Vernell Williams
Rank: GySgt (Gunnery Sergeant)
Service: U.S. Marines
Years: 20
Current Company: KB Home
Role: Director, Forward Planning
Industry: Home Building
Why did you enter the military? Outside of not having a clear vision of what I wanted to do when I grew up, I felt that staying in WI would not be best for me. I also needed to find a way to pay for college.
Enlistment age: 18
Where did you serve? Bases in North Carolina and California, Okinawa, Japan, Iraq 3 times, Afghanistan once
What did you learn? During my time in the Marines, I gained countless life lessons, but one that consistently stands out is the importance of paying attention to the details while keeping sight of the bigger picture.
What could you do in the military that you couldn’t do in civilian life? Outside of being able to visit places far from home for free, I do miss firing some of the long-range weapons.
What was the biggest lesson you learned about discipline? Discipline might be the reason the task is completed; however, integrity ensures you do it correctly and ethically, even when no one is watching.
Did you deploy overseas and what was your takeaway? Yes, we live in the greatest country in the world! Prior to visiting places far from the U.S., I didn’t realize just how blessed we are to be Americans.
How has the military helped your business career? Back when I was in the Marines, we had a saying: “Early is on time, on time is late.” That mindset stuck with me long after I left the service. Today, I’m obsessed with being on time to every meeting—sometimes even showing up early just to ensure I am well-prepared.
While I’m not entirely sure how this habit has directly impacted my career, I do know it sends a clear message: I respect people’s time, and I’m committed to the objective at hand. In business, that kind of consistency builds trust.
People notice when you’re reliable. They see that you’re serious, prepared and dependable—and that can make all the difference when you’re leading teams or managing complex projects.
