Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“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.

“It has helped me keep deadlines, be well organized.”

Dawn White - White's Cleanit

“Taught me discipline, attention to detail, working with and directing a team.”

Rick Stricker - WebSlingers Web Development

“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

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

Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC

“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

“Military training prepared me to follow rules and steps in order to achieve goals. It taught me teamwork and how to be a good leader. There are some of the things I was able to use in order to become a business owner. The Army core values are something I have used as a way of life both in the military and in the business world, and it has been essential to our growth.”

Fernando Martinez - Ostar Motorsports

“Discipline!”

John(Jack) Furtney - JS Gifts and More

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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 responsibility and leadership under fire. Company commander with 3rd Marine Division RVN.”

LEO DURANT - LND Construction

“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

“The military taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, LLC

“Leadership training and concept of personal Duty and Honor.”

Mark Preson - Operations and Engineering

“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

“I was intent on starting a business where I could help give back to the servicemen and women that showed me the meaning of Integrity and Discipline. These are the very ethics that I have brought from the Marines into my organization.”

Mark Llano - Source One Distributors, Inc.

“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

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

Gilbert Sentell - Sentell Engineering, Inc.

“The military 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

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“Discipline, Discipline, Discipline!”

Lindy Scarborough - Magictainment

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

Bryan Whalen - Extremely Clean Pressure Washing

“Leadership. Never surrender. Think outside the box.”

Fred Seger - Graydentech

“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

“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

“It has given me the direction, capabilities and confidence to own and operate a small business.”

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

“Discipline.”

Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service

“By developing my organizational skills and giving me pride and determination.”

Eric brackman - RFI Consultants

“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.

“CAN Do attitude. Always ready to get the job done.”

peter vanwolvelaerd - VanDahl Engineering & Construction

“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.

“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.

“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

“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

“Personnel Management. Leadership. Strong work ethic for long hours.”

Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar

“The leadership training I received in the US Army prepared me to take on many challenges in life as well as taught me the skills I needed to venture out and start my own business.”

Leopold Lacrimosa - SonoranDesertKnives

“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

“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

“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

“Never give up and absolutely never forget what you're fighting for!”

Thomas Kamm - All Veterans Funeral and Cremation

“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.

“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

“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.

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

Adam Peters - Three Willows Counseling, LLC

“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

“I learned to take responsibility for situations.”

Christopher Rice - Southern Finishes Estimating, LLC

“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

“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

“With training in leadership.”

Tom Shelters - Shelters Home Inspections

“It provided me with the discipline needed to operate in a fluid manner even in stressful situations.”

Brad Crawford - Top Home Inventory Services

“Attention to detail!”

eric smith - Father and Sons Lawn Care

“Through the years of training and experience in leading, directing and supervising, my 20 years as an Army officer has better equipped me to run my own business.”

Geoffrey Yoste - Yoste Strategic Partners, LLC

“One word: discipline!”

Gerald Greer - Mr. G's Tees, Inc. (dba Under the Moon Graphics)

“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

“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

“My Air Force experiences expanded my view of the business workplace and now allows us to uniquely approach the field of human resources through an effective and efficient use of processes, practices and principles.”

Leanne King - SeeKing HR

“Organization and discipline.”

earl c montgomery - Sasser Custom Exhaust

“Being a leader and doing right by my fellow man.”

Kevin Barry - DJ/Karaoke Kevin

“Learned discipline and to stick with it.”

Bruce Cram - Douglas Enterprises Transportation 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

“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

“Army leadership schools (Ranger School).”

Larry Mills - Skeen, Mohler & Associates Insurance

“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

“Military offered training and development skills in diverse environments. They taught me to never to give up, teamwork, leadership skills and on the job training. They taught me to succeed in everything I did whether the job is big or small.”

Joseph Latorre - Direct N-Pakt LLC

“I've learned to be self-disciplined and adapt to new environments with people of different cultures.”

CURTIS THOMPSON - DJ Tee's Entertainment

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

Richard Baisden - T&D Productions, LLC

“Discipline is the word.”

Joseph Massie - Massie Commercial Real Estate Services

“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

“I have learned how to handle a challenge.”

Glen Sandiford - My Virtual Accountants

“Taught me to focus and set goals to attain desired results.”

Anthony Barbarette - Smoky Mountain Kayaking

“Instilled in me a sense of drive and purpose that has been the key to my 25+ years of success as operator and owner of a small business distributing safety products and protective clothing to industry. My business is my life!”

