Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“The Army instilled three traits into my personality. Discipline, honor, and initiative. Discipline helps me to run my business effectively and efficiently. Honor allows me to maintain a solid client base because I strive to "do the right thing" at all times, even if it means losing money on a job. Initiative gives me the desire to constantly improve processes, keep up with new technologies, and take advantage of opportunities to provide new and improved services to my clients.”

David Sazama - eFusion Systems

“USAF taught me to manage resources and provided opportunities to lead people with a common goal.”

Lonnie Pace - Family Laundry

“My experience as an infantry Marine taught me the value of extensive planning, yet gave me the ability to adapt well to ever-changing demands and situations. As a business owner, I'm able to provide faster solutions and service because of my military service experience.”

Klay South - Operation Care Package 24/7

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service.”

Kelen Prutow - U.S. Integrators

“Gave me the principles and discipline that drives my business.”

Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC

“Taught me discipline!”

Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire

“Instilled discipline, confidence, and satisfaction in a job well done.”

Sean Elkin - Searchlight Interactive, LLC

“The Army Infantry taught me humility, honest, and confidence. How to train and deal with people. Most importantly, your word is your bond.”

Scott Kersjes - Innovative Facilities Solutions, Inc.

“The discipline and rigid routines have prepared me to be honest, trustworthy, and above punctual in my approach to all of my inspection activities.”

Thomas Spoor - Quality Home Inspection

“I joined the Navy one year after high school. I served six years in the Navy Nuclear Power program, four years on the USS California (cgn36). After the service, I enrolled at the University of New Mexico and received my Electrical Engineering Degree. I worked for Intel for 12 years and now own and operate my own fitness center. The Navy gave me experience that none of the other things ever could; that is, discipline, honesty and integrity and that anything worth having requires those three.”

Mark Atencio - Anytime Fitness Albuquerque

“Serving in the Army has given me the ability to listen, learn, and go with my instincts. I set the example of a good citizen, businessman, family man, providing good moral standards, and high integrity. ”

Walter S Willingham - Superior Retail Services, Inc.

“Military training prepared me to follow rules and steps in order to achieve goals. It taught me teamwork and how to be a good leader. There are some of the things I was able to use in order to become a business owner. The Army core values are something I have used as a way of life both in the military and in the business world, and it has been essential to our growth.”

Fernando Martinez - Ostar Motorsports

“Discipline!”

John(Jack) Furtney - JS Gifts and More

“Persistence and Organization!”

James Terhune - T&T Materials

“As Infantry Sgt., On a mission you are responsible for 500K plus in gear, and the lives of your unit, starting a business with all it's stress and frustration, could never compare to combat. We fought together, now we grow our business together.”

Colin Archipley - Archi's Acres, Inc.

“The U.S. Air Force changed my life because they gave me the training, discipline to complete a task, and drive to put goals that would help me earn a living for me & family. I earned a B.A. at SMU & 30 years of government service, and started a business.”

Francisco Sosa - AAA Environmental Cleaning & Striping Services, LLC

“Gave us the fortitude to Last in Business from 1977 to now.”

Edward Ginner - Alachua Telcom Inc.

“Taught me responsibility and leadership under fire. Company commander with 3rd Marine Division RVN.”

LEO DURANT - LND Construction

“Taught me planning.”

Peter Peno - The Hitch Man, Inc

“Leadership training and concept of personal Duty and Honor.”

Mark Preson - Operations and Engineering

“Discipline of finances. Only taking opportunities that present winning outcomes. Networking opportunities.”

CHARLIE FRISCH - Z3 Consultants Inc

“The Navy prepared me not only when I was active but for my future as a civilian. They taught me to work hard, learn from your mistakes, learn as much as I can, and help others.”

Richard Synek - Feed Our Veterans

“The 343rd. & 2849th. Civil Engineering Squadrons taught me the ins & outs of the Construction Industry. From how to set Brick, Block, Concrete, Windows, Doors & Drywall to Materials Procurement & Scheduling just to name a few.”

Michael Pereira - Palm Home Improvement Inc.

“Taught me organization and preparation.”

William R. Whitteker - Pansermesh Inc.

“It helped me develop a disciplined, organized and communicative work style.”

Karen Auguste - Purple Lynx Inc.

