Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“It taught me honor, integrity, hard work, perseverance, adaptability, how to improvise, overcome and complete on each mission.”

Shelly Bauer - Universal Investigations, LLC

“Big business is a bunch of "Hurry up, and Wait!" Just never give up.”

Steven Carr - Dreamweaver Distribution, LLC

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

Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC

“Serving in the military has helped me stay more focused on the quality of my work performance while increasing my organizational skills. I am much more confident in my communication with personnel at all levels of an organization and am more at ease speaking in front of large groups. Most importantly, the military has taught me to focus less on the problem at hand and focus more attention on how to resolve the problem quickly with everyone's best interest in mind.”

Eddie Littrell - Corporate Resource Solutions, LLC

“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

“Persistence and Organization!”

James Terhune - T&T Materials

“The military taught me work ethics. Work hard when it is time to work and shut it off when it's done. I don't have have to use my command voice very often these days, but it's there when I need it.”

Mary Smith - Virtual Imagery Photography

“To deliver services in a promised time and respect customers.”

Thomas Covington - A-1 Copy Systems, LLC

“Military training and discipline coupled with hard work, long hours and camaraderie were influential in building fortitude, preparedness and can-do attitudes in me for life after the military. Seeing so many countries and what people live like in other parts of the world gave me an immense appreciation for what we have had here in America like no other experience could have. Being thankful for our freedoms by knowing the cost involved from our veterans and founding fathers is invaluable.”

Marty DiGiacomo - True Blue Transportation

“Being an Infantry officer in the Army is about health, fitness and self-defense of our nation, through leadership of others. Teaching traditional Kung Fu is all about helping others develop health, fitness, self-defense, and leadership skills.”

Doyle Perry - United Martial Arts

“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”

Steven Fikes - SFX Electric

“On active and reserve duty I obtained the position of Sr. Drill which allowed me Leadership and Management opportunities along with discipline and respect of others. This is the best Country in the world as I have been to several other countries during my 27 years in the Military. I believe our elders and military veterans should have the opportunity to have the best value of the services offered them. I have continually maintained a high level of schooling, education and knowledge in my field.”

Samuel Pozdol - Peete's Electric Company

“Military service teaches you to never give up.”

Rick Phillips - Dry Ridge Plumbing

“Discipline-Team Work-Pride!”

DAVID DEMARS - North American Property Management

“I learned the discipline I needed to keep going even when things got tough. I also learned perseverance, loyalty, and willingness to see a job all the way from the initial phase to completion and I thank the armed services for this.”

Olin Granthum - Nilo Construction

“Military schools and my positions as a senior non-commissioned officer has help in daily operation of my business.”

Donald Walker - A-One Cleaning Svs. Inc

“Taught me how to deal with stress!”

Marty Katz - QBD Consulting, Inc

“Taught discipline, honesty, character, loyalty which we implement in our business everyday. Taught how to honor your country and to be responsible for your own actions. Made us proud to be an American and that to serve in the military is an honor.”

Gilbert Sentell - Sentell Engineering, Inc.

“The military has given me the skills to work hard and over come many obstacles that you encounter when opening and running a business.”

eric hirt - Hirt Motorsports

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

Sam Emmerling - Sam Emmerling Company

“Procedures and systems.”

Ron Glazer - Ron Glazer

“While I served in the Vietnam War, I learned many skills and trades. It has helped me to develop a sense of good morals and values in my family life as well as my professional career as a Prime Contractor.”

Jerry Bechel - BB&K Construction, LLC

“Organizational Skills.”

Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.

“Standing on my feet for hours, listening to the roar of the ships engines, and being meticulous are all necessary characteristics of a good sailor and a vigilant press man!”

Jeff Hooper - Hooper Printing

“My military service gave me the courage and determination to start and manage Extremely Clean Pressure Washing.”

Bryan Whalen - Extremely Clean Pressure Washing

“Discipline, discipline, discipline!”

Bob Wilburn - Matrix Construction Co., Inc.

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

David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC

“It taught me to be able to deal with different personalities and to be able to be patient in waiting for what I am looking for.”

Aaron Thomason - Thomason and Partners, LLC

“Goal setting and personal discipline and the attitude to never give up also with the goal of giving back to my God and country for blessing me.”

thomas nordstrom - Tom Nordstrom Construction

“Responsibility for actions, leadership, commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and being on time are all qualities that 23 years of military service taught me, enabling me to be successful after leaving the military.”

