Comments on the Military and Business Ownership
We asked veteran owned businesses listed in VeteranOwnedBusiness.com to tell us how their time in the military helped them succeed as business owners. Below are some of their answers.
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“I was able to travel through the world and collect all my stamps and I learned to keep extremely good records.”
Richard Easingwood - Easy's Stamps
“Professionalism and teamwork were skills I honed in the USAF.”
Gregory Pierce - ENGISYSTEMS Inc.
“USAF taught me to manage resources and provided opportunities to lead people with a common goal.”
Lonnie Pace - Family Laundry
“It taught me honor, integrity, hard work, perseverance, adaptability, how to improvise, overcome and complete on each mission.”
Shelly Bauer - Universal Investigations, LLC
“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
“Military service has made me an even more responsible person!”
Roy Drangstveit - Minnesota Valley Inspections LLC
“14 years of service active duty and air national guard. Organizational skills lead to a structured business, learning to manage, lead and follow for a well rounded business plan, that has pointed us in the right direction.”
Chris Barcikowski - Mid Atlantic Commercial and Residential Real Estate Solutions Inc
“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 dba Frontline Protection
“My years in flying and crash investigation gave me discipline, confidence, and drive to take care of fellow vets. ”
Bear Thomas - Bear Team Realty
“Taught me discipline!”
Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire
“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
“The military taught me primarily to listen and learn, understand diversity, and work with everyone. Using my planning skills, multi-tasking experience, and level of understanding of people and industry, I have worked to develop processes and innovative techniques to improve not only a business, but the employees and atmosphere. The Military taught me that - everyone has a great idea - it just takes the right time and the right person to hear it and how to focus on it!”
Ron Craw - Improvement Innovations 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.
“As a Marine Corps Sniper in Vietnam, it taught me the importance of being careful and paying close attention to small details.”
Dan Bowers - Holmes Inspection Company
“The military taught me structure, discipline, work ethic and teamwork. It helped show me that hard work can pay off. That by not quitting you can reach the goals that you set.”
Steven Matthews - RisingStar Entertainment
“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
“Organizational and leadership skills.”
James Abbott - Satcom Scientific, Inc.
“Higher work standards, better people skills, higher quality product efficiency!”
Roger Newcomer - Dick's Speed-O-Tach, Inc.
“Better Business Owner: Organized, Motivated, Self Initiative.”
Andrew Ronchak - Green Leaf Corporation
“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”
Steven Fikes - SFX Electric
“Taught me to lead by example.”
Jeffrey Allen - Global Crossroads Capital
“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
“Discipline-Team Work-Pride!”
DAVID DEMARS - North American Property Management
“Military service has prepared me to be a better business owner; by being organized, to be able to listen to my customers and meeting their needs. Not to be afraid to fail, and if I do, not to stop until I get it right!”
Charles Reynolds - OR Communications
“From the very beginning of my business career I found the discipline and regimentation I had learned in military service to be of great value. I was able to apply this directly, first to learning a business, and then to teaching my employees about their jobs. I also learned in the military that success generally required a team effort and that every member of that team was equally valuable. For instance, fighter pilots may hold the "glory" jobs in the Air Force, but they would not be able to function without a team of mechanics and technicians who service, maintain, sometimes control, and when necessary, rescue the aircraft and crew.”
Carl Lewis - SnowWalker, LLC
“Taught me planning.”
Peter Peno - The Hitch Man, Inc
“Professionalism, Compassion and Prudence. All traits associated with growing up in a military family and continue today as I say congrats and good luck to a Grandson going the Navy way.”
Rick Pino - Ricon Compliance Inspections
“The army gave me the discipline and determination to go beyond boundaries to achieve succeed. The military gave me the opportunity to see the world and the needs of our industry that are global. The demand for quality and longevity in our products and the internal frame work of our company and most of all the pride in providing American made products.”
HE Dan Bunch - Odorite International 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.
“As a Navy hospital corpsman back in the mid 80s, I spent several years juggling many tasks at one time. Whether drawing blood or filing medical records, everything had to be extremely organized and done quickly and perfectly. There was no room for error when it came to dealing with my daily duties in the Navy and there is no room for error today in running an agency. The military also helped me become comfortable working with different people from all ranks and all walks of life which makes running a web-centric marketing agency like eWareness much easier.”
Brian St.Ours - eWareness
“Hard work with attention to detail, supervising crews, Organization, Safety, Maintenance logs, Maintenance schedules and preventive maintenance of equipment. Patience, Respect of others.”