“I was intent on starting a business where I could help give back to the servicemen and women that showed me the meaning of Integrity and Discipline. These are the very ethics that I have brought from the Marines into my organization.”

Mark Llano - Source One Distributors, Inc.

“Taught me discipline, respect, utilization of manpower and love of our great country.”

Elmer & Debbieanne Miller - Creekstead Development Services, LLC

“I am always on time and I do what I say.”

Sam Emmerling - Sam Emmerling Company

“Management skills and the drive to success. Never give up no matter the how small or big the obstacle is in your path.”

Joseph Navarra - National Hospitality Resources

“Organizational Skills.”

Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.

“Discipline, Discipline, Discipline!”

Lindy Scarborough - Magictainment

“To better understand and appreciate the freedom that we have in the United States Of America. The discipline that the U.S. Army instilled in me was outstanding. Teamwork was the next item that I have been able to use every day in my life.”

Ernie Ratcliffe - Nu Skin Enterprises Rep - Ernie Ratcliffe

“Responsibility and honor.”

Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting

“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”

Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC

“Leadership and program management at the Defense Contract College.”

David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC

“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, LLC

“It has made and kept me Responsible.”

Rowland Givens - The Wright Place Foundation Inc.

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

“It gave me structure, dedication, and made me a man.”

James Carlton - Defense Components of Detroit

“Discipline.”

Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service

“My military service has helped me to be a better business owner by the organizational skills I was taught and the ability to adapt and overcome obstacles and adverse situations. Above all else honesty, integrity and to take responsibility.”

RUSSELL PRICE - R.J. Price Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

“”

Norbert Rug - Akron Grove Bath Products Inc.

“The military taught me to take control and follow through and give 100% to my efforts.”

Anthony Perry - Total Care Property Inspections

“Time management, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, pride, and the list goes on. I am very proud to have served and look forward to a successful career in business for myself with the help of friends, family and other veterans. Thank you.”

Lisa Madison - Rocky Coast Seminars

“The submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”

Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC

“My time in the military has laid the foundation for who I am as a business owner. I was taught respect, team-dynamics, honor and most importantly that anything and everything can be done with a positive 'can-do' attitude and good organization.”

Betsy Rosengrant-Stein - K.D. Rosengrant, Inc.

“For me, military service has instilled discipline and integrity, which carries over in any project I undertake, as well provided me with opportunities to develop and apply leadership skills. I believe these qualities and attributes have prepared me to be a better business owner.”

Maura Meade - AVON - Independent Sales Representative - Maura Meade

“The military helped by providing me with the determination to keep striving for success in everything that I do!”

Edward McCullough Sr. - The Bait Barn

“The leadership and decision making training and experience combined with the 'do what it takes to get the job done' attitude from the Marine Corps are the perfect building blocks for a business owner.”

John Spaugh - Desert Door & Building Supply

“Leadership and Character. The military gave me the confidence to know that I can do anything I set my mind on.. and that's the truth! 100% success thus far!”

Jeffrey Gonzalez - DirectJG HIDS and Accessories

“Honor, respect, discipline!”

stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography

“The military provided a place to mature and see the world without the close protection of my family. Decisions made by myself were totally mine and had its repercussions either positive or negative. This was the place where you learn to be an adult.”

James E. Frederick - TimeLine Management Group, LLC

“Personnel Management. Leadership. Strong work ethic for long hours.”

Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar

“Organizational skills.”

Tommy Pope - Business Systems, Inc.

“Learned how to be more focused on getting things done, and to research as much as I can before taking action.”

David Rowland - Rowland Enterprises

“Military trains you to get things done and go the extra mile. This is the core philosophy for my company which shows in the way we treat our customers and the quality of work we perform.”

Gus Meyer - Cypress Door & Glass LLC

“Discipline, team work, never give up attitude.”

Marvin Whitaker - Skip's Construction Co., Inc.

“As a Marine, I was taught the values of leadership, discipline and camaraderie. This is still very much evident 35 years later.”

Frank Espinoza - Frank H Contractors

“Strong work ethic.”

Stewart Smith - The Crabby Pig

“100% disabled Viet Nam Era Veteran and formed the show to help other veterans navigate the system for their benefits.”

James Lytner - Veterans Talk / The Forgotten Promise

“Paid for college and built leadership.”

