Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

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

Lonnie Pace - Family Laundry

“Leadership, Focus, Attention-to-Detail, Perseverance, Character, Empathy, Passion and Commitment.”

William Faucett - Flagship Logistics, LLC

“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

“I became more confident in myself to the point if someone else is doing well I could to.”

Gary Wainwright - Zrii International

“I joined as a very young man. The Army instilled in me to believe in myself, have determination and never quit. Tho I be the lone survivor Rangers lead the way.”

Dewey Mitchell - Durable Cages LLC

“The drive to be mission focused.”

Joe Webb - 4 Granite Inc.

“The Air Force has prepared me to be a professional leader!”

Mark Northrup - House 2 Home 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

“Organizational and leadership skills.”

James Abbott - Satcom Scientific, Inc.

“Get it done attitude.”

Jerry Dorman - Jerry W. Dorman Master Electrician

“Made me a more dynamic, honest and determined individual!”

Jake Haap - Orion Home Inspections

“The discipline and hard work that I experienced in the Navy was priceless. It helped me to create a successful pressure washing business. Serving my country through the United States Navy was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

KENNETH MEDINA - CFB Pressure Washing

“The military discipline most of all gave me the head start to achieve in civilian life and the command training gave me the ability to direct others toward goal accomplishment.”

Jim McConaghy - HelloEZ.com

“Taught me to lead by example.”

Jeffrey Allen - Global Crossroads Capital

“Military service teaches you to never give up.”

Rick Phillips - Dry Ridge Plumbing

“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

“Being a Marine & D. I. speaks for it's self - There is only one way to do it and "That's The Right Way". ~ They call me {The Box Doctor} and I have 46 years experience Semper Fi”

Roger Maxson - Maxson Container Consultants

“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

“As a broadcaster with Armed Forces Radio and as Public Affairs Specialist, I increased in confidence dealing with influential people. Also, service as a Non-Commissioned Officer provided leadership and organizational training.”

Ed Autry - Ed Autry Voiceovers

“Taught me planning.”

Peter Peno - The Hitch Man, Inc

“The military taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, LLC

“As a Master Training Specialist with the USN I gained valuable teaching experience that helped the transition to the private sector.”

H.G. Laragione - Maritime Institute Inc.

“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

“Organizational Skills.”

Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.

“Discipline, Discipline, Discipline!”

Lindy Scarborough - Magictainment

“Discipline, discipline, discipline!”

Bob Wilburn - Matrix Construction Co., Inc.

“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

“The military taught me determination.”

Vernon Williams - The Williams Company

“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

“Discipline and leadership skills, along with organizational skills.”

Todd Claiborne - Claiborne Hauling Contractors, LLC

“Serving in the Navy has given me the discipline to be a better business owner. I was able to commandeer my four sons into getting involved with our family run business, therefore running a tight ship. Our Italian Ice business is run by all walks of people across the United States (some of which are veterans).”

Harry Moore - Little Jimmy's Italian Ice

“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.

“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

“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

“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

“Military service helped develop my focus on detail which enables my optical scanning service help businesses concentrate on what they do best.”

Susan Berehulka - Scanning Innovations, LLC

“The Texas Air National Guard instilled in me (at least) three traits that are highly desirable in business owners/entrepreneurs... discipline, perseverance and tenacity. Without these traits I would never have been able to drive my business to where it is now.”

Chris Nicolaou - Texas DNS, Inc.

“The professionalism, discipline, and character of the people I had the honor to serve with taught us to always respect and treat our fellow man the way we want to be treated in business and in our every day life.”

Daniel B Jones - Purification Technologies

“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

“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.

“Improvise, adapt and overcome!”

Brian Durgin - Durgin's Lawn & Landscape

“The courtroom is a tough place to succeed, but not near as tough as the training and experiences I encountered in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman.”

Russell Little - The Law Offices of Russell Little, LLC

“Honor, respect, discipline!”

stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography

“Honesty and integrity!”

Ronald McClaskey - R-Mac Electrical Service

“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

“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

“Strong work ethic.”

Stewart Smith - The Crabby Pig

“Attention to detail that is required in the military has driven our business. Getting to jobs on time and completing them with the quality that is required is also a skill pounded into us military members.”

Russ Stark - Surface Specialists of Arrowhead Country

“Organization skills, accomplish anything attitude.”

Allen Hafer - Sandal Marine Services

“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.

“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

“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

“With training in leadership.”

