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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“Leadership, Focus, Attention-to-Detail, Perseverance, Character, Empathy, Passion and Commitment.”
William Faucett - Flagship Logistics, 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
“Being trained in supervision, discipline and attention to detail.”
Bernard Schuyler - Arctic Sky Excavating, LLC
“I became more confident in myself to the point if someone else is doing well I could to.”
Gary Wainwright - Zrii International
“Taught me discipline!”
Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire
“Instilled discipline, confidence, and satisfaction in a job well done.”
Sean Elkin - Searchlight Interactive, LLC
“Learned discipline, determination and perseverance.”
Hal Decker - Doctor Greens
“The Army Infantry taught me humility, honest, and confidence. How to train and deal with people. Most importantly, your word is your bond.”
Scott Kersjes - Innovative Facilities Solutions, Inc.
“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
“Training opportunities and instructing leadership courses.”
George Duncan - SWFL Duncan Group, LLC
“Military service taught organization, leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”
Ralph Owens - O-Craftsmen Builders
“As a Marine Corps Sniper in Vietnam, it taught me the importance of being careful and paying close attention to small details.”
Dan Bowers - Holmes Inspection Company
“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
“Organizational and leadership skills.”
James Abbott - Satcom Scientific, Inc.
“I was trained in discipline, organization; goal oriented, and team work. Start a project and follow through to a successful finish. Provide the tools for the work force and create a teamwork environment.”
James Guin - AAA Yacht Sales
“Higher work standards, better people skills, higher quality product efficiency!”
Roger Newcomer - Dick's Speed-O-Tach, Inc.
“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”
Steven Fikes - SFX Electric
“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
“The military prepared me to be a better business owner, by challenging my mind and body through seemingly impossible tasks. After accomplishing these tasks, I realized that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
David Zimmerman - Lawn n' Home Doctor
“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.
“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”
Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers
“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
“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
“Personal relations and discipline.”
Henry Canup - Henry Canup's Metal Polishing
“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 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.
“Understanding competence, responsibility, and integrity.”
Charles Naumowicz - Sun Solar Systems
“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
“I am always on time and I do what I say.”
Sam Emmerling - Sam Emmerling Company
“The exposure to types of people outside of my chosen circle of friends and how to deal with difficult people are the most important lessons I learned while serving.”
John Hendrickson - Smoke Eaters Supply
“Procedures and systems.”
Ron Glazer - Ron Glazer
“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.
“I am better able to run my small business due to my formal Army training in leadership and through the personal leadership experiences that progressively grew over 26-years, from managing small one to two man teams to large multi-level organizations.”
Byron Barron - CertaPro Painters of Northeast Georgia
“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 & leadership.”
Brian Crist - MGQ & Associates, Inc
“Responsibility and honor.”
Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting
“As a cook in the Seabees (NMCB-40) I grew to love the job & continued to cook after getting out of the military. This led me to start an ice cream parlor during the 1980's waffle cone craze & become inventor of the original flavored cookie cone.”
Eric Nielsen - My Go To Guy Products
“1- Dealing with diversity 2- making well thought out and timely decisions 3- Do what ever it takes to complete the project 4- Turning negative situations into positive results”
Mel Flaget - Point 2 Point Logistics (Independent Landstar Agency)
“Leadership and program management at the Defense Contract College.”
David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC
“The military taught me determination.”
Vernon Williams - The Williams Company
“It has made and kept me Responsible.”
Rowland Givens - The Wright Place Foundation Inc.
“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
“Responsibility for actions, leadership, commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and being on time are all qualities that 23 years of military service taught me, enabling me to be successful after leaving the military.”
Keith Sublett - Gorilla Integrations, LLC
“By developing my organizational skills and giving me pride and determination.”
Eric brackman - RFI Consultants
“It gave me the skill to stick to it when the going has been slow.”
Richard Jennings - R H Jennings, LLC
“It has made me disciplined and focused and able to multi-task.”
Doug Robinson - Maine Inspection & Engineering Company
“It showed me the drive that it takes to succeed, and the integrity to make sure the job is done right.”
Nelson Borgeson - Borg Construction Services
“The submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”
Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC
“Military service helped develop my focus on detail which enables my optical scanning service help businesses concentrate on what they do best.”
Susan Berehulka - Scanning Innovations, LLC
“The organizational and preparation skills I can say have given me a high drive to succeed in my business. Creating new goals and commitments. Being physically and mentally focused to complete specified tasks. Creating solutions to problems. I can say this is what the Military has done for me.”
Robert Dano - Zodiac Cleaning System 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
“The military showed me how to structure my time, money, and management.”
Brad Hedrick - Floor Designs
“The courtroom is a tough place to succeed, but not near as tough as the training and experiences I encountered in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman.”
Russell Little - The Law Offices of Russell Little, LLC
“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)
“Trust, leadership, independent, and the ability to talk and work with others to accomplish goals.”
Jeffrey Lakatos - Hartland Electric LLC
“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
“More discipline to do what is right. More direction to get to my goal.”
James Moore - D.J.M. Building and Remodeling Co.
