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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“I learned leadership, critical thinking, interpersonal and management skills.”
Allyn Nock - BrightStar Care
“Preparation and organization. Meeting deadlines, commitments and greater respect for our country and honor and respect for our fellow country men.”
Lawrence Daniels - Da Arla Tax Services
“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
“It gave me a chance to have HUGE responsibility at a very early age. I was in charge of some very high profile programs. This experience propelled me into having the skills needed for entrepreneurship!”
Jeffrey Luckado - IMPACT Homebuyers Group, Corp
“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
“Military service has made me an even more responsible person!”
Roy Drangstveit - Minnesota Valley Inspections LLC
“14 years of service active duty and air national guard. Organizational skills lead to a structured business, learning to manage, lead and follow for a well rounded business plan, that has pointed us in the right direction.”
Chris Barcikowski - Mid Atlantic Commercial and Residential Real Estate Solutions Inc
“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service.”
Kelen Prutow - U.S. Integrators dba Frontline Protection
“Gave me the principles and discipline that drives my business.”
Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC
“I learned discipline and responsibility.”
Donnie Cross - Just By Nature Candle & Soap Supplies
“Taught me discipline!”
Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire
“Military service taught organization, leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”
Ralph Owens - O-Craftsmen Builders
“Persistence and Organization!”
James Terhune - T&T Materials Inc.
“Made me a more dynamic, honest and determined individual!”
Jake Haap - Orion Home Inspections
“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”
Steven Fikes - SFX Electric
“Taught me to lead by example.”
Jeffrey Allen - Global Crossroads Capital
“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
“Military service has prepared me to be a better business owner; by being organized, to be able to listen to my customers and meeting their needs. Not to be afraid to fail, and if I do, not to stop until I get it right!”
Charles Reynolds - OR Communications
“Basic training was no joke. It instilled discipline, courage, and the will to "drive on troop"! While stationed in Fort Kobbe, Panama I depended on the guy to my right and to my left. Same goes with business.”
Tom Carter - Ultrabrite LLC
“Discipline in decision making during adverse situations by far leads the list. Leadership was always taught and practiced everyday as it is in the business world. No one never needed to tell a group of gathered people that they were in the militia.”
John Raddatz - Tri City Tool & Die, Inc.
“Taught me patience.”
Jonathan Schneider - Schneider Financial Group, Ltd
“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
“In so many ways. Discipline, integrity, long hours, able to use the skills I learned in the Army to establish policies and procedures for my company.”
Alisa Clark - Glory Professional Cleaning Services
“Taught me planning.”
Peter Peno - The Hitch Man, Inc
“The military gave me leadership and Taught me discipline for every day life.”
Robert Morone - Morone's Mowing Inc.
“Discipline of finances. Only taking opportunities that present winning outcomes. Networking opportunities.”
CHARLIE FRISCH - Z3 Consultants Inc
“Professionalism, Compassion and Prudence. All traits associated with growing up in a military family and continue today as I say congrats and good luck to a Grandson going the Navy way.”
Rick Pino - Ricon Compliance Inspections
“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.
“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.
“Attention to detail!”
Paul Dinkins - Prep Security, LLC
“I am a retired Navy Commander and the Navy gave me the necessary management skills to start my own business.”
Joseph Scarola - Capital Material Handling, LLC
“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
“Procedures and systems.”
Ron Glazer - Ron Glazer
“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.
“It has given me tons of leadership experience!”
Jeremiah Richards - City Green Landscaping LLC
“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
“Taught me discipline and gave me the self esteem needed.”
Dan Engel - Employee Benefit Solutions LLC
“Leadership. Never surrender. Think outside the box.”
Fred Seger - Graydentech
“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.
“First and foremost, the Navy taught me electrical. I work until the job is finished. Confidence, knowledge and integrity were expected of me while serving and now those characteristics are provided for my clients.”
Steven Barrow - Sun Electrical & Renovations, LLC
“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”
Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company. LLC
“The military taught me determination.”
Vernon Williams - The Williams Company
“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
“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
“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”
Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps
“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
“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.
“Attention to detail, self discipline, teamwork, and a "never quit" attitude was instilled in us in the USCG. If you apply these principles to everything you do, you will prevail.”
Donald Lynch - LYNCH Janitorial & Cleaning
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Norbert Rug - Akron Grove Bath Products Inc.
“CAN Do attitude. Always ready to get the job done.”
peter vanwolvelaerd - VanDahl Engineering & Construction
“It has made me disciplined and focused and able to multi-task.”
Doug Robinson - Maine Inspection & Engineering Company
“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
“One word: Discipline!”
Mike Gillingham - Eastern Iowa Inspection Services LLC
“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
“My time in the military has laid the foundation for who I am as a business owner. I was taught respect, team-dynamics, honor and most importantly that anything and everything can be done with a positive 'can-do' attitude and good organization.”
Betsy Rosengrant-Stein - K.D. Rosengrant, Inc.
“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.