Keith Sublett - Gorilla Integrations, LLC

“William Boone, was a Fleet Marine Corpsman in pre-Vietnam era. We are determined to support and encourage our brave heroes and to see that the disgraceful actions to our Vietnam vets doesn't happen to these heroes today. We have compassion and empathy with our deployed military. Our daughter has been to the SandBox 3 times with the Army so we understand the needs of our young people.”

William Boone - TOUCH OF HOME Support 4R Deployed Military, Inc.

“It gave me the skill to stick to it when the going has been slow.”

Richard Jennings - R H Jennings, LLC

“Almost 10 years in the USAF taught me many things including trustworthiness, timeliness, honesty, sense of pride, and ethical behavior.”

Michael White - Heritage Heating & Air LLC

“Since I've served in both the Army and Marine Corps, I have made the lessons learned, standard protocol. Just as I had to do to learn how to walk again after getting hit with an I.E.D. while providing convoy security in Iraq.”

Kris Rodriguez - The Rodriguez Insurance Agency

“The key word in any business is integrity.”

Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, LLC

“Leadership, working with teams, management, efficiency and hard work.”

Mel Lamont - Lamont Brands Inc.

“The skills I learned at an early age in the US Navy developed my sense of discipline, tenacity, and motivation to excel in all areas of my life. I left the USN and completed my college degree, entered the market in sales and sales management, ran companies, and always helped others to increase their own motivation too excel. I would not trade my time serving my country for any amount of money. It created a cornerstone for my life and that has been now passed to my son. Thank you.”

Martin Lee - Happyface Media

“Being a leader of Marines prepared me to take the reigns of my company and relentley give everything that I possibly can to ensure that our customer base comes first and receives nothing but the highest quality of service.”

Brett Granger - Global Garage Flooring and Design of Houston, LLC.

“We learned leadership skills and built up my confidence that we can finish a task set before us. Team work with the men and women who make up the team can finish a goal set before us. Training and encouragement will motivate people.”

Franklin Kiker - Sonrise General LLC

“Planning for multiple scenarios and learning to think independently and still be a team member are just a couple of attributes passed from active military service to being a business owner.”

Alan Ferneau - Tymely Moments - Brandon

“Attention to detail, accomplish the mission, problem solving, team work, decision making, proactive, responsible, professional, finding the best and fastest ways to accomplish the mission. Good interactivity with seniors (clients) and subordinates.”

Mark Hutchings - Black Ops

“Military Service enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”

Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel

“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

“Never quit or give up!”

Randy Hill - RRJN Inc.

“Serving in the Army and now the Reserves has helped me to be more aware of the world around me. My organizational and communication skills have improved, I have an increased love for my country and our freedoms. I returned from my 4th deployment to Afghanistan (2012) and am honored to say that I have served with the finest men and women and am grateful for their support and for what we have learned together.”

Adam Peters - Three Willows Counseling, 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

“Taught me to interact with all different types of people. Taught me discipline and accountability. Taught me loyalty.”

Steve Andrascik - Steve Andrascik (Henderson Home Search)

“Attention to detail and the mindset to get the job done one way or another!”

Michael Jarecke - mjaUSA Hosting & Online Services

“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

“By training me in the skills of a Physical Therapy Aide which are the foundation for my Massage Therapy training.”

Michael Wolfes - Michael's Mobile Massage, LLC

“I joined the USAF right out of high school. I received Engineering Training, worked in Civil Engineering and earned my Bachelors Degree while serving on active duty and understood the basics of Land Development as I entered into the civilian world.”

William F. Mitchell - ML Development

“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.

“The USN 82-86 has taught me or helped prepare me in life for all the big words like, responsibility, dependability, respect, fairness, and much more! I probably would not be where I am today without this valuable duty of serving my country!”

Michael Marcus - Las Vegas Tile and Grout Cleaning

“The Army has helped me become a better business owner by giving me the confidence and knowledge to provide people with a service. The leadership tools that I acquired in the army made me a better communicator and listener.”

Richard Baisden - T&D Productions, LLC

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

JOSEPH REYNOLDS - RYN Electric, LLC

“I have learned in life as in the military that commitment and perseverance is the key to being successful in anything you do in life. I married in 1973 while still in the Marines, I am still married and going strong.”

Bob Edwards - EDWARDS Electric, Inc.

“My experience as an electrician in the Navy helped enable me to use this knowledge in construction and remodeling for residential and commercial customers.”

Robert Stouter - Stouter Construction, LLC

“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

“I realized that anything is possible and we are only limited by our own initiative.”

