with good questions. Take notes. I would also ask at some point to understand what the interview process looks like. Ask them what strengths they think you would bring to their company/team and as importantly what weaknesses.
Address their weaknesses. Ask them how many individuals they are interviewing for this and how you stand up against their other candidates. Finally ask for the position. Make sure that after the interview you send a thank-you card to the person who interviewed you and, if you do not have their address, at a bare minimum send thank-you email.
FC: Did you serve during any armed conflict, and for how long a period?
MC: Yes, Operation Enduring Freedom for 14 months. [Editor’s note: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was the official name used by the U.S. government for the first stage of the War in Afghanistan, 2001-14) and the broader Global War on Terrorism. It began on October 7, 2001, in response to the September 11th attacks, with the initial focus on dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power in Afghanistan.)
FC: We have been asking about the experience vets were having with the Veterans Administration. What, if anything, has been your experience utilizing the many services they provide?
MC: I am a displaced person, and it takes a lot to get things done. I am a 10% vet. What that means is I am physically limited in what I can do by 10% of a normal functioning body. Sometimes we are better off getting it done outside. There are many vets that have had to deal with much worse.
FC: Is there any experience that you have had at Impact Networking that you would like to pass onto the other dealers who would like to hire veterans?
MC: I think Impact has been a company that asks us to go beyond for our customers. As a vet I interpret that to mean there is something more we can do for the customer next time.
FC: Thank you for your service; Matt Is there anything you would like to add?
MC: Those of us who have served in the military owe a debt of thanks to Impact Networking for the Employee Resource Group for Veterans that Cynthia Bennett in HR and Luke Oldenburg have formed. It is an excellent group.
Luke Oldenburg of Impact Networking was the 2024 recipient of our Outstanding Veteran Award.
Curless is nominated for our 2025 Outstanding Veteran Award that will be announced at our 40th Anniversary Awards & Charities Gala on November 13.
Read Frank Cannata’s “Veterans Way” tribute from September 2025.