Mike Olivera, DBA - Rescue Wireless Remote Computer & Network Repair

“Military services prepared me to be a better business owner by strengthening my attention to detail; motivating me to be the best that I can be in whatever circumstance; building on my leadership skills and giving me a great foundation to grow on.”

Teresa Garner - Think Business, Inc.

“I am a very disciplined individual who strives to help others above myself at all times. I definitely attribute these qualities to my military training and experience.”

Cirra Turpin - Cirra's Cloud

“Well I'm 61 years old now so it's been a while since I was in the army; however, the discipline of getting up early, everyday and getting out there to make a difference in the world still hold with me. Thanks for your site!”

William H Yarroll II - Business Development Associates

“My military career has taught me the organizational skills to conduct business and cope with the stress of business.”

Jim Thomas - Environmental Equipment Services LLC

“It has given me leadership skills, drive and desire to become someone, the need to succeed.”

Katrina Wheeler - Katrina Wheeler Photography

“The Military service taught me to focus on a goal (mission) and don't be afraid to be adventurous. Add in hard work and you have the recipe to be a great business owner.”

Charles Moss - Mosscovers, LLC

“It has made me a more (nose to the grindstone) kind of a person. What ever it takes to get the job done.”

Gary Wickham - P.F.D. LLC

“Leadership skills!”

C. J. Brown III - PeoplePower

“Define goals, keep focus and achieve defined objectives.”

Leslie Cooley - Pierce/Cooley Architects, Inc.

“It has given me the discipline to realize that what the mind can see it can achieve!”

Richard Olvera - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard Olvera

“I learned to take responsibility for situations.”

Christopher Rice - Southern Finishes Estimating, LLC

“How life is.”

Shari Wahlert - Wahlert Service

“I was in the United States Marine Corps, it taught me to make the best of what I have to work with and never give up.”

Wilbert Guice - The Point Mans Guide

“It provided me with the discipline needed to operate in a fluid manner even in stressful situations.”

Brad Crawford - Top Home Inventory Services

“Attention to detail!”

eric smith - Father and Sons Lawn Care

“Military service instills many fine characteristics such as integrity, responsibility, loyalty, commitment, and much more. It makes you appreciate the freedoms that we are afforded because of the sacrifices of those know what it truly means to serve.”

Jeff Haynes - Realty Inspection Services, LLC

“Serving my country has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. The leadership, problem solving skills, as well as the strong work ethics instilled on me while serving, permeate everything we do at our law firm.”

Gary Lambert - Lambert & Associates

“Taught me to be self reliant.”

Seymour Lecker - Lecker Business Services, Inc.

“My time in the Army as a Infantry NCO has prepared me to be a business owner, by teaching me how to focus on the task at hand and not giving up until it is accomplished.”

Adam Hart - Nightstalker Tactical Solutions

“Government contracts can be a daunting task. However, having served in the Army the skills you develop as a leader prepare you to adapt to changing needs and to pay close attention to detail.”

Taylor Justice - Squared Away Construction

“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”

Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC

“I was a young, slightly wild young man. The Army helped me to grow up fast. I met other young men from around the country that gave me a broader view of life. The Army teaches discipline, a strong work ethic, and a real love for the USA.”

William Templeton - Truck Xtreme

“Leadership!”

Derek Blockhus - [email protected] Service LLC

“Taught me not to quit even in today's economy.”

Merlyn Seeley - Shikata Enterprises

“Military service has prepared me to be a better business owner because of the discipline and assertiveness gained through my military experience.”

Calvin Glenn - CG1 Audio Systems

“All ways on time and doing the best you can the first time.”

Robin Bradley - Maid In America Janitorial Service

“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”

Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services

“Military service taught me to persevere even in difficult times while always keeping excellence a top priority.”

Sarah Hudson - The Marketing Analysts

“Organization and discipline.”

earl c montgomery - Sasser Custom Exhaust

“Hard work and perseverance and never give up. If you get knocked down get up and keep swinging.”

bob gertz - Parrot Cove Marina

“The military taught me to apply attention to detail in all my work. It has helped my organize, plan and execute the services I provide to my customers.”

William Slusser - Patriot Cleaning Services

“The Military taught me discipline and responsibility, these are the most important qualities that I have been able to bring to my business efforts.”

john gorman - Pocket Constitution

“Discipline and stick-to-it-tiveness, organizational skills, administrative, keep moving forward in the face of adversity; no doubt that without the skill sets I learned and honed in 18 years of military service that they prepared me.”

