The Empathy Engine: MilDef's Sales Team Secret | Jim Rimay

The Empathy Engine: MilDef's Sales Team Secret | Jim Rimay

October 22, 2025 · 22 min

About this episode

Jim Rimay discusses MilDef's approach to cultural integration and collaboration in the defense technology sector.

Katherine welcomes Jim Rimay , President of MilDef US , a systems integrator and full-spectrum provider specializing in rugged IT for the most demanding military and government environments. With Swedish roots and a growing U.S. presence, MilDef is bridging two worlds, bringing Nordic collaboration and balance to the fast-paced American defense market. Jim shares how cultural integration, customization, and a "win-win" mindset are driving MilDef's expansion and redefining what it means to lead in defense technology. "No lone wolf out here is going to make it. What we're selling is a whole company approach to supporting the customer." — Jim Rimay This conversation goes beyond products and procurement. It's about people, culture, and the kind of leadership that builds lasting partnerships in the defense industry. Inside this episode: – How MilDef balances standard COTS products with rapid customization – Why collaboration between engineers and sales teams drives better solutions – How Swedish 'Fika' and wellness culture are shaping U.S. operations – What Jim looks for when hiring BD managers ("people who talk in we statements, not I") – The biggest mistake BD managers make — and…

People in this episode

Host: Katherine Jerald

Guest: Jim Rimay

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MilDef

Places: Sweden, U.S., American defense market, U.S. regional facilities

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