Meet our veterans: Audrey Denton
March 4, 2025 | Audrey Denton
At Solventum, we proudly support our veteran and active duty military members who have selflessly served across all U.S. branches. Their unique experiences and rich variety of perspectives are instrumental in helping us solve complex healthcare challenges for our customers.
We invite you to join us in this blog series to get to know some of our Solventum employees who have military experience.
Name: Audrey Denton
Role at Solventum: Contract pricing rep
Military branch: Army
Rank: SGT/E-5
Length of service: 11 years
1. Share your background and what motivated you to join the military
Before joining the military, I graduated high school in 2009 with low aspirations to attend Radford University. My first and second semesters were a disaster and my average 3.4 GPA fell to a 1.2 GPA. Without a plan, I moved back home to Richmond, Virginia, and worked two dead-end customer service jobs. I lacked self-discipline, motivation and direction.
On September 11, 2010, I was eating breakfast at the kitchen table watching a commemoration of the 9/11 attacks. I remember watching the devastating scene on TV in 2001 and watching my parents cry, my mom continuously on the phone calling her friends. I realized I wanted to keep my parents, friends, loved ones and the American people safe. I was ready to sacrifice my life in every way for the safety of America and I officially joined the military in June 2011.
2. How has your experience shaped you? What are some lessons or skills learned that you apply to your everyday life?
The first day of basic training was Aug. 28, 2011 – three days before my 21st birthday. I joined as a 25Q – communications specialist. I verified 100% of our operational communication equipment – radios, satellites and computers. I truly learned how to be a leader when I earned the rank of sergeant and the position of platoon sergeant (platoon sergeant is in charge of keeping accountability of soldiers, equipment and delegating tasks). This position taught me how to provide purpose, direction and motivation to a variety of soldiers from various backgrounds. I learned how to train soldiers to match their learning styles, combat my fear of public speaking, handle office miscommunication and provide straightforward and honest feedback to higher ranks.
3. How does your experience impact your role at Solventum?
Before the military and prior to being in essential positions, I lacked confidence when speaking to a group or authority figure. Before the military, I was deficient in self-discipline and motivation. Addressing these difficulties within the military has given me confidence in my position at Solventum. I will always reach out to a fellow teammate if they need assistance, I will always tell the truth even if I am in the wrong and I will always show respect to my peers, subordinates and leaders. These standards follow the Army’s seven basic values (LDRSHIP: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage).
Without my military background, I don’t think I would be the woman I am today. I’m a self-starter who craves knowledge sharing and learning. While working at Solventum, I earned my Bachelor’s degree and am working toward a Master’s. I have maintained the discipline to wake up at 0500 hrs (5 a.m.) to complete physical training, show up to work and preserve a spiritual, healthy household.
Prior to leaving the service, I attended the Hiring Our Heroes Program that supports soldiers transferring out of the military. Erin Hirtle, a then 3M HR employee, saw potential in my abilities and took a chance after my internship by offering a contract position. She guided me to the position I hold currently in contract pricing. Without Erin, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you, Erin!
Solventum has supported me in my achievements. Over my career I have worked with bad leadership and great leadership. I’ve been employed at Solventum for two years and I’ve observed GREAT leadership. Everyone I work with is kind, respectful and intelligent. I wake up every day excited to come to work and that is all I can ask for in a long-term career.
Audrey’s story is just one of many unique experiences our veteran employees bring to work each day. Make sure you’re subscribed to receive updates from Solventum Inside Angleopens in a new tab and stay tuned for more!
Audrey Denton is a contract pricing rep at Solventum.