David Search - Endless Summer Lawn Care LLC
“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
“26 years experience of flying, maintaining, and support Air Force Weapon Systems.”
Don Needham - LogSpec
“The military instills in most persons a sense of responsibility and respect for structure. The chaos in our daily lives is much better dealt with, I believe, by a person with a military background as opposed to one without. This is evident by the shear number of people locked up in our prisons at enormous cost to our society. For those who chose to change their lives or to seek adventure or to follow in the footsteps of another in joining the military, my hat is off to you. All the best!”
John Berosh - Information Systems 2000
“The Military Service gave me the determination to succeed.”
C. Henry Adams - Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.
“Positive, can do attitude where failure is not an option as well as leadership qualities which helped motivate and support my employees.”
David Fisher - Military Supply Coins
“The exposure to types of people outside of my chosen circle of friends and how to deal with difficult people are the most important lessons I learned while serving.”
John Hendrickson - Smoke Eaters Supply
“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.
“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
“Military service is invaluable in teaching one team work, discipline, communication, contacts, and allows one to establish life long friendships.”
David B. du Pont - HEPCO, Inc.
“Taught me discipline and gave me the self esteem needed.”
Dan Engel - Employee Benefit Solutions LLC
“Leadership abilities, and discipline acquired in the service has carried over into business.”
James McBride - Environmental Management System
“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”
Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC
“Once I left active duty I as able to secure a civilian position with the US Army Corps of Engineers where I worked for nearly 10 years as an IT Manager developing a broad range of skills including Web Designer, IT Manager and Strategic Planner.”
Russ Cuthrell - Spyder Byte Media, Inc.
“First and foremost, the Navy taught me electrical. I work until the job is finished. Confidence, knowledge and integrity were expected of me while serving and now those characteristics are provided for my clients.”
Steven Barrow - Sun Electrical & Renovations, 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
“Being in the military has taught me that no matter what background you come from or where you come from has nothing to do with the teamwork and family values that you leave there with. I loved meeting so many people from so many places.”
Stephanie Salupo - Admin On The Go
“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”
Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps
“I was an Airborne Ranger. While I was a Ranger, I was held to a higher standard. I had to go above and beyond my call of duty. I have always went out of the way for my customer. That single gesture makes you better than your competition.”
James Scott Williams - Alabama Sprinkler Services Inc.
“It has given me the direction, capabilities and confidence to own and operate a small business.”
Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care
“Tolerance, endurance, must succeed attitude.”
Linda Newberry - Agape Pools Leak Detection & Repair
“Discipline.”
Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service
“Professional leadership and commitment to providing a professional service for our clients.”
Chuck Yezza - 1st Choice Property Inspectors Inc.
“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.
“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.
“Attention to detail, self discipline, teamwork, and a "never quit" attitude was instilled in us in the USCG. If you apply these principles to everything you do, you will prevail.”
Donald Lynch - LYNCH Janitorial & Cleaning
“It has made me disciplined and focused and able to multi-task.”
Doug Robinson - Maine Inspection & Engineering Company
“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
“One word: Discipline!”
Mike Gillingham - Eastern Iowa Inspection Services LLC
“Dedication, discipline, versatility and communication is the major component in a business. The military developed these skills within myself.”
Tyrone scott - Serendipitys The Biggest Little Shop
“The Air Force made me a more organized individual. It helped to enhance all of my talents in the administrative field. It also helped me in regards to becoming focused on a task and gathering information or data needed to complete a task.”
Morine Slayton-Nixon - Clean Nations
“The submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”
Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC
“It gave me the discipline to run a successful business for over 26 years.”
Michael Raffetto - Accurate Forms & Supplies
“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.
“Leadership, working with teams, management, efficiency and hard work.”
Mel Lamont - Lamont Brands Inc.
“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
“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”
Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire
“Being a marine has developed discipline and organization to our business. We consider it an honor to do business with other veterans.”
Harold O'Callaghan - Waco Formworks LLC
“Honor, respect, discipline!”
stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography
“The military instilled the importance of pride and dedication in the task at hand, also the need for attention to the details of any task I undertake.”
Michael Langel - Proving Grounds Lawn Care
“Personnel Management. Leadership. Strong work ethic for long hours.”
Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar
“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
“Military service has given me the tools necessary to start, run, and maintain my business. Dedication and attention to details are my watch words. These are just a sample of the many lessons learned and experience gained from my military service.”
