When your life can change with a single set of orders, building a career that lasts can feel nearly impossible. Frequent relocations, unpredictable deployments, and the demands of family life often leave military spouses putting their professional goals on hold. But as Army National Guard spouse Candice Farley has learned, the right company culture can make all the difference.
Farley began her career at The Home Depot in 2008 as a part-time service desk associate while attending college. “What first attracted me to the company was the flexibility,” she says. “I needed a part-time job while I was in school, and they were very flexible with my schedule. The next thing I knew, I was full-time, and I loved what I was doing.”
That flexibility—combined with a supportive culture and endless opportunities to grow—has kept her “orange-blooded” ever since. Today, she manages The Home Depot in Phenix City, AL, leading teams, serving her community, and mentoring other associates to grow their own careers.
Growing Through Servant Leadership
Over the years, Farley has held multiple roles, but one position in particular—the associate support department supervisor—helped shape her leadership philosophy. “Associates are the heart of our business, and that role gave me the chance to not only support them but also develop new associates as they grew in their careers,” she says. “When we invest in our people and set them up for success, they’re empowered to take care of our customers—and that’s what drives the success of our stores.”
She credits her leadership growth to servant leadership, an approach focused on guiding and developing others rather than simply managing them. “True leadership is about supporting, guiding, and developing others so they can reach their full potential,” she says. “When you focus on developing rather than just managing, you build stronger, more confident teams who take pride in what they do.”
Finding Balance as a Military Spouse
Farley met her husband near the end of his Army National Guard career. While his active-duty service was behind him, his ongoing drills and annual training still required coordination and understanding from her employer.
“The Home Depot’s flexibility made it easier to balance work around his weekend drills and training,” she says. “And on a personal level, I’ve seen how the company values and recognizes the sacrifices of service members and their families. That sense of appreciation makes me proud to be part of an organization that truly honors that commitment.”
Her advice for other military spouses navigating the uncertainty of military life? “Look for a company that values flexibility and growth, because those qualities make all the difference when navigating the unpredictability of military life,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to lean on the resources and support systems available to you—both at work and within the military community. Most importantly, give yourself grace and stay focused on the long-term. A career can grow alongside military life, and with the right support, you can thrive in both.”
Service Beyond the Store
Farley’s commitment to service extends far beyond her store walls. She’s deeply involved with Warrior Outreach, a local nonprofit that provides therapeutic horseback riding and home repair assistance for veterans and their families.
“Being involved with Warrior Outreach means a lot to me because it allows me to support those who’ve sacrificed so much,” she says. The organization provides a ranch where veterans can ride horses as a form of therapy and connection. It helps veterans with home updates, like building wheelchair ramps. It also has collaborated on bicycle donations to families in need during the holidays.
Her husband often joins in, helping decorate the ranch for the holidays and participating in community projects. “Giving back is personal for me, not just because of my husband, but also because I’ve had many friends throughout the years that were enlisted,” Farley says. “Even with all the challenges they’ve faced, Veterans I’ve known have always been proud to serve. Giving back is one small way to say thank you.”
Creating Her Own Definition of Balance
Balancing a demanding leadership role with home life isn’t easy, but Farley has learned to define balance on her own terms. “Balance doesn’t always mean equal time—it’s about being intentional,” she says. “I make sure to be present when it matters. My husband is very supportive, and he knows The Home Depot is part of our family.”
Travel is one of their favorite ways to recharge. “Every chance we get, we’re visiting a new country,” she says. “In May, we went to Fiji, and we’re heading to Istanbul next. That’s ‘our time,’ and it helps with balance.”
Paying It Forward
For Farley, some of the most rewarding moments in her career come from seeing others succeed. She recalls mentoring an associate who started part-time and worked her way up to management. “When I was promoted to store manager, she was promoted to assistant store manager and took my place,” Farley says proudly.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue growing her impact in a district-level role where she can mentor and develop associates on a larger scale.
Her message to other military spouses is simple but powerful: “Home Depot values hard work, resilience, and commitment—qualities military spouses already have in abundance. There are so many pathways to grow here, and with the right support and determination, you can absolutely build a rewarding career that moves with you.”
Read this full article and more in the Fall 2025 Issue of Military Spouse magazine.