Doug Kelly - SEO for My Website

“Army leadership schools (Ranger School).”

Larry Mills - Skeen, Mohler & Associates Insurance

“Many traits were derived from military service, especially because of the age of the person. Most service people entered a branch of a service at 18 to 21 years of age. These are formative, learning and experience-gathering years that are nurtured.”

Joel Jablons - The TEEJAY Co.

“”

Max Hills - Reliable Auto Service, Inc.

“Discipline and determination. Being mission minded.”

Herb Johnson - AdSTAR

“Showed me how to be a leader. If you can lead you can do anything.”

Harry Goodman - Goode Cleaning

“Being an Executive Officer in an Combat Engineering Construction Company, I learned that duty to mission is the most important thing. The mission of Schiller Ahern is to put our clients in a better position than before our relationship began. We are committed to doing everything we can to make the client proud of our efforts and results. To us, the client is first.”

Chris Ahern - Schiller Ahern

“The military education that I have had along with my job as an engineering draftsman/illustrator as well as art school has prepared me to do what is required for the sign business. I have served in the Navy as well as a Civil service retirement.”

William Smith - Signs by Splat

“Leadership and management skills.”

Shawn Gray - WTSI

“Improvise and overcome any difficult situation which applies to the construction trades, organization and planning to meet all challenges.”

JOSEPH REYNOLDS - RYN Electric, LLC

“As a Military Veteran, I have learned the importance of being a team player, as well as the ability to organize, and manage in a business environment. I have learned the ability to speak intelligently to any and everyone I meet.”

Deontea Vickers - The Notary Lady Services

“The service taught me honor, courage, commitment, and how to think on your toes. Ever since my exit with the Navy I knew that I would do something great. I have always had high standards in everything I have ever done, now the business does that.”

Tony Webber - TNT Drywall and Painting

“The Marine Corps instilled in me a special set of leadership skills that have been imperative in facing the different challenges of business ownership.”

John Raftery - Patriot Contractors Inc.

“Learned responsibility and chain of command.”

Clifton Coleman - Ugly Otter Trading Post

“Dedication and hard work!”

Gene Yoho - Crescent Electric Service Co Inc

“Discipline, motivation, and pride.”

Ken Martin - Lodging Kit Company

“Opened our small business up to more consumers. Especially fellow veterans who have stood tall and proud for our country.”

Kenneth Elliott - P's Sleeves

“Taught me to focus and set goals to attain desired results.”

Anthony Barbarette - Smoky Mountain Kayaking

“After 12 years active duty Air Force I was extremely prepared to run a business because of the integrity, honesty, appreciation for quality, timeliness, and strong work ethic that were instilled in me by the United States Air Force.”

Jason Knotowicz - G Force Technologies

“Instilled in me a sense of drive and purpose that has been the key to my 25+ years of success as operator and owner of a small business distributing safety products and protective clothing to industry. My business is my life!”

Paul Hill - PJ Hill Industries

“Being a Navy Chief Petty Officer, has provided me with the leadership and management skills that help make our corporation.”

Doylkes R. Grimes - Regal V, Inc.

“My training and combat tours have given me the knowledge to train others.”

Eric Ives - Tactical Strategies and Concepts, Inc.

“The Military taught me a number of things. The values of hard work, dedication, and integrity. In my business its crucial that my clients feel and know that I am taking care of their best interests with the highest of ethical standards.”

Conrad Caldwell - North State Insurance Group, LLC

“The military was instrumental in teaching me how to take pride in my work, and how important ethics are in any work environment.”

Craig Sawyer - Tim Nolen Enterprises

“Being in the Air Force has prepared me by teaching me the key factors of business, attention to detail being prompt and showing effective problems resolution skills.”

Walter White - On-Demand Courier & Concierge

“The military prepared me for the unexpected. In the Infantry we spend years training for situations that will likely never occur, but we try to be pro-active. This training has led me to be proactive in business, trying to anticipate problems, opportunities, market fluctuations and movements before they occur.”

Michael Moussa - PartSnap

“By instilling the discipline and dedication to succeed.”

Charles McGrue - Thelexiana Enterprises, LLC