Charles Brown - Exodus International
“My experiences in the Air Force as a Security Specialist taught me Leadership Skills, Attention to Detail and Pride in Accomplishing Tasks to a Degree of Perfection not found amongst many.”
Larry Ebeling - Spectrum A/V Group
“Progressing through the ranks to senior NCO you get to see in many ways different needs of people and what makes them motivated. The organizational skills and personal and material managerial skills are necessary whether you are running a business.”
Paul Marsters - Survival and Rescue Training and Consulting
“My service in the military has allowed me to travel the world and expand my herpetology experiences far more than I ever expected. The Army Values are what I bring to work every day in order to complete the task at hand; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.”
Luis Fraser - Rattlesnake Removal USA - N California
“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
“Becoming a soldier taught me to be a better business owner because I learned to face my fears from within. After I conquered, I was able to join the forces of many other strong individuals that possessed the strengths that I so longed to have.”
Silvia Torres Timoteo - Luxury Maids, Inc
“Never quit or give up!”
Randy Hill - RRJN Inc.
“Discipline. Before entering the army I was a mess but afterward I became very organized.”
Stanley Sigstad - Trader Sigstad's Coffee
“The Army gave me the attitude and drive to get things done correctly and efficiently. There is no civilian training that can compare to the conditioning your body and mind receive even in the first year of training. Real Integrity is key!”
Charles Clements - Clements Drivelane
“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
“The military has provided me with the perseverance required to stay focused to any obstacle or task at hand.”
Kevin Knight - KNIGHT SOLUTIONS
“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.
“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 service taught me that nothing in life is free and if you want to be successful you have to work hard.”
Bobby Bonds - Diamond Studios
“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
“Experience of Government supplies purchased and requested.”
Joseph P Pekar - MFG Reps, LLC
“Before joining the military I was a partner in a restaurant at the age of 23. When the Iraq war kicked off I had a hard time sitting on the side lines watching everything unfold. I left the partnership and joined the military. The rest is history.”
Nicholas Gray - NG Enterprises, 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
“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
“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)
“My 10 years in the US Coast Guard has forced me to adapt to learn virtually every other specialty that directly and indirectly affects me. In my experience, almost every system that I have seen in the coast guard has failed around me and I would have to learn how to operate it to ensure it was carried out properly other wise it would negatively affect me. as a result of these broken systems I have been able to learn about technology, administration, management, science and teaching.”
Charles Carver - Triple C Entertainment
“My training helped me to look at a situation and quickly and accurately make educated decisions.”
David Wardlow - Veterans Debt Relief
“How life is.”
Shari Wahlert - Wahlert Service
“With training in leadership.”
Tom Shelters - Shelters Home Inspections
“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
“Veteran Owned Business (.com) has provided us a platform to not only share with the world our inspection services, but it also opens an opportunity for our company to refer and promote other veteran listings as well. What a great concept long overdue!”
Gary Sloan - Discovery Inspections, LLC
“Paying attention to the details is a skill I acquired in the Army. It fits very well running a small business.”
Ronald Foster - Consumer Opinion Solutions
“Home inspection requires something the Army is very good at and that is attention to details. It is our job to find any potential safety problems along with any problems with the major systems of the home that might be high dollar issues.”
Anthony Cassady - Essayons Home Inspections, LLC
“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
“Active, detail-oriented, discipline, focus, hardworking, observant, regimented, scheduled.”
Pete Petroulias - Phoenix Communications & Cabling, Inc.
“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
“Learned how to lead.”
Nick DiMaggio - Jet Precision Metal Inc.
“The military life requires discipline and focus - two key elements required to be successful in business. We have a very unique perspective on life once we are no longer active in the military but the residual affect of our commitment is evident.”
Sofia Hogan - Sofia Hogan Biz Coaching
“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
“Responsibility, integrity, honor and getting the job done.”
James Pyle - Jims Computer Services
“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
“Good Leader.”
Jay Owimrin - All Star Sports 4 Kids
“My military experience has instilled the values in me that it takes to be an accomplished business owner.”
Stephen Burleson - Burleson Lawn Service
“The military helped me mature. It also helped in making critical decisions.”
James Mathews - National System of Garage Ventilation
“My time in service instilled order and discipline into every part of my life. Carrying out daily tasks from start to finish. Showing respect for others. These things are most important in any successful business.”
Del Lawson - Photo Video 2000
“Dedication, hard work and always faithful (semper fidelis).”
Ron Hall - R & S Small Engine Service
“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
