Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“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

“Organization, teamwork, following through with a job once started.”

Meredith Bogen - Bogen Pest Control, 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

“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

“I joined as a very young man. The Army instilled in me to believe in myself, have determination and never quit. Tho I be the lone survivor Rangers lead the way.”

Dewey Mitchell - Durable Cages LLC

“Taught me discipline!”

Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire

“Instilled discipline, confidence, and satisfaction in a job well done.”

Sean Elkin - Searchlight Interactive, LLC

“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 to employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service. In the military, we work in teams, and we have leaders just the way.”

Frank Valenti - Fulton Graphics, Inc.

“Training opportunities and instructing leadership courses.”

George Duncan - SWFL Duncan Group, LLC

“I was selected as the lead team leader into Baghdad because of my abilities. Leadership being paramount among them. The military trained me to master a task quickly and be able to teach it to others and lead them in a short period of time.”

Nickolas Starling - Veterans Venture

“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

“The discipline and hard work that I experienced in the Navy was priceless. It helped me to create a successful pressure washing business. Serving my country through the United States Navy was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

KENNETH MEDINA - CFB Pressure Washing

“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

“Discipline-Team Work-Pride!”

DAVID DEMARS - North American Property Management

“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

“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

“The twenty-one years of varied assignments and responsibilities inherent with the positions provided the leadership and know-how to become a small business owner.”

Gary Pitchford - Veteran Hire Pursuit, LLC

“The military taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, LLC

“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.

“Taught me organization and preparation.”

William R. Whitteker - Pansermesh Inc.

“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.

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“Taught me how to be able to adapt and improvise in pressure situations. Representing veterans before a Decision Review Officer is not a problem because you are always prepared. If you get a question you have the plan to follow.”

Carl Price - Advocates for Veterans

“Taught me discipline and gave me the self esteem needed.”

Dan Engel - Employee Benefit Solutions LLC

“The Army instilled a sense of discipline, teamwork and organization in me that has bettered every aspect of my life. I would definitely not be where I am today without the time that I proudly served in the military.”

Robin Caton - Foundstuff Estate Sales & Personal Property Appraisals

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

Fred Seger - Graydentech

“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

“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

“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.

“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

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

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

“Almost 10 years in the USAF taught me many things including trustworthiness, timeliness, honesty, sense of pride, and ethical behavior.”

Michael White - Heritage Heating & Air LLC

“Since I've served in both the Army and Marine Corps, I have made the lessons learned, standard protocol. Just as I had to do to learn how to walk again after getting hit with an I.E.D. while providing convoy security in Iraq.”

Kris Rodriguez - The Rodriguez Insurance Agency

“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 military helped by providing me with the determination to keep striving for success in everything that I do!”

Edward McCullough Sr. - The Bait Barn

“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.

“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”

Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire

“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)

“Honesty and integrity!”

Ronald McClaskey - R-Mac Electrical Service

“Discipline, integrity, persistence.”

Pete Chrzaszcz - Commercial MasterMinds

“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

“Organizational skills.”

Tommy Pope - Business Systems, Inc.

“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

“Discipline, team work, never give up attitude.”

Marvin Whitaker - Skip's Construction Co., Inc.

“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

“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

“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

“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

“I am a very disciplined individual who strives to help others above myself at all times. I definitely attribute these qualities to my military training and experience.”

Cirra Turpin - Cirra's Cloud

“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

“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

“It has given me the discipline to realize that what the mind can see it can achieve!”

Richard Olvera - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard Olvera

“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)

“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

“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

“Serving my country has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. The leadership, problem solving skills, as well as the strong work ethics instilled on me while serving, permeate everything we do at our law firm.”

Gary Lambert - Lambert & Associates

“Government contracts can be a daunting task. However, having served in the Army the skills you develop as a leader prepare you to adapt to changing needs and to pay close attention to detail.”

Taylor Justice - Squared Away Construction

“Leadership!”

Derek Blockhus - [email protected] Service LLC

“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

“Military service has prepared me to be a better business owner because of the discipline and assertiveness gained through my military experience.”

Calvin Glenn - CG1 Audio Systems

“All ways on time and doing the best you can the first time.”

Robin Bradley - Maid In America Janitorial Service

“It has prepared me to not only succeed, but to challenge myself to be better at what I do.”

Abe Campos - Abe's Mobile Wash

“Work with no supervision.”

Mike Morin - Mike & Sue Properties

“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

“Discipline!”

Ed Mihalacki - Laurel Mountain Laser

“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

“My previous military training, discipline and service during WWII following an "unemployment recession" similar to the current national recession, was a factor in my desire to succeed in civilian life. I have since then, only once, during the entire period of my adult life, actually worked for a company.”

Leon B. Siwek - World Wide Waters

“As a Military Veteran, I have learned the importance of being a team player, as well as the ability to organize, and manage in a business environment. I have learned the ability to speak intelligently to any and everyone I meet.”

Deontea Vickers - The Notary Lady Services

“I realized that anything is possible and we are only limited by our own initiative.”

Joseph Abi-najm - VA Home Inspect, LLC

“Being a Disabled Combat Veteran and a business owner has proven to be challenging. To have a certification such as the SDVOSB, and to have organizations in place to help publicize the importance of using companies like ourselves is truly priceless”

Joshua Glassburn - Construct Solutions, Inc.

“It taught me that hard work and setting goals was the only way to achieve my dreams.”

Donald Chapman - Chapman Services KCMO LLC

“The Marine Corps instilled in me a special set of leadership skills that have been imperative in facing the different challenges of business ownership.”

John Raftery - Patriot Contractors Inc.

