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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“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
“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
“Logistics management, organizational skills, operations. ”
Martin Bishop - Evac One
“The military taught me leadership, management, and people skills.”
Thomas Krick - Homeland Property Inspections
“The military helped me focus on leadership skills, being goal-oriented and a having high level professionalism.”
Richard Fendley - Interior Fusion, LLC
“Do to the military training, I have learned to communicate with different type of individual and to communicate with them their needs for my service. My main service is to help each individual to purchase the home of their dream or to help current homeowner get better rate and lower their monthly payment of their current home mortgage.”
John Sheppard - J Sheppard Loan Processing Service
“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
“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
“Gave me the principles and discipline that drives my business.”
Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC
“I learned discipline and responsibility.”
Donnie Cross - Just By Nature Candle & Soap Supplies
“Taught me discipline!”
Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire
“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
“Persistence and Organization!”
James Terhune - T&T Materials Inc.
“My service in the military taught me the core principles I needed in my industry, as well as how to pay attention to detail, take pride in my work, and navigate a global system. I am proud to be a Veteran and military wife offering a business opportunity to others.”
Corina DuBois - Celebrate Mama! LLC
“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
“Higher work standards, better people skills, higher quality product efficiency!”
Roger Newcomer - Dick's Speed-O-Tach, Inc.
“Taught me to lead by example.”
Jeffrey Allen - Global Crossroads Capital
“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
“Basic training was no joke. It instilled discipline, courage, and the will to "drive on troop"! While stationed in Fort Kobbe, Panama I depended on the guy to my right and to my left. Same goes with business.”
Tom Carter - Ultrabrite LLC
“The military prepared me to be a better business owner, by challenging my mind and body through seemingly impossible tasks. After accomplishing these tasks, I realized that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
David Zimmerman - Lawn n' Home Doctor
“Discipline in decision making during adverse situations by far leads the list. Leadership was always taught and practiced everyday as it is in the business world. No one never needed to tell a group of gathered people that they were in the militia.”
John Raddatz - Tri City Tool & Die, Inc.
“Taught me patience.”
Jonathan Schneider - Schneider Financial Group, Ltd
“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”
Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers
“My time as an active duty Marine gave me the discipline and sense of accountability that has helped me become not only a better business person but a better individual. Take pride in everything you do whether it's at home or on the job.”
Chris Finck - Waddell & Reed
“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
“Personal relations and discipline.”
Henry Canup - Henry Canup's Metal Polishing
“Taught me responsibility and leadership under fire. Company commander with 3rd Marine Division RVN.”
LEO DURANT - LND Construction
“The twenty-one years of varied assignments and responsibilities inherent with the positions provided the leadership and know-how to become a small business owner.”
Gary Pitchford - Veteran Hire Pursuit, LLC
“The military gave me leadership and Taught me discipline for every day life.”
Robert Morone - Morone's Mowing 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
“I learned the basic from the military, respect all people and do my best for the mission at hand... that reflects the way I handle my business.”
DAVID SMITH - S&S Towing
“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.
“26 years experience of flying, maintaining, and support Air Force Weapon Systems.”
Don Needham - LogSpec
“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
“Procedures and systems.”
Ron Glazer - Ron Glazer
“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
“Provided training, education, experience and ethical core values.”
Jay Marzulli - Biz Web Wiz Web Design
“First the military service allowed me to participate in the GI Bill which paid for my Masters Degree in Business. Second it instilled in me a sense of integrity and honesty with is often missing in business. Third it taught me to focus on clients.”
Paul Harar - Maximum Blends
“The Army solidified my foundation of principles, values, and training which provided me with tools to be a leader. These tools gave me the courage to finish my degree and pursue my own path as a business owner.”
Rosario Hurel - Hurel Transcription Translation Professionals
“Discipline & leadership.”
Brian Crist - MGQ & Associates, Inc
“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
“My military service gave me the courage and determination to start and manage Extremely Clean Pressure Washing.”
Bryan Whalen - Extremely Clean Pressure Washing
“Serving in the military gave me a good sense of direction and ethical business practices as well as a hard-working and responsible lifestyle.”
Michael Friedberg - Secure Standards, LLC
“Responsibility and honor.”
Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting
“When I was bored, I read books about business. I can not sit down and not be doing anything. I'm always looking for opportunities to exploit. I'm grateful for the leadership and patience I earned while serving on active duty.”
Junyer Knight - My-Eddy
“1- Dealing with diversity 2- making well thought out and timely decisions 3- Do what ever it takes to complete the project 4- Turning negative situations into positive results”
Mel Flaget - Point 2 Point Logistics (Independent Landstar Agency)
“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”
Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC
“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
“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.
“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
“The Marines instilled me all of the morals and qualities a person needs to be be successful in business and life.”
Michael Witt - A Cut Above Tree Service
“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”
Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps
“90% of the employees of TCS Consultants are former service men and women or the children of service men and women. The military has instilled a sense of duty, mission accomplishment, and self discipline that we have transferred into our profession.”
Timothy Clegg - TCS Consultants, LLC
“Discipline.”
Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service
“Remember what this country is all about!”
rome bullock - All City Drains 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.
“CAN Do attitude. Always ready to get the job done.”
peter vanwolvelaerd - VanDahl Engineering & Construction
“The discipline instilled in me by the military has carried over into my business. We run a "tight ship"!”
David Wiltse - David Mark Painting, 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
“The organizational and preparation skills I can say have given me a high drive to succeed in my business. Creating new goals and commitments. Being physically and mentally focused to complete specified tasks. Creating solutions to problems. I can say this is what the Military has done for me.”
