Target VP: From Part-Time Job to 23-Year Career

Justin Howells, Target's group vice president for the Pacific Northwest, has built a career spanning 23 years with the retail giant. His journey began not as a strategic career move, but as a practical solution for a college student needing income. Starting in an entry-level position, Howells eventually rose to executive leadership, a path he attributes to the company's internal culture. He highlights the importance of a supportive environment that allows employees to learn and grow over time. Howells' story serves as a counter-narrative to the modern trend of frequent job switching, illustrating the potential for long-term growth within a single organization.

Justin Howells' career at Target began 23 years ago in San Diego. While attending college, he took a part-time job as a team member. Initially, he viewed the position as a temporary means to an end. 'It was not supposed to be a career — I just needed book money and some extra cash,' Howells explained. Despite these initial intentions, his relationship with the company evolved. As he grew up, got married, and had children, his career expanded in parallel.

Over the years, Howells transitioned from entry-level work to significant leadership roles. He has led stores, opened new locations, and handled various responsibilities across the retail operation. He currently serves as the group vice president for the Pacific Northwest, a position he has held for the last two years. This progression from stocking shelves to managing regional operations demonstrates the internal mobility available within the company structure.

Howells attributes his decision to stay with the company for over two decades to the internal culture. He describes the workforce as a 'small family in every building.' This sense of community is reinforced by what he calls a 'culture of development.' He notes that the company fosters a desire to teach and help employees improve. As a leader, Howells now prioritizes giving his team members the space and time necessary to master their roles, acknowledging that proficiency often requires patience.

Howells maintains a philosophy grounded in respect and a willingness to perform any task required. He rejects the idea that executive status removes one from the fundamental aspects of the business. 'Nobody is too good to do the job in front of you,' Howells stated. He actively demonstrates this mindset by picking up trash and cleaning parking lots, even in his current role. He finds genuine enjoyment in retail tasks, such as stocking shelves and printing labels, viewing the work as essential and exciting.

This attitude of mutual respect is the 'No. 1 rule' in his view. Howells believes that maintaining a humble approach allows leaders to learn from the people they work with. By engaging in the same work as his teams, he stays connected to the daily realities of the retail environment. He emphasizes that leadership is not about delegating tasks one is 'too good' to do, but about supporting the team in every capacity.

Based on his experience, Howells offers specific advice for those looking to advance their careers. He stresses the importance of being vocal about professional goals. Howells did not wait for opportunities to find him; he actively communicated his ambitions to his supervisors and peers. He outlined a clear progression for his own career, stating, 'I told people I wanted to be a team leader, then I wanted to be an executive team leader, and then I wanted to be a store director.'

In addition to communicating goals, Howells advises employees to invest time and energy in their colleagues. He recognizes that his current success relies on the teams that support him. 'I don't pull things forward on shelves every night anymore; I have teams across multiple stores that do that for us, and I can't get anywhere without them,' he said. He encourages a mindset of collaboration and mutual support.

Finally, Howells highlights the open-ended potential for growth at Target. He notes that many employees start with the company for short-term financial needs, such as paying for books or bus money. However, he believes the company provides a pathway for those who wish to do more. 'We keep the door open to everybody in case they might be interested in doing more,' Howells noted. He views the possibilities as 'endless' for employees who demonstrate interest and ambition.

Justin Howells' 23-year tenure at Target illustrates the viability of long-term career growth within a single organization. By combining a willingness to start at the bottom with a proactive approach to professional development, he transitioned from a part-time student job to a high-level executive. His story underscores the value of a corporate culture that prioritizes employee development and personal connection. For Howells, the key to longevity lies in mutual respect, clear communication of goals, and a commitment to the team. His journey serves as a blueprint for employees seeking to transform a job into a lasting career.