Tom Shelters - Shelters Home Inspections

“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

“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

“Being a Corpsman in the Navy for 8 years taught me leadership and attention to detail.”

Jeff Moore - Quantum Home Inspections, LLC

“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

“Discipline, Discipline, Discipline. I received a lot of knowledge from my career in the military. Air Force values; Service before self and excellence in all we do.”

James Myers - Cincinnati Painter, Inc.

“It matured me at a young age and made me realize the importance of how great this life truly is and that veterans have given all to make this country what it is today.”

Carl Hollingsworth - Lightyear Wireless

“By teaching me at an early age that our country is the greatest country in the world. This inspired me to succeed in everything I do.”

Gonzalo Vergara - Distinctive Personnel

“Work with no supervision.”

Mike Morin - Mike & Sue Properties

“USMC did for me more than I could ever explain in a paragraph. Women like myself going in the USMC in the 1970's were a rare breed among ourselves, before the USMC shaped us into Marines. Tolerance, patience, and ability to see through the BS.”

Hollyecho Montgomery - Women's Computer Consulting

“It has definitely installed the discipline and dedication in me that is required to run a successful business.”

Shonda Lewis - Proactive Support Solutions

“My military service has prepared me for life. Being a business owner is just one piece. The discipline and work ethic I gained from my service combined with a greater understanding of team and leadership continue to be useful everyday.”

Christopher Swenson - Brightcore Consulting

“As an active duty member of the United States Army, I learned many many skills essential for entrepreneurship. I learned self discipline, leadership, commitment to task. I am grateful for the experience I had in the military for these reasons.”

Honey Rodgers - Premier Backyards

“Integrity, discipline, management & leadership.”

Donald Carter - Secure Comm Technologies, Inc.

“Dedication and hard work!”

Gene Yoho - Crescent Electric Service Co Inc

“G6 Communications is owned by 3 U.S. Marines who understand what attention to detail means.”

Mark Clemens - G6 Communications, LLC.

“Responsibility and accountability. The military taught me how both of these words will have an impact on my military career. Now that I am retired I have adapted these principals into my everyday business life.”

kevin Palladino - PAL's Power Washing, LLC

“With organization, planning, and commitment, I am ready for any challenge.”

Robin Mack - Robin Mack

“Military Service gave me my first introduction to Federal Government work and the discipline that was derived from being a Marine shaped me personally in my work ethics, attitude and dedication to detail. My Marine Corp training was invaluable.”

Valerie Lewis - Valerie Lewis Janitorial

“My military experiential base as a program and project manager, logistical specialist, and variety of other attributes from the service helped keynote the abilities I have learned to develop to be successful as a business owner.”

Dennis R Stebbins - Ventus Travel

“The military prepares people with a unique perspective on challenges. Veterans learn how to approach the world from another angle, and have an unparalleled drive and focus for meeting each challenge.”

Chad Bowerman - The Yellow Dog Group, LLC

“Both my wife and I are proud to be veterans. Military service has helped teach us self discipline and responsibility.”

Robert Rhodes - Bayou Cache

“Discipline.”

Francisco Mendoza - Dedicated Contracting

“The Marine Corps teaches organizational and leadership skills that are vital in a business setting. It also instills values such as honesty and integrity, which many businesses lack these days. The military also paid for my college education.”

Nicole Wylie - No Streaking Professional Window Washing

“I am used to putting up with whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Paul Coghlan - Paul A. Coghlan & Associates, P.C.

“Service before self, always doing your best, attention to detail.”

Glenn Heald - Santa Talks - A Book by Santa Glenn Heald

“Promptness and discipline!”

DeMond Nelson - XTK Cleaning

“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

“Being in the military gave me the courage to step outside myself and take a chance.”

Gail Walker - Paddle and Pedal Adventures

“By instilling the discipline and dedication to succeed.”

Charles McGrue - Thelexiana Enterprises, LLC

“It has helped me immensely in self-discipline and tenacity which are so required in running a business. My service to my country has widened my perception of the world and brought a new dimension to my conception of service to others.”

Robert Weimer - Weimer Mech Services

“I am currently doing the same work the navy trained me on almost twenty years ago.”

Kirk Campainha - Universal Fire Protection

“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

“Working on military aircraft has shown the reason for high quality and zero defects.”

Michael Priest - Revolution Prototype and Machine

“Military service prepared me for the world I would be facing when I was discharged.”