Robert Dano - Zodiac Cleaning System LLC
“The military gave me a sense of accomplishment and the will and desire to achieve any goal set in front of me. With the motivation given to me by the many people in the military pushing me only made me stronger as a person.”
Francis Kalokitis - Kal Kom LLC
“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
“Improvise, adapt and overcome!”
Brian Durgin - Durgin's Lawn & Landscape
“Honor, respect, discipline!”
stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography
“The military developed my leadership and management skills through the years and the ability to see how communications and relationships with other organizations was key in making your operations successful.”
Laura Orcutt - Laura Orcutt Business Operating Solutions LLC (LOBOS)
“Honesty and integrity!”
Ronald McClaskey - R-Mac Electrical Service
“Trust, leadership, independent, and the ability to talk and work with others to accomplish goals.”
Jeffrey Lakatos - Hartland Electric LLC
“I was a Army Corp of Engineer officer leading different platoons through multiple types of missions which really helped me be adaptable to change.”
James Farrell - The Lawson Flag Supply Co.
“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
“Organizational skills.”
Tommy Pope - Business Systems, Inc.
“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
“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 Service enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”
Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel
“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
“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
“Military service provided me with a disciplined approach and the desire to take pride in my work.”
Gary Gruenwald - Domestic & International Security Group, LLC
“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 military has provided me with the perseverance required to stay focused to any obstacle or task at hand.”
Kevin Knight - KNIGHT SOLUTIONS
“Military service taught me that taking care of people is just as important as turning a profit. We truly believe that in helping others in a fair and honest way that we are also helping ourselves to be better people.”
robert thomas - Thomas and Sons Home Efficiency
“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
“The discipline, training, and life experiences make veterans the best small business leaders in the civilian community. We use all those learned lessons and training experiences and apply them to our day to day operations and find they work extremely well.”
Michael Mizell - Millennium Security Services, LLC
“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
“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
“Define goals, keep focus and achieve defined objectives.”
Leslie Cooley - Pierce/Cooley Architects, Inc.
“Giving me the discipline and knowledge to be competitive.”
Greg Nixon - QualiCare Commercial Cleaning
“I learned to take responsibility for situations.”
Christopher Rice - Southern Finishes Estimating, LLC
“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
“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
“When I enlisted in the navy right out of school, this was during the Vietnam war. I was a gun captain with the responsibilities of ten young men like myself, and the military by giving me that task set the wheels in motion, with teaching me leadership among my peers, and has helped me with my business.”
mike whitmer - Mike's Natural Stone Walls
“The military prepared me very well by instilling the willingness to work long hours and a toughness to complete any task. The military also gave me the opportunity to get a degree using the GI Bill which made this all possible. Thank you!”
Dennis Dilley - PCB Interconnect Solutions, LLC
“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
“Attention to detail and the mindset to get the job done one way or another!”
Michael Jarecke - mjaUSA Hosting & Online Services
“The Army gave me the skills and confidence to open my own business. The support I have already received from fellow veterans gave me the push I need to know that I can succeed as part of the veterans community.”
Robert Kent - MN Concealed Protection, LLC
“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”
Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC
“Learned how to lead.”
Nick DiMaggio - Jet Precision Metal Inc.
“I spent 17.5 years serving on active duty. All of the days had enriched my development which in turn has made in to the Man I am today.”
John Adair - J&H Custom Woodworking
“Endurance and diligence.”
Tim Donaldson - Media Dreams LLC
“I wish there was more services like this.”
joseph jacobs - Military Veteran Painting
“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
“The founders of VeteransPlus believe that the principal of 'Serving Those Who Have Served Us' should be extended beyond the bureaucratic limits of government. Our view is that we should all devote as much pride and determination in service to veterans and their families as we would expect from them in our national defense.”
David Collins - VeteransPlus
“The years in the military prepared me to handle any situation that comes along. It also prepared me to persevere through adversity. It made me a stronger person both mentally and physically.”
thomas heinz - PDQ Delivery Service
“Prepared me to be a responsible and accountable person. Has also helped with organization and structure.”
Raymond Bartholow - Total Product Services, LLC
“It has prepared me to not only succeed, but to challenge myself to be better at what I do.”
Abe Campos - Abe's Mobile Wash
“As the immediate past Adjutant General of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, USA, Inc. my duties as the chief executive managing a 12 million dollar annual budget has prepared me for the virtual gap needs of veterans and their care giving families.”
Isabel Palagyi - Bella Dignity Corp
“We understand the stresses imposed on the military families, and offer a standing discount for active duty military.”
Kenneth Schroeder - Bryant House Bed & Breakfast
“My military experience has instilled the values in me that it takes to be an accomplished business owner.”
Stephen Burleson - Burleson Lawn Service
“Hard work and perseverance and never give up. If you get knocked down get up and keep swinging.”
bob gertz - Parrot Cove Marina
“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
“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
“Leadership training and military experiences taught me to take pride in my accomplishments and strive to do the best I can with what ever I am doing.”
al mettler - Mettler Upholstery
“It has definitely installed the discipline and dedication in me that is required to run a successful business.”
Shonda Lewis - Proactive Support Solutions
“After 8 years in the Marine Corps, I have learned that such values as Honor, Courage and Commitment not only apply to the military and battlefield, but to my professional life as well. Vets need to look out for each other just as we did in service.”
Greg Trost - No Surrender Productions