Joseph Abi-najm - VA Home Inspect, LLC

“Being a Disabled Combat Veteran and a business owner has proven to be challenging. To have a certification such as the SDVOSB, and to have organizations in place to help publicize the importance of using companies like ourselves is truly priceless”

Joshua Glassburn - Construct Solutions, Inc.

“Integrity, discipline, management & leadership.”

Donald Carter - Secure Comm Technologies, Inc.

“Military Service should be an obligation and not an option. It prepares you for life!”

Jeff Ross - The One Day Landlord

“Leadership, management skills, problem solving.”

James Wissenbach - Calamity's

“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

“Very attentive to detail, caring and sharing with others.”

Jim Shear - Sekurenet Inc.

“Being a former military member has set the foundation for my business. A great business owner constantly practices due diligence and commitment, and leadership, three very important skills that I have gained from my military experience.”

Jamie Kincade - JLK Global Enterprises, Inc.

“18 months in Vietnam in 1969 right out of high school teaches you how to handle any situations that comes your way, and for me that 18 month tour has made me a better business owner.”

Jon Murany - Photo-Tec Graphics & Signs

“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

“I am a disciplined, well organized and punctual business owner who believes in providing a quality service at a reasonable price.”

Joe Ferguson - Rio Grande Home Inspections, 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 military gave me the courage to step outside myself and take a chance.”

Gail Walker - Paddle and Pedal Adventures

“Honor, respect & pride in the job you do for your country or your customers.”

Shon Thompson - Thompson Business Service

“The best Leadership course in the world, working as a Team, Training under pressure. Integrity, Health and Fitness as part of the work day.”

William Brisbin - Promothreads

“Provided the discipline needed to manage day-to-day business and unexpected obstacles.”

Arthur Brussard - TruckCourier, Inc

“I learned to lead and to make my own decisions and stick to them. Make goals and see them through.”

Joe Robinson - Traffic Safety System LLC

“As a veteran of combat ready carrier duty, it provided me emergency preparedness experience as it relates to supporting local and large scale disasters.”

Jerome Hamilton - TractorFax Technologies, LLC

“My time spent in the Marines taught me dedication, discipline, and gave me a "No-Quit" attitude. It has helped me to start and run my company.”

Tyler Fox - Fox Benefit Solutions

“Learned to work as a team. Learned the need to keep studying. Leaned to plan ahead and to work a plan.”

George Trost - G. E. Trost & Associates, Inc.

“I learned how to prepare an effective business plan and to execute the various details of the plan to the benefit of the organization.”

Ron Denbow - NE Ohio Real Estate, LLC

“The structure and procedures in place in the army helped shape me as a business owner. I am conscious that when I give my word to a customer, I have to deliver as promised. Delivery is essential but quality and timeliness are more important.”

collins dibaki - NED Services Inc

“Discipline, hard work, loyalty, and ready to go "All The Way".”

Kevin Beasley - New Start Realty and Relocation

“Professional Military Education and a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University has given me the tools to succeed in life.”

Orlando Daniel - NJ Vet Sales

“Improved communication skills due to extensive experience in leadership positions throughout my 23 years active duty.”

Sergio DelHoyo - NOVA Home Inspection LLC

“Discipline, hard work, and a "can do" attitude are attributes to any successful business.”

Troy Decker - Symmetry Installations

“I have come to understand that their are no limits with the right motivation and ambition in a "free market system".”

Nathaniel Selby - Syndicate Moving and Transport

“My Military experience has taught me the value of commitment, character, and discipline. I apply these attributes to the way that I live my life and the way that I manage my business.”

William Cobb - Targeted Tactics, LLC

“The Army taught me to pay attention to detail which in the business world is everything.”

Matthew Logan - TDL Electrical Contractors, Inc

“Being a Marine taught me the value of life and sacrifice. I learned to strive for those things that are important to me, and to never give up.”

Brian Grinston - The Alaska Veterans Project

“It gave me the ability to manage people.”

Lamont Jefferies - The Beverage Channel

“My military service provided me the discipline to achieve the goals I set for my organization.”

Fred Ezra - The Ezra Company

“The Marines instill self-respect, loyalty, attention to detail, and well to achieve dreams that may seem unreachable. Usually outnumbered, and trained to complete the mission and never to surrender, I view this poor economy as a strength, not a weakness, but to build on, and improve organizational operations to assure the highest customer service to accomplish company goals.”

Jerry Holmes - The Iowa Trim House

“It Forged a "Can Do Attitude" Coupled with personal Accountability, Perseverance, dedication and loyalty.”