“Military Service enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”
Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel
“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
“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
“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
“My military career has taught me the organizational skills to conduct business and cope with the stress of business.”
Jim Thomas - Environmental Equipment Services LLC
“It has given me leadership skills, drive and desire to become someone, the need to succeed.”
Katrina Wheeler - Katrina Wheeler Photography
“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
“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
“It provided me with the discipline needed to operate in a fluid manner even in stressful situations.”
Brad Crawford - Top Home Inventory Services
“The attributes of leadership, pursuit of goals, service to others, and never looking back have prepared me to accept all challenges and overcome all obstacles to provide "value added" service to my fellow Americans.”
Phil Lowe - Mr. Appliance of Albuquerque
“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
“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
“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
“Discipline. It's all about discipline.”
Bob McGuire - Cooking Classes in Melbourne with Chef Bob
“Learned how to lead.”
Nick DiMaggio - Jet Precision Metal 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
“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 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
“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
“Self discipline, attention to details, and a good work ethic all have helped me in my business.”
Vincent Chestnut - Alpha Locksmith
“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
“The military has taught me how to manage time and people. It's also taught me how to treat people equally, fair and has instilled a high level of integrity into my business and personal life.”
Thomas Charles - Charles Electronics, LLC
“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
“Hard work and perseverance and never give up. If you get knocked down get up and keep swinging.”
bob gertz - Parrot Cove Marina
“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
“It further trained me and gave me experience in process improvement and information technology consulting services.”
Anthony Adamson - Adamson Consulting Services, Inc. (ACS)
“My military background prepared me for a variety of contingencies; I'm trying to pass that experience on to my community.”
Larry Good - Southwest Washington Surplus
“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
“I have learned in life as in the military that commitment and perseverance is the key to being successful in anything you do in life. I married in 1973 while still in the Marines, I am still married and going strong.”
Bob Edwards - EDWARDS Electric, Inc.
“I have learned how to handle a challenge.”
Glen Sandiford - My Virtual Accountants
“As an active duty member of the United States Army, I learned many many skills essential for entrepreneurship. I learned self discipline, leadership, commitment to task. I am grateful for the experience I had in the military for these reasons.”
Honey Rodgers - Premier Backyards
“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
“Discipline, drive, and the determination to succeed and overcome any challenges I must face with persistence and the strong desire to achieve and do great things!”
Mark Jette - Artisans & Stone Craftsmen MARCO JETTE LLC
“Military Service should be an obligation and not an option. It prepares you for life!”
Jeff Ross - The One Day Landlord
“Dedication and hard work!”
Gene Yoho - Crescent Electric Service Co Inc
“As an Infantry Unit Leader, I had to coordinate efforts to accomplish missions and objectives with as few casualties and the most efficiency possible. Seeing how tasks come together to complete a larger objective was an important tool to becoming a business owner. Supporting contracts sometimes requires a joint effort with other organizations to be successful.”
Christopher Worden - Worden Technology Solutions, LLC
“Discipline, motivation, and pride.”
Ken Martin - Lodging Kit Company
“Responsibility and accountability. The military taught me how both of these words will have an impact on my military career. Now that I am retired I have adapted these principals into my everyday business life.”
kevin Palladino - PAL's Power Washing, LLC
“Very attentive to detail, caring and sharing with others.”
Jim Shear - Sekurenet Inc.
“The military prepares people with a unique perspective on challenges. Veterans learn how to approach the world from another angle, and have an unparalleled drive and focus for meeting each challenge.”
Chad Bowerman - The Yellow Dog Group, LLC
“My military service is the back bone of my business. The Marine Corps is the base of my work ethic.”
Scott Williams - Crown Fire Protection
“It has taught me to stay focused, diligent, and the ability to push yourself to limits to get the job done and the ability to depend not only on yourself to get the job done, but having the right team to succeed and accomplish the mission.”
Patrick McDonald - Innovative Vending Solutions, LLC
“I think just the basic hard work that was involved with my job. I was an operating engineer but found myself operating a handle (shovel) more often than not. The work ethic that was formed really can't be beat. I wouldn't have it any other way.”
Adam Butusov - M1 Property Management Company
“The Marine Corps teaches organizational and leadership skills that are vital in a business setting. It also instills values such as honesty and integrity, which many businesses lack these days. The military also paid for my college education.”
Nicole Wylie - No Streaking Professional Window Washing
“18 months in Vietnam in 1969 right out of high school teaches you how to handle any situations that comes your way, and for me that 18 month tour has made me a better business owner.”
Jon Murany - Photo-Tec Graphics & Signs
“Service before self, always doing your best, attention to detail.”
Glenn Heald - Santa Talks - A Book by Santa Glenn Heald
“Introduced me to mechanical engineering.”
Paul Martin - Sigma Psi Consulting Engineers, PLLC
“The Military taught me a number of things. The values of hard work, dedication, and integrity. In my business its crucial that my clients feel and know that I am taking care of their best interests with the highest of ethical standards.”
Conrad Caldwell - North State Insurance Group, LLC
