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
“Leadership, Focus, Attention-to-Detail, Perseverance, Character, Empathy, Passion and Commitment.”
William Faucett - Flagship Logistics, 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
“It taught me honor, integrity, hard work, perseverance, adaptability, how to improvise, overcome and complete on each mission.”
Shelly Bauer - Universal Investigations, LLC
“The experience acquired during my 23 years of military service and our unique approach to identify and complete our projects, places us at a different level than that of our competitors. Indirectly we are still serving our nation and those that are currently serving and we are extremely proud for it!”
Alfredo Quiros - Telum Protection Corp
“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
“The discipline it takes to be a successful soldier benefited me the most. I am able to focus and accomplish specific tasks more effectively because of my military experience.”
Jacqueline Ingol - Beautiful Plants LLC
“Has provided me the leadership skills to run a successful business.”
Stephen Pearson - High Tech Crime Institute Inc
“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
“I am better prepared to take leadership positions and handle adverse conditions properly.”
Kim Carevic - Kim's Trucking Co. Inc.
“Discipline!”
John(Jack) Furtney - JS Gifts and More
“Persistence and Organization!”
James Terhune - T&T Materials Inc.
“Better Business Owner: Organized, Motivated, Self Initiative.”
Andrew Ronchak - Green Leaf Corporation
“By supplying me with the tools to become a responsible, organized and motivated adult.”
Willie Vega Jr. - FITNESS 4 LIFE Personal Training
“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”
Steven Fikes - SFX Electric
“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
“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
“On active and reserve duty I obtained the position of Sr. Drill which allowed me Leadership and Management opportunities along with discipline and respect of others. This is the best Country in the world as I have been to several other countries during my 27 years in the Military. I believe our elders and military veterans should have the opportunity to have the best value of the services offered them. I have continually maintained a high level of schooling, education and knowledge in my field.”
Samuel Pozdol - Peete's Electric Company
“Military service teaches you to never give up.”
Rick Phillips - Dry Ridge Plumbing
“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
“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
“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
“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 Navy prepared me not only when I was active but for my future as a civilian. They taught me to work hard, learn from your mistakes, learn as much as I can, and help others.”
Richard Synek - Feed Our Veterans
“The army gave me the discipline and determination to go beyond boundaries to achieve succeed. The military gave me the opportunity to see the world and the needs of our industry that are global. The demand for quality and longevity in our products and the internal frame work of our company and most of all the pride in providing American made products.”
HE Dan Bunch - Odorite International Inc.
“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 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 military has better prepared me to run my business for many reasons. I love to take challenges head on, am a highly motivated person. I look for the best in anything I do whether I was on the front lines in Iraq or cleaning a customers window!”
Billy Templeton - Veterans Window Services
“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
“To have honor is the way you run your business. A hand shake is just as good as a multi-page contract.”
Roland Walker - Walker & Sons, Inc. dba Katrol Construction
“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
“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
“The GI Bill launched me into an education in mechanical engineering. I started my education while still in the Navy and received a lot of help from my aircrew officers in mathematics and physics. I was then ready to start a 4-year program at UC.”
David Tostenson - DT Engineering Associates Inc.
“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
“Organizational Skills.”
Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.
“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
“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”
Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.
“Discipline, Discipline, Discipline!”
Lindy Scarborough - Magictainment
“The Navy gave me direction and allowed me to see opportunities that I thought were out of reach. It also taught me to be organized.”
Morgan Le Vally - Morgan Marine LLC
“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
“Military service is invaluable in teaching one team work, discipline, communication, contacts, and allows one to establish life long friendships.”
David B. du Pont - HEPCO, Inc.
“Responsibility and honor.”
Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting
“The good people that trained me at FT. Polk LA. taught me to never give up, no matter what the odds, keep the pressure up and persevere until the adversary can be conquered.”
Alfred Kamosa, Jr. - Kamosa Realty
“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”
Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC
“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”
Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company. LLC
“It taught me to be able to deal with different personalities and to be able to be patient in waiting for what I am looking for.”
Aaron Thomason - Thomason and Partners, LLC
“Hard work and discipline.”
Kevin Hurley - Windy Hill Nursery, LLC
“It gave me structure, dedication, and made me a man.”
James Carlton - Defense Components of Detroit
“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
“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
“Dedication, discipline, versatility and communication is the major component in a business. The military developed these skills within myself.”
Tyrone scott - Serendipitys The Biggest Little Shop
“The submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”
Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC
“The key word in any business is integrity.”
Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, 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
“Leadership, working with teams, management, efficiency and hard work.”
