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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“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
“The military taught me leadership, management, and people skills.”
Thomas Krick - Homeland Property Inspections
“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
“I became more confident in myself to the point if someone else is doing well I could to.”
Gary Wainwright - Zrii International
“Gave me the principles and discipline that drives my business.”
Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC
“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
“I was selected as the lead team leader into Baghdad because of my abilities. Leadership being paramount among them. The military trained me to master a task quickly and be able to teach it to others and lead them in a short period of time.”
Nickolas Starling - Veterans Venture
“Persistence and Organization!”
James Terhune - T&T Materials Inc.
“Get it done attitude.”
Jerry Dorman - Jerry W. Dorman Master Electrician
“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
“Made me a more dynamic, honest and determined individual!”
Jake Haap - Orion Home Inspections
“Motivation, Discipline, and Foresight.”
John Paff - American Shootist LLC
“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”
Steven Fikes - SFX Electric
“As a Retied Command Master Chief, USN, my military experience prepared me to be a better business owner through visible leadership, team work, hands on management, and a strong moral compass.”
Barry Hemphill - Green Things
“Discipline-Team Work-Pride!”
DAVID DEMARS - North American Property Management
“It's helped me form objectives, and become better at forming strategies to reach those objectives. It's also helped me work as a team, develop SOP's in my business, and focus on the goals I have set.”
EJ Smith - Smith Business Development Solutions
“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
“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
“I'm built to be a better leader and much more confidence now.”
carlos gutierrez - CD Phone Home Inc.
“The Air Force, Airmen, invested time in mentoring me and developing my skills to be able to manage complex tasks and make sure the job gets done!”
Ed Stobierski - G.I. JUNK
“Leadership training and concept of personal Duty and Honor.”
Mark Preson - Operations and Engineering
“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 343rd. & 2849th. Civil Engineering Squadrons taught me the ins & outs of the Construction Industry. From how to set Brick, Block, Concrete, Windows, Doors & Drywall to Materials Procurement & Scheduling just to name a few.”
Michael Pereira - Palm Home Improvement Inc.
“It helped me develop a disciplined, organized and communicative work style.”
Karen Auguste - Purple Lynx Inc.
“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
“The US Army gave me the ability to make quick decisions, even though difficult keep on doing the task or duty until operation is complete and done to the best of my ability. Taught me to work as a team member, to encourage others to keep on going!”
Roy Huckaby - Weedseal Northwest Sales and Service
“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
“Taught me how to deal with stress!”
Marty Katz - QBD Consulting, Inc
“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
“I am always on time and I do what I say.”
Sam Emmerling - Sam Emmerling Company
“Management skills and the drive to success. Never give up no matter the how small or big the obstacle is in your path.”
Joseph Navarra - National Hospitality Resources
“Organizational Skills.”
Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.
“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
“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
“Taught me how to be able to adapt and improvise in pressure situations. Representing veterans before a Decision Review Officer is not a problem because you are always prepared. If you get a question you have the plan to follow.”
Carl Price - Advocates for Veterans
“Responsibility and honor.”
Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting
“Discipline, discipline, discipline!”
Bob Wilburn - Matrix Construction Co., Inc.
“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”
Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC
“Leadership and program management at the Defense Contract College.”
David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC
“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.
“Hard work and discipline.”
Kevin Hurley - Windy Hill Nursery, LLC
“Discipline and leadership skills, along with organizational skills.”
Todd Claiborne - Claiborne Hauling Contractors, LLC
“Tolerance, endurance, must succeed attitude.”
Linda Newberry - Agape Pools Leak Detection & Repair
“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.
“The discipline is a requirement of being self employed.”
John Russell - Eagle Industrial Instrumentation, LLC
“It gave me the skill to stick to it when the going has been slow.”
Richard Jennings - R H Jennings, LLC
“The years I spent in the military were filled with pride, responsibility, duty, discipline and provided me with the success I have today. It got my life going on the right track!”
Jane Watts - Batteries Watts & Things LLC
“The military taught me to take control and follow through and give 100% to my efforts.”
Anthony Perry - Total Care Property Inspections
“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
“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 skills given to me by the US Navy have helped us to make better informed business decisions.”
Gary Branch - Cross Chart Records
“The key word in any business is integrity.”
Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, LLC
“Leadership by Example. Supply Chain Management Skills.”
Billy Williamson - Global MPG
“The military helped by providing me with the determination to keep striving for success in everything that I do!”
Edward McCullough Sr. - The Bait Barn
“Prepared me to be aggressive and never quit. I started my business in 1987.”
Robert A. Mares - Bob Mares Photography
“Went thru some trying times in the army (helicopter crew chief-Vietnam) which makes you stronger, so you can give the extra effort it takes to run a business.”
William Whelan - The Printing Works
“The military showed me how to structure my time, money, and management.”
Brad Hedrick - Floor Designs
“Honor, respect, discipline!”
stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography
“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
“The military provided a place to mature and see the world without the close protection of my family. Decisions made by myself were totally mine and had its repercussions either positive or negative. This was the place where you learn to be an adult.”