Octavio George Manso - The Pressure's On Us

“Learned how to run this law firm from my developed character as a Navy corpsman.”

Jeremiah N. Ollennu - Law Prime, Ollennu Law Firm, LLC

“Discipline, integrity, perseverance.”

Terence Jones - Legacy Contractors

“Maturity, organizational skills, meeting deadlines, how to work with persons from any background.”

Benjamin Pogany - Pogany Construction, LLC

“Honor, courage, and commitment are the Corp Values that make the Bedrock of Character for each of us at Praetorian Group. The Marine Corp instilled these values and pride. We have been deployed to the Middle East on several tours of duty and our assignments forwarded the cause as well as our experience. Our organization has developed using this experience and training resulting in an excellent performance record and adherence to an established Business Organization Plan.”

Quentin Goins - Praetorian Group and Associates LLC

“It has made me a more disciplined individual. I focus more on the task at hand while at the same time having the ability to change focus immediately for an emergency or if a task comes up that needs urgent attention.”

Joshua Herting - Phenom Security Integrators, LLC

“The skills that my partner & learned in the Marines & Air Force, with regard to assessment, planning & follow-through have all played an important part in the development of our business plan and implementation thereof.”

Edward Treanor - Problem Solver GPS Solutions

“The Navy - Team work makes us all work together T-Together E-Everyone A-Accomplishes M-More”

Lawrence Baumlin - Southern Lights Electrical Contractors, Inc.

“Discipline, attention to detail, understanding the value of hard work and this great country!”

Hayden Hartland - Spearstone

“The army has taught me responsibility, dependability, and to get the job done. The army has prepared me to be a better person in every aspect of my life.”

David Chess - Spine Recovery Center

“My military service has given me the confidence and structure to interact and succeed in all I encounter.”

Ralph J. Storti - Storti Quality Consulting, Inc.

“The military taught me discipline, courage & strength. It strengthened the qualities that I already had & just made me a better person in general. From all the traveling I guess you could say I am more cultured as well.”

Sandra Atkinson - Stress Busters Massage Therapy

“The United States military is the most effective organization to teach discipline, leadership, and perseverance. These skills and mental attitudes are teachable and transferable to any other organization.”

Jerrold Strong - Strong Consulting

“I was in the 82nd Airborne, and that taught me to have a strict work ethic. I know that I can work long after others will quit, but I also know that looking at something from a different perspective. Sometimes flanking the objective can lead to a quicker solution.”

Randall Stutz - Stutz IT LLC

“Strong Networking Abilities.”

Andre Tetrault - SW FL Biometrics

“Jim has been our Executive Director since 2008. He enlisted in the US Army in 1978 and he was commissioned as an officer in 1988. Medically discharged in 1992 due to service-connected injuries from the Persian Gulf War, he formed the Veterans Information Network in 1993 and became involved in the national veterans movement which created the NGWRC at that time. He has remained an active leader of the NGWRC for that entire time, serving on our Board of Directors for many years. He has represented veterans as a member of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, and he has testified before Congress promoting legislation and funding that has since been enacted, helping veterans receive better health care and benefits.”

James Bunker - National Gulf War Resource Center

“Be honest, responsible, be a team leader, listen to people if they complain and make it better, treat people like you want to be treated.”

effort cheatham - Leroy's Catering

“The military service instilled confidence in my abilities and taught me leadership.”

David Hall - DRH Engineers PLC

“It taught me to be organized.”

Norman Edwards - Veteran Lawn Service

“Attention to detail.”

Michael Pues - Veteran Stone Inc

“To never give up!”

David Grover - Washington Square Associates

“The Army was the best thing that ever happened in my life. As an enlisted man and then as an officer it helped me to develop business traits that I use today.”

R Rodriguez - Wiseman Capital Group

“Military service prepares an individual by instilling organizational skills and the good old American work ethic.”

Phil Young - Young & Bertke Air Systems

“It made me aware of the need to document everything and follow orders and requirements to the letter.”

Don Downey - PD Associates

“The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP0 is straight forward and translates into a business plan very easily. You are well prepared to write a comprehensive plan if you have ever written documentation for MDMP or Operation Orders (OPORDs).”

William Peacock - PHD Computers, Inc

“As an officer in Viet Nam I was in charge of 40 men and a huge supply facility. At Fort Knox I headed all quartermaster operations in support of a population of 60,000.”

Gary Platt - Points North, Inc.