Mel Lamont - Lamont Brands Inc.
“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
“Leadership and Character. The military gave me the confidence to know that I can do anything I set my mind on.. and that's the truth! 100% success thus far!”
Jeffrey Gonzalez - DirectJG HIDS and Accessories
“The military showed me how to structure my time, money, and management.”
Brad Hedrick - Floor Designs
“Military service provided the ability to achieve tailored results in complex operating environments with a diverse work force. Teamwork, collaboration and individual/team achievement are key to customer satisfaction and company growth and professionalism.”
Ben Saylor - Fidelity Contract Flooring, LLC
“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)
“I'm able to think outside the box after living and working in many, many boxes.”
Timothy Buskell - Ago, 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
“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
“Taught me a "never quit" philosophy!”
F Gregg Meagher - Life Regeneration Systems Corporation LLC
“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
“More discipline to do what is right. More direction to get to my goal.”
James Moore - D.J.M. Building and Remodeling Co.
“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
“Discipline, team work, never give up attitude.”
Marvin Whitaker - Skip's Construction Co., Inc.
“Being in the US Army and having the privilege of serving overseas has helped me take the challenges of the business world in stride.”
JD Beers - Coupon Raider!
“The leadership and discipline from my military service prepared me for managing not only one business but two.”
Dorothy West - AVON - Independent Sales Representative - Dorothy West
“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
“My military service enhanced my ability to meet the challenges that owning a business sends my way. By teaching me that I am stronger physically and mentally then I ever thought possible.”
Dawn Mata Crane - La Matadora Cosmetics
“Disciplined, organized, motivated, on-time, responsible, professional.”
Scott Ehlert - Coastal Flooring Contractors
“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
“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
“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 training helped me to look at a situation and quickly and accurately make educated decisions.”
David Wardlow - Veterans Debt Relief
“I see paths of opportunities not just roadblocks.”
Eric Wiechert - Eric Wiechert Law Office
“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
“I am prepared to deal with anything, anticipated or otherwise. My military training prepared me technically and operationally to deal with the great world of the unknown in technology consulting. Mission First, Team Always.”
Wayne Heffner - Customer First Consulting, LLC
“The military has given me the foundation to run and own a company.”
JASON LOFTIS - Courier Solutions, Inc.
“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
“Discipline. It's all about discipline.”
Bob McGuire - Cooking Classes in Melbourne with Chef Bob
“My time in the Army as a Infantry NCO has prepared me to be a business owner, by teaching me how to focus on the task at hand and not giving up until it is accomplished.”
Adam Hart - Nightstalker Tactical Solutions
“Active, detail-oriented, discipline, focus, hardworking, observant, regimented, scheduled.”
Pete Petroulias - Phoenix Communications & Cabling, Inc.
“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”
Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC
“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
“Endurance and diligence.”
Tim Donaldson - Media Dreams LLC
“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
“Taught me not to quit even in today's economy.”
Merlyn Seeley - Shikata Enterprises
“Responsibility, integrity, honor and getting the job done.”
James Pyle - Jims Computer Services
“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”
Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services
“Military service taught me to persevere even in difficult times while always keeping excellence a top priority.”
Sarah Hudson - The Marketing Analysts
“Prepared me to be a responsible and accountable person. Has also helped with organization and structure.”
Raymond Bartholow - Total Product Services, LLC
“Organization and discipline.”
earl c montgomery - Sasser Custom Exhaust
“My military experience has instilled the values in me that it takes to be an accomplished business owner.”
Stephen Burleson - Burleson Lawn Service
“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
“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
“The military helped me mature. It also helped in making critical decisions.”
James Mathews - National System of Garage Ventilation
“Army leadership schools (Ranger School).”
Larry Mills - Skeen, Mohler & Associates Insurance
“Many traits were derived from military service, especially because of the age of the person. Most service people entered a branch of a service at 18 to 21 years of age. These are formative, learning and experience-gathering years that are nurtured.”
Joel Jablons - The TEEJAY Co.
“My 4-year enlistment in the United States Air Force taught me many skills. As a Security Police K-9 officer, I learned how to write detailed incident reports that would later be used in court to get full convictions. I also learned that a quest for knowledge and training in my career field led to special duty assignments, advancement and recognition by my superiors. Additionally, my GI Bill benefits allowed me to further my education and complete my degree programs, which provided me with additional skills needed in today's business environment.”
Jeff Tomczak - Rocky Mountain Flag Company - Littleton
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Max Hills - Reliable Auto Service, Inc.
“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
