PISA, Italy – Wendy Way recalls when a military move overlapped with the birth of her third child, just one of the challenges she faced as a Soldier and an Army spouse.
Now a veteran and entrepreneur, Way draw from experiences like this and shares them with others at Camp Darby and beyond. Moving amid pregnancy was a challenge, she said.
“They packed up the house while I was still in the hospital and we left from there,” Way said.
Three years ago Way founded a household goods packing business focused on employing military spouses. She and cofounder Isabel Garcia Schmitt, also a U.S. Army veteran, had experienced enough military moves to know where there was room for improvement.
They also understood the unique challenges faced by military spouses, who often struggle with employment due to frequent relocation. The pair chose to support military spouses by paying an above-average wage, offering non-traditional shifts, and providing advancement and work-from-home opportunities. They believed this model would also benefit the military families they move, as military spouses are uniquely positioned to understand the related logistics and stress.
Due to Italian law, Way handed over control of the company when she and her family relocated to U.S> Army Garrison Italy’s, Darby Military Community.
At Camp Darby, she supports military spouses by encouraging others to pursue their goals and view each new location as an opportunity to grow.
“Being a military spouse involves resilience. Every two to three years requires a complete adjustment of life with the rigors of continual relocation,” said Jessica Larche, an Army Community Service researcher. “Mrs. Way’s involvement at Camp Darby has contributed to building a stronger, brighter community.”
Way’s life and career journey was not a ladder but rather a jungle gym, something she believes is beneficial. After serving four years in uniform, Way chose to focus on raising her children while supporting her husband, Lt. Col. Carey Way, commander of the 839th Transportation Battalion.
She sold real estate, worked in foreclosure prevention and human resources. She was a program manager for a large maintenance contractor, overseeing more than 300 employees with two separate unions.
“It was challenging but I was able to build these beautiful bridges,” Way said.
She’s also earned a Bachelor’s in Business, Master’s in Logistics Management, Executive Master’s in Leadership, project management certification and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She encourages all military spouses to take advantage of the many opportunities and programs available.
“It’s important to keep growing,” Way said.
For her master’s capstone, Way interviewed more than 30 thriving military spouses to determine which qualities, habits and beliefs facilitated their success. She found several commonalities including building relationships, being “anti-fragile” – opposite of fragile, getting involved and taking advantage of opportunities. These attributes have informed Way’s own experience, her work and the advice she gives others.
“Military spouses lead very unique lifestyles,” Way said. “But it is possible to really thrive.”
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