One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 130 years of family serving family
Who he is: Brian Smith, general manager, Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) Exchange, Ramstein Air Base
Years with the Exchange: 28
Military service: Smith’s journey with the Exchange began after his own military chapter closed. Having served as an M1 Abrams Tanker in the Army, he found himself transitioning out of uniform in Schweinfurt, Germany. His first role with the Exchange? An intermittent custodial worker cleaning launderettes, working 20 hours per pay period. But that small start opened a bigger door. “I quickly moved into a custodial role at the main store, where I had more visibility,” Smith said. “That’s when I discovered Loss Prevention, and I was hooked.”
Within just three months as an Exchange detective, Smith caught 18 shoplifters and earned a reputation for his sharp investigative skills. It was only the beginning.
What brought him to the Exchange: After honorably separating from the military, Smith wasn’t looking for a career, just a next step. But what he found at the Exchange was a path with purpose and potential. He was drawn to the mission, and the more he put in, the more the Exchange gave back. “This place rewards hard work,” he said. “From that first custodial job, I worked my way through the ranks.”
With support from the Exchange’s tuition assistance program, Smith continued his college studies while advancing his career. His résumé now includes roles as operations manager, store manager, regional Loss Prevention manager and several general manager assignments.
What he did next: Smith’s career highlight came in 2018, when he deployed as the general manager for Exchange operations in Iraq. His mission took him across Southwest Asia, leading teams in high-tempo, high-impact environments. “That was the most rewarding experience of my career,” he said. “You see firsthand how much the Exchange matters when someone walks in after a rough day outside the wire, missing home, and finds a piece of comfort in the sights, smells and tastes we bring.”
Whether organizing large-scale morale events or coordinating barbecues for thousands of deployed Soldiers through partnerships like Traeger Grills, Smith sees every opportunity to give back. “Last year, we even did a grill fest here at the mighty KMC,” he said with pride.
Best part of working for the Exchange: For Smith, it’s about purpose. “Being in a role that serves those who serve, it’s deeply personal,” he said. “The Exchange helped me build a future after the military, and now I get to help shape that experience for others. It’s come full circle.”
Family serving family: “To me, family serving family is exactly what it sounds like,” Smith said. “Many of us have walked the same path, through deployments, PCS moves, even the loss of a loved one. That shared experience creates a real bond.”
He believes the Exchange is more than just a store, it’s a touchpoint of familiarity in unfamiliar places. “It’s where our customers find comfort during big life transitions. And it’s where we, as associates, get to be that constant presence of support.”
Smith doesn’t see his work as just a job, it’s a calling. “We’ve all been there in some way,” he said. “And that’s what brings us together. That’s family serving family.”
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