“Military Service should be an obligation and not an option. It prepares you for life!”

Jeff Ross - The One Day Landlord

“Discipline, motivation, and pride.”

Ken Martin - Lodging Kit Company

“Opened our small business up to more consumers. Especially fellow veterans who have stood tall and proud for our country.”

Kenneth Elliott - P's Sleeves

“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.

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

Anthony Barbarette - Smoky Mountain Kayaking

“Military Service gave me my first introduction to Federal Government work and the discipline that was derived from being a Marine shaped me personally in my work ethics, attitude and dedication to detail. My Marine Corp training was invaluable.”

Valerie Lewis - Valerie Lewis Janitorial

“My military experiential base as a program and project manager, logistical specialist, and variety of other attributes from the service helped keynote the abilities I have learned to develop to be successful as a business owner.”

Dennis R Stebbins - Ventus Travel

“The Navy prepared me for unforeseen circumstances, so when I was declared disabled and unemployable by the Veterans Administration, I knew I had to do something to support my wife and kids, so I started my website.”

Douglas Conklin - Camelot Gift Shop

“The training I received in the NAVY helped with my self confidence and made me believe that I can do anything. I learned to work with many different people and honed both interpersonal and management skills.”

Jennifer Krajcir - Cycle Stop, Inc

“Good cow. It taught me discipline and self control. Also helped me be a better judge of character.”

Bill Hodge - HP Engineering, Inc.

“Being a former military member has set the foundation for my business. A great business owner constantly practices due diligence and commitment, and leadership, three very important skills that I have gained from my military experience.”

Jamie Kincade - JLK Global Enterprises, Inc.

“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

“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

“Being a Navy Chief Petty Officer, has provided me with the leadership and management skills that help make our corporation.”

Doylkes R. Grimes - Regal V, Inc.

“Promptness and discipline!”

DeMond Nelson - XTK Cleaning

“Being in the military gave me the courage to step outside myself and take a chance.”

Gail Walker - Paddle and Pedal Adventures

“Honor, respect & pride in the job you do for your country or your customers.”

Shon Thompson - Thompson Business Service

“I learned so much about myself and to respect myself and others.”

Joel Lewis - JK Lewis Property Mgmt LLC

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

Michael Priest - Revolution Prototype and Machine

“Provided the discipline needed to manage day-to-day business and unexpected obstacles.”

Arthur Brussard - TruckCourier, Inc

“Gave me the experience and confidence to handle myself and my affairs. It provided travel opportunities that opened my eyes to the entire world.”

Dave Pinchotti - Trippe Supply Co. of Washington, DC, Inc

“Hard work, discipline, attention to detail, professional and responsible in all we do!”

Remo Mazzetti - First State Contractors, Inc.

“To do what it takes to get the job done no matter what!”

ERIC DIONNE - Fixxer, LLC

“It prepared me to be a more organized and responsible person. By being in the Army, I developed a mentality that enabled me to become self-efficient and resourceful in starting and maintaining a business venture.”

Patricia Minton - Flower Divas

“The Navy provided opportunities for progressive leadership and management responsibilities and the skills to exceed in any environment. By capitalizing on the skillets learned, I have been successful in all my post Navy leadership roles.”

Kevin D. Reside - National Safety Technology LLC

“Military service (25) years has given me the necessary discipline and training to operate a business. After one year (1969) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, running a business seems easy.”

Joseph Reis - Naval Aviation Cadet Benson

“Organization, Leadership, Dedication.”

Edward Houston - New Genesis Organization, LLC

“'As I reflect back on my military experience and its “lessons learned”, it is clear that many are transferable to managing a business. First, you are only as good as your people. If you hire good people and mentor them, trust their will and allow them to grow, your team will ensure your business success. Second, hard work is the foundation toward developing a solid business model. Dedication and commitment are needed to ensure performance in the crowded business environment. Providing a quality product is not possible without the foundation. The last and I believe the most important lesson I brought with me from the Marine Corps was that nothing is as vital to success as high personal and professional morals and ethics. Without this standard success will soon slip from your group. Success in the business world is a challenge but possible following the principals acquired over a lifetime of military experience.'”

Terry Ebbert - T J Ebbert and Associates

“Team work.”

Rboert Sanders - T.J. Reliable Handyman, 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

“Work ethic.”

Ronald Woodfin - TetraTek, Inc.

“Being a Marine taught me the value of life and sacrifice. I learned to strive for those things that are important to me, and to never give up.”

Brian Grinston - The Alaska Veterans Project

“It gave me the ability to manage people.”

Lamont Jefferies - The Beverage Channel

“My military service provided me the discipline to achieve the goals I set for my organization.”

Fred Ezra - The Ezra Company

“The Marines instill self-respect, loyalty, attention to detail, and well to achieve dreams that may seem unreachable. Usually outnumbered, and trained to complete the mission and never to surrender, I view this poor economy as a strength, not a weakness, but to build on, and improve organizational operations to assure the highest customer service to accomplish company goals.”

Jerry Holmes - The Iowa Trim House

“My over 25 years of military service has given me a sense of pride in myself and my country. It has also prepared me for the demands of operating a small business.”

Thomas Mengesha - The Mengesha Firm, P.C.

“Discipline, quality service, commitment, dedication, leadership, management.”

Perry Lamy - 1-800-GOT-JUNK? - Dallas

“My business is structured in the same way as the military is ran with a chain of command. This structure is the way that helps us hold employees accountable for their actions.”

Steve Batcheller - A-1 Rental, Inc.

“The US Air Force provided the instruction and experience in electronic equipment operation and repair.”

Kevin McLaughlin - Advent Automation, Inc.