Who am I
Napoleon Hardy: A Career Dedicated to Leadership, Operations, and Veteran Support
Napoleon Hardy is a highly experienced professional with a distinguished career spanning military service, private sector operations management, and a significant dedication to public service, particularly in supporting veterans. His diverse background showcases strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a profound commitment to community well-being.
Early Military Service and Special Warfare Expertise (1982-1993) Hardy began his career in the United States Air Force, serving for 11 years as a Special Warfare JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) and NCOIC of Operations 3rd Brigade for DET 4, 3RD ASG. Based in the Colorado Springs area, he was responsible for tactical air command and control, including training and coordinating search and rescue teams, managing long-range communications, and directing allied aircraft as a Forward Air Controller. His role involved daily supervision of 11 military personnel and liaison with Army and Naval units, demonstrating early leadership and inter-service coordination capabilities. He regularly provided briefings to Air Force and Army Unit Commanders and Command staff members.
Forging a Path in Logistics and Distribution Management (1995-2006) Following his military service, Hardy transitioned to the private sector, accumulating over a decade of experience in high-level operations and distribution management.
Manager Equipment Transfer, ATC Transportation (1995-1998): In Kenosha, WI, he managed inventory across 12 facilities in North America, overseeing import/export and procurement approvals. He developed a distribution network servicing 2,900 cities, established quality processes, and managed a $6 million operating budget, significantly increasing productivity through LTL solutions.
Distribution Center Manager, IRIS USA (1998-2000): At this consumer plastics manufacturer in Pleasant Prairie, WI, Hardy held responsibility for product distribution across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with additional exports to Brazil, Netherlands, and Japan. He implemented cost control measures, managed distribution budgets for Wisconsin warehouses (89,000 and 100,000 sq ft facilities), and developed strategies to optimize carrier selection.
Distribution Center Supervisor, Sigma Aldrich (2000-2002): In Milwaukee, WI, he oversaw daily pick-and-pack operations for a chemical and technology manufacturer, handling 4,700 daily shipments. He served as a corporate training instructor and developed a medical emergency response team for the 72-acre facility, initiating process improvements to reduce labor costs.
Operations Manager, Straight Shot Express (2002-2004): Hardy managed operations for this $3 million expedited transportation company, expanding its footprint from three Wisconsin locations to include North Chicago and Detroit-Metro. He ensured compliance with federal, state, and local interstate transportation regulations, managed profit and loss for the entire enterprise, and secured international operating authority for Canadian provinces. Notably, he developed transportation strategies for "Big 3" auto manufacturers, established a centralized dispatch system, and authored software for payroll and rate calculation, also serving as Network Administrator.
Chief Operating Officer, Rhino Logistics LLC (2004-2006): As COO, Hardy directed operations for another expedited transportation company, overseeing equipment and assets across Midwestern states. He ensured regulatory adherence, served as the point of contact for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and managed P&L, payroll, and HR functions. He implemented a logistics plan to service U.S. auto manufacturers and suppliers.
Academic Research and Public Policy (2009-2011) Between his extensive logistics career and his dedicated veteran support roles, Hardy pursued academic research at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. As an Undergraduate Housing Policy Researcher and Civic Honor student, he focused on federal housing policy. He assisted veterans in applying for federal benefits, counseled prospective homeowners on the home buying process, and navigated public policy and bureaucracy to volunteer services for Section 8 residents seeking public housing assistance. He also engaged in public discussion on federal housing policy and home purchasing programs, demonstrating his commitment to civic engagement.
Dedicated Advocate for Veterans (2012-Present) Since 2012, Napoleon Hardy has committed his expertise to supporting veterans in their employment and training journeys.
HVRP Case Manager, TLS Veterans (April 2014 - July 2014): In McHenry, IL, he provided outreach for the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program, identifying employment, training, and vocational needs for clients. He developed individualized employment and benefits plans, and connected veterans with resources for mental health, substance abuse, housing, social services, and legal issues. He also actively marketed homeless job seekers to a wide array of employers and government agencies.
Employment and Training Specialist (LVER), Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (September 2012 - Present): In his current long-standing role in Kenosha, WI, Hardy serves as a Local Veteran Employment Representative. He provides comprehensive employment and training counseling, conducts initial assessments, and delivers direct services to enhance veterans' competitiveness in the labor market. A key part of his role involves coordinating with employers, veteran organizations, and community-based organizations to facilitate job and training placements. He also serves as a case manager for veterans in federally-funded job training programs and those facing significant barriers to employment. His contributions include expertise in Federal Employment Workshop navigation, Veteran Priority of Service, and "Winning With Wisconsin Business Services" presentations.
Throughout his career, Napoleon Hardy has consistently demonstrated strong skills in Leadership, Workforce Development, Community Outreach, Government relations, Public Speaking, Training, and Team Building. His journey reflects a powerful blend of operational excellence, strategic insight, and a deep-seated passion for empowering individuals and communities, particularly those who have served.
As a retiree Napoleon will continue to assist others and share his knowledge related to veterans resources as well as affordable housing.