“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
“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”
Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire
“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
“Attention to detail and diligence in the way I perform my duties have proved beneficial in the corporate world.”
Christian Tolen - AmeriVet Logistics, Inc.
“Discipline, integrity, persistence.”
Pete Chrzaszcz - Commercial MasterMinds
“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
“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
“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
“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
“Becoming a soldier taught me to be a better business owner because I learned to face my fears from within. After I conquered, I was able to join the forces of many other strong individuals that possessed the strengths that I so longed to have.”
Silvia Torres Timoteo - Luxury Maids, Inc
“Discipline. Before entering the army I was a mess but afterward I became very organized.”
Stanley Sigstad - Trader Sigstad's Coffee
“Paid for college and built leadership.”
Mike Olivera, DBA - Rescue Wireless Remote Computer & Network Repair
“Discipline, pride in workmanship, attention to detail, extraordinary customer service ethic.”
Jeff Truesdale - Proforma True Solutions
“It gives you the focus and discipline to deal with everyday situations. How to work as a team and to meet deadlines.”
Jean Danson - Allied Computers
“Well I'm 61 years old now so it's been a while since I was in the army; however, the discipline of getting up early, everyday and getting out there to make a difference in the world still hold with me. Thanks for your site!”
William H Yarroll II - Business Development Associates
“My Military service taught me that nothing in life is free and if you want to be successful you have to work hard.”
Bobby Bonds - Diamond Studios
“It has given me leadership skills, drive and desire to become someone, the need to succeed.”
Katrina Wheeler - Katrina Wheeler Photography
“The discipline, training, and life experiences make veterans the best small business leaders in the civilian community. We use all those learned lessons and training experiences and apply them to our day to day operations and find they work extremely well.”
Michael Mizell - Millennium Security Services, LLC
“The Military service taught me to focus on a goal (mission) and don't be afraid to be adventurous. Add in hard work and you have the recipe to be a great business owner.”
Charles Moss - Mosscovers, LLC
“Leadership skills!”
C. J. Brown III - PeoplePower
“Define goals, keep focus and achieve defined objectives.”
Leslie Cooley - Pierce/Cooley Architects, Inc.
“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
“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
“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
“Veteran Owned Business (.com) has provided us a platform to not only share with the world our inspection services, but it also opens an opportunity for our company to refer and promote other veteran listings as well. What a great concept long overdue!”
Gary Sloan - Discovery Inspections, LLC
“Paying attention to the details is a skill I acquired in the Army. It fits very well running a small business.”
Ronald Foster - Consumer Opinion Solutions
“Home inspection requires something the Army is very good at and that is attention to details. It is our job to find any potential safety problems along with any problems with the major systems of the home that might be high dollar issues.”
Anthony Cassady - Essayons Home Inspections, LLC
“Being a Corpsman in the Navy for 8 years taught me leadership and attention to detail.”
Jeff Moore - Quantum Home Inspections, LLC
“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.
“I spent 17.5 years serving on active duty. All of the days had enriched my development which in turn has made in to the Man I am today.”
John Adair - J&H Custom Woodworking
“The military life requires discipline and focus - two key elements required to be successful in business. We have a very unique perspective on life once we are no longer active in the military but the residual affect of our commitment is evident.”
Sofia Hogan - Sofia Hogan Biz Coaching
“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
“Taught me not to quit even in today's economy.”
Merlyn Seeley - Shikata Enterprises
“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
“The years in the military prepared me to handle any situation that comes along. It also prepared me to persevere through adversity. It made me a stronger person both mentally and physically.”
thomas heinz - PDQ Delivery Service
“Prepared me to be a responsible and accountable person. Has also helped with organization and structure.”
Raymond Bartholow - Total Product Services, LLC
“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
“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
“The military taught me to apply attention to detail in all my work. It has helped my organize, plan and execute the services I provide to my customers.”
William Slusser - Patriot Cleaning Services
“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
“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.
“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.
“It has definitely installed the discipline and dedication in me that is required to run a successful business.”
Shonda Lewis - Proactive Support Solutions
“Discipline!”
Ed Mihalacki - Laurel Mountain Laser
“Went in as a kid, came out more grown up.”
Chris Rider - DirtGlue Enterprises
“Being an Executive Officer in an Combat Engineering Construction Company, I learned that duty to mission is the most important thing. The mission of Schiller Ahern is to put our clients in a better position than before our relationship began. We are committed to doing everything we can to make the client proud of our efforts and results. To us, the client is first.”
Chris Ahern - Schiller Ahern
“I've learned to be a manager and dealing with different types of personalities. To have the persistence and dedication to drive through the difficult times and push hard for success. To maintain the highest level of INTEGRITY in all my dealings.”
Scott Husted - Shreveport Filtration LLC
“Serving in the US Army, it gave me a sense of duty to be loyal to my fellow man - my fellow business owner. Taking pride in your country or your business creates a standard or a moral bar that is set at a high level that brings satisfaction daily.”
Robert Gaskin - National Business Loans