James E. Frederick - TimeLine Management Group, LLC
“Joining the Marines was the best choice of my life. In my business life it has given me huge confidence and integrity. The willingness to persevere through any situation is also a big plus in my business.”
James Erickson - EMC Dental Marketing
“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
“I entered the Army at seventeen years old, as a high school drop out. The Army taught me the skills that have enabled me to thrive in any situation that I have found myself in. The training and education I was provided have made the man I am today.”
Scott Jones - Native Sons Services, LLC
“Serving in the military as an enlisted soldier made me appreciate how easy life really can be. It's all about making the best of every day and every business opportunity. Family and country!”
Steve Carby - VetRents Equipment & Sales Company
“Personnel Management. Leadership. Strong work ethic for long hours.”
Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar
“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
“Military trains you to get things done and go the extra mile. This is the core philosophy for my company which shows in the way we treat our customers and the quality of work we perform.”
Gus Meyer - Cypress Door & Glass LLC
“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
“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
“Introduced me to the disciplines required to get a job done and accomplish important and critical task without excuse or oversight. Also learned supervision, delegation, and leadership principles that have served me every day.”
Michael Thomas - Thomas Lock & Key
“Detail oriented professional services with dedication to customer service and satisfaction.”
Robert Welch - ATEX Inspects
“Never quit or give up!”
Randy Hill - RRJN Inc.
“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
“Organization skills, accomplish anything attitude.”
Allen Hafer - Sandal Marine Services
“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
“Discipline, pride in workmanship, attention to detail, extraordinary customer service ethic.”
Jeff Truesdale - Proforma True Solutions
“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
“Giving me the discipline and knowledge to be competitive.”
Greg Nixon - QualiCare Commercial Cleaning
“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
“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
“In the Marine Corps I was trained to be prepared for all different situations.In business you must be prepared for the ups and the downs and during both of those trends we always make the client the most important part of our business.”
James J. Capuano - Veterans Print Management
“It provided me with the discipline needed to operate in a fluid manner even in stressful situations.”
Brad Crawford - Top Home Inventory Services
“Discipline and the ability to converse with all levels of people. Confidence. Airborne training proved that I could accomplish what I set out to do.”
Charles Luntz - Charles Luntz & Associates
“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
“One word: discipline!”
Gerald Greer - Mr. G's Tees, Inc. (dba Under the Moon Graphics)
“My time in the Army as a Infantry NCO has prepared me to be a business owner, by teaching me how to focus on the task at hand and not giving up until it is accomplished.”
Adam Hart - Nightstalker Tactical Solutions
“Government contracts can be a daunting task. However, having served in the Army the skills you develop as a leader prepare you to adapt to changing needs and to pay close attention to detail.”
Taylor Justice - Squared Away Construction
“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”
Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC
“I was a young, slightly wild young man. The Army helped me to grow up fast. I met other young men from around the country that gave me a broader view of life. The Army teaches discipline, a strong work ethic, and a real love for the USA.”
William Templeton - Truck Xtreme
“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.
“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
“Discipline and determination I learned in the Military has had a great part in my business that produces higher standard in my work.”
JERRY ACOSTA - JD and Master
“All ways on time and doing the best you can the first time.”
Robin Bradley - Maid In America Janitorial Service
“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”
Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services
“Attention to detail is the number one thing I learned from the Army. This helps me everyday while inspecting homes.”
Michael Ivie - IVCO Home Inspection Service
“Work with no supervision.”
Mike Morin - Mike & Sue Properties
“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
“Hard work and perseverance and never give up. If you get knocked down get up and keep swinging.”
bob gertz - Parrot Cove Marina
“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
“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
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Max Hills - Reliable Auto Service, Inc.
“Discipline!”
Ed Mihalacki - Laurel Mountain Laser
“Understanding what teamwork it takes to truly take care of specific needs of soldiers directly applies to customer service. You must apply yourself and your team to provide great customer service.”
Richard Tillery - Veterans InfoSec Services
“I've learned to be self-disciplined and adapt to new environments with people of different cultures.”
CURTIS THOMPSON - DJ Tee's Entertainment
“My previous military training, discipline and service during WWII following an "unemployment recession" similar to the current national recession, was a factor in my desire to succeed in civilian life. I have since then, only once, during the entire period of my adult life, actually worked for a company.”
Leon B. Siwek - World Wide Waters
“As a Military Veteran, I have learned the importance of being a team player, as well as the ability to organize, and manage in a business environment. I have learned the ability to speak intelligently to any and everyone I meet.”
Deontea Vickers - The Notary Lady Services
“Being in the USMC has taught me discipline, strong work ethics and to be fair and honest.”
James Wenninger - Good to Go General Contracting
“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
“We are able to produce the required documentation, samples and attention to detail needed to help make our customers approvals and acquisition processes go smoothly.”
Will Cronin - Tiger Foam Insulation