Paul Hill - PJ Hill Industries

“The military was instrumental in teaching me how to take pride in my work, and how important ethics are in any work environment.”

Craig Sawyer - Tim Nolen Enterprises

“Looking back at all that I have accomplished and acquired from my military experience such as discipline, skills, and leadership experience has certainly made me ready to own a business. I would have never have changed a thing and would do again!”

Joe Lavid - Property Management Inc of SW Florida

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

Michael Priest - Revolution Prototype and Machine

“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

“Learned to be responsible, punctual, dependable, persistent, loyal, appreciate teamwork, respect for self and others, leadership.”

Jesse Willingham - TriMark Marketing Technologies, Inc.

“The Navy prepared me to become a business owner by instilling strong values and discipline to get things accomplished, goal setting and time management. It taught me how to deal with a variety of different people from all walks of life. It taught me to take pride in everything that I do.”

Marc House - Total Shred Solutions, LLC

“My military service prepared me to be a better business owner because it provided me with the ability to not only focus on the big picture of a project, but to identify the necessary components to accomplish a stated objective. ”

Genesiac Folkes - Folkes Brothers, LLC

“Discipline, Dependability, Respect, Dignity, and training.”

Justin Law - New England Security & Public Safety Agency

“Organization, Leadership, Dedication.”

Edward Houston - New Genesis Organization, LLC

“Ownership, responsibility, being on time, working hard, do the job right!”

David G. Shaw - New Look Paint and Power Washing

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

Jack Gentile - New York Aviation Corporation

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

Sergio DelHoyo - NOVA Home Inspection LLC

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

Troy Decker - Symmetry Installations

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

Nathaniel Selby - Syndicate Moving and Transport

“Military service has made me a better business owner because it has instilled in me that everything needs to be thorough, precise and done in a timely fashion. Being disciplined in getting tasks done efficiently and to be a team player.”

antone Nielsen - T. Nielsen Environmental

“Integrity!”

Timothy Foor - T4 Construction, Inc

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

William Cobb - Targeted Tactics, LLC

“Military service has helped me realize that the American dream can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.”

Ahmet Taylor - TC Software, Inc.

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

Matthew Logan - TDL Electrical Contractors, Inc

“Discipline, plain and simple.”

Kirt Anderson - TEC Trainer, LLC

“It gave me the ability to manage people.”

Lamont Jefferies - The Beverage Channel

“My time in the Marine Corp taught me values such as honesty, hard work and discipline will pay you back ten fold in everything you do, including but not limited to, your personal life as well as your business.”

Ron McCollum - The Construction Services Group, Inc

“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

“I am able to improvise and adapt to changes in the marketplace faster than our competitors. Also, I consider those working for our organization to be our most valuable assets.”

Mark Moore - The MEP Group Inc.

“We are highly qualified and personable with a real desire to understand your needs providing the utmost quality of service to you. The military instilled in us to give 110% in whatever we do.”

Jacqueline Baskett - AJB Enterprises

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

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

“Leadership and organization.”

Steve Lawton - Lawton & Company, Cabinetmakers by Trade, Inc.

“The Military made me a man. During my Tour of Duty, I learned leadership, respect, teamwork, organization, structure, and most important Honesty, Compassion, The love of our Country and all the people who live here and who give their lives everyday.”

John Dafonte - Port Bolivar Marine Service, Inc.

“I have had served over 23 years in the United States Marine Corp, developed strong business ethics and discipline, and experienced working with many people from all walks of life.”

Richard DeVasto - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard R. De Vasto

“Taught me meaning of responsibility. Do the best you can do. Finish the job in a timely manner.”

Phillip Priebe - Priebe Construction

“The military taught me quality, disciplined work, and fairness of service delivery.”

Jeff Fries - Pegasus Web Services Inc.

“Responsibility and dedication.”

Eduardo Gonzalez - PerfumeStudio

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

Joshua Herting - Phenom Security Integrators, LLC

“Getting the job done right, the first time, on time. Teamwork and preparedness. Integrity is an integral part of our business and a core value of the Air Force and all armed forces.”

David Myers - ProAxis IT

“The military gave me the discipline that I needed, which has helped me tremendously in my entrepreneurial efforts. It gave me a sense of self, and the desire to succeed. I developed a host of great, long lasting friendships, which will also assist me in my business building efforts. It is because of my time in the military that I have the drive to venture outside of the normal view of success and start my own business.”

Walter Lindsey - Unity One East, Inc