Richard Langis - Rick Langis Private Investigations

“As a Veteran of the first Gulf War, I know the importance of making the most out of every day. The training I received as a 12B Combat Engineer (1st Infantry Division) has prepared me to clearly assess any situation and to address any challenge in a calm manner. The Army has prepared me for all that life has thrown at me over the years and has given me the ability to lead people in a positive way. My service has reinforced how Blessed I am to be an American, and how Blessed I am to have opportunities to help others!”

Peter Nasarenko - XCL Unlimited LLC

“In December, 1967, I executed the documents to attend officer candidate school in the US Marine Corps. My approval to participate in the program occurred in April, 1968. I began my military career in July, 1968 as a US Marine. I completed officer candidate school and was awarded a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserve. I then attended The Basic School and subsequently attended USMC combat engineer school. All Marines are seaborne infantry riflemen first and foremost. My training in leadership, military discipline, military organization, small unit tactics, espirit de corps and general preparation to go to war in Vietnam has served me well in business. My experience in war in Vietnam as a platoon commander of 30 plus Marines, my experience as a company commander of 180 Marines and my experience as a company level executive officer gave me leadership experience where I assumed responsibility for managing the lives of men that is only possible in war time.”

Ben Bell - JMC Construction LP DBA Safety Nerds

“Gave me the experience and confidence to handle myself and my affairs. It provided travel opportunities that opened my eyes to the entire world.”

Dave Pinchotti - Trippe Supply Co. of Washington, DC, Inc

“To do what it takes to get the job done no matter what!”

ERIC DIONNE - Fixxer, LLC

“Military service taught me discipline to keep working to get the job done, not to be afraid to tackle something I was unfamiliar with, and to take care of the men and women assigned to me, which today is taking care of my customers.”

John Byers - Music Man Apparel

“1.) Work ethic 2.) Technical training”

Thomas Gaume - Network Computer Services, Inc

“Teaching me to never give up no matter what happens.”

Jack Gentile - New York Aviation Corporation

“Keep focused and operate with honesty and integrity.”

Duke Barrett - Night Bandit Publishing

“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

“Focus and discipline, organization and importance of readiness and training.”

Thomas Savoy - Northwest Pedorthics

“To be on time and responsible for your actions!”

Jim Coshatt - T & C Services LLC

“'As I reflect back on my military experience and its “lessons learned”, it is clear that many are transferable to managing a business. First, you are only as good as your people. If you hire good people and mentor them, trust their will and allow them to grow, your team will ensure your business success. Second, hard work is the foundation toward developing a solid business model. Dedication and commitment are needed to ensure performance in the crowded business environment. Providing a quality product is not possible without the foundation. The last and I believe the most important lesson I brought with me from the Marine Corps was that nothing is as vital to success as high personal and professional morals and ethics. Without this standard success will soon slip from your group. Success in the business world is a challenge but possible following the principals acquired over a lifetime of military experience.'”

Terry Ebbert - T J Ebbert and Associates

“Integrity!”

Timothy Foor - T4 Construction, Inc

“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

“The two owners of the firm are both in the Army Reserves. We both deployed to Iraq. We are now at the same Army Unit. Michael Chen is a 1LT (O2) in the JAG Corp. He just received his commission. He was a SSG (E6) prior to getting commissioned. Rex Tran is a SFC (E7). The military service gave us both the will and drive to own our own business. It helped give us the confidence, patience and the ability to pay attention to the details necessary to build a business.”

Rex Tran - The Law Offices of Chen & Tran

“It taught me to believe in myself, and never give up.”

Dale Nelms - The Peanut Wizard

“I credit my military service with providing me all of my computer skills and education. Additionally, it gave me the discipline and self motivation to make myself a better person to reflect well on my fellow soldiers and veterans.”

Angela Tourner - The Pink Padlock

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

Octavio George Manso - The Pressure's On Us

“I learned to stay 200 steps ahead of what people might want from me.”

James Wright - LastWright Music

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

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

“Leading others, goal setting and discipline.”

Larry LeDoux - LeDoux Industries, Inc

“Discipline, hard work and ability to overcome. Motivated to be in control of my destiny, and will not be happy working for those who are not.”

Cian Miles - Pinnacle Innovations

“It helped prepare me to be able to deal with the unexpected situations and events that occurred outside of my planned strategy and how to react accordingly.”

Tony Whetstine - Poway Samurai Martial Arts

“Command position.”

W Creighten Cornett - LegalShield Independent Associate - Creighten Cornett