By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer | katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
After serving his country honorably, Lt. Rashad Massey has found success as a civilian entrepreneur, leveraging his military training to drive innovation and growth in his community.
Rashad, an Enoree, SC native, attended Spartanburg County District Four Schools until his senior year and graduated from Dorman High School in 1995. He values the experience of growing up in the District Four School System, which he believes shaped his upbringing and laid the foundation for his future.
Massey found himself at a crossroads upon his high school graduation, grappling with uncertainty about the next step in his life journey. The influence of military service among family members motivated him to follow in their footsteps. Serving in the US Navy provided an attractive combination of honor, duty, and camaraderie, which ultimately led him to make it his chosen path. Rashad’s enlistment in the military allowed him to change his surroundings, gain new perspectives on life, and access to opportunities that would have otherwise been beyond his reach.
Massey credits joining the Navy as a transformative experience, one he will always appreciate. It allowed him to grow as an individual, gain valuable skills, travel every continent, and positively impact the world. “It was a decision that shaped my future in ways I could have never imagined, ” he says.
Rashad’s extraordinary commitment to the Navy spanned over two decades, a remarkable 23 years and five months on active duty, showcasing his unwavering dedication to protecting his nation and its values. Rising through the ranks from E-1 to E-7, Chief Petty Officer he demonstrated remarkable leadership. He was selected for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the Navy’s mission. Massey demonstrated his remarkable ability to lead and inspire others through his service as a LDO and his advancement through the ranks in the Navy. His service embodies a lifetime commitment to the US Navy’s values and mission. Upon retiring in 2019, Rashad received a job offer from Motorola as a Project Manager for Land Mobile Radios and Radio Frequency Systems, leveraging his experience in project management and military service to start his own business, M’s Home Inspection. “My journey from serving in the Navy to becoming a business owner has been one filled with many challenges, growth, and resilience, ” he states.
Through his tenure in the Navy, Massey embraced the virtues of leadership, cultivating an unwavering work ethic and recognizing the power of teamwork and discipline in achieving collective success. These skills were vital in his transition into the business industry.
At Motorola, Rashad has been inspired by seasoned professionals and has sharpened his business acumen, investment prowess, and marketing savvy, all while expanding his network and enveloping new perspectives. He grasped the challenge of transitioning to a business owner, transforming into a successful entrepreneur by mastering financial management, adapting to trends, and fearlessly navigating the complexities of running a business with determination. Massey says, “Despite the challenges, becoming a business owner has been rewarding and gives my wife and our children a good financial base.” He also states, “It has allowed me to take control of my career, pursue my passions, and make a positive impact on my community. “
Rashad asserts that moving from military to civilian employment introduces challenges, notably altering communication styles and adopting a collaborative leadership approach instead of a direct one. The shift from the military’s fast-paced environment to a more leisurely civilian life can also be an adjustment.
According to Massey, having the right support structure and a growth mindset is key to navigating these challenges and thriving in one’s new position. Drawing from their military experience, veterans are advised by Massey to emphasize their transferable skills when pursuing entrepreneurial ventures or civilian job opportunities. He also suggests seeking resources and support in veteran-specific organizations offering mentorship, training, and funding opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs, which can be highly beneficial. According to Rashad, transitioning requires a steadfast commitment to the qualities of patience, persistence, and adaptability, the cornerstones of resilience that ultimately lead to success.
Rashad currently lives in San Diego, California, with his wife, Sissy, of twenty-eight years. They have three children. He is a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. member whose founding principles are service. He remains connected to his roots, the Enoree-Woodruff community, by following people and organizations from the area on social media. Rashad prioritizes keeping up to date with his hometown’s community events and initiatives, finding motivation in his connections with his roots and heritage. He believes being informed is key to preserving a sense of belonging and pride in the place he calls home. Connecting with his community lets him stay informed about its needs and concerns, enabling him to contribute positively and make a difference in his hometown community.
Rashad’s tenure in the Navy has provided him with the skillset and mindset that enabled him to excel in both his role at Motorola and as a business owner, ensuring the best possible outcomes for himself and his family.
Author: Tracy Sanders
