Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

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

Rick Stricker - WebSlingers Web Development

“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

“Military service has made me an even more responsible person!”

Roy Drangstveit - Minnesota Valley Inspections LLC

“Taught me discipline!”

Pete Brush - My Geek For Hire

“Learned discipline, determination and perseverance.”

Hal Decker - Doctor Greens

“I joined the Navy one year after high school. I served six years in the Navy Nuclear Power program, four years on the USS California (cgn36). After the service, I enrolled at the University of New Mexico and received my Electrical Engineering Degree. I worked for Intel for 12 years and now own and operate my own fitness center. The Navy gave me experience that none of the other things ever could; that is, discipline, honesty and integrity and that anything worth having requires those three.”

Mark Atencio - Anytime Fitness Albuquerque

“Has provided me the leadership skills to run a successful business.”

Stephen Pearson - High Tech Crime Institute Inc

“Training opportunities and instructing leadership courses.”

George Duncan - SWFL Duncan Group, LLC

“Serving in the Army has given me the ability to listen, learn, and go with my instincts. I set the example of a good citizen, businessman, family man, providing good moral standards, and high integrity. ”

Walter S Willingham - Superior Retail Services, Inc.

“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

“Persistence and Organization!”

James Terhune - T&T Materials

“Better Business Owner: Organized, Motivated, Self Initiative.”

Andrew Ronchak - Green Leaf Corporation

“Marine Corps taught me discipline and integrity.”

Steven Fikes - SFX Electric

“Taught me patience.”

Jonathan Schneider - Schneider Financial Group, Ltd

“Taught me planning.”

Peter Peno - The Hitch Man, Inc

“It helped me develop a disciplined, organized and communicative work style.”

Karen Auguste - Purple Lynx Inc.

“I learned the basic from the military, respect all people and do my best for the mission at hand... that reflects the way I handle my business.”

DAVID SMITH - S&S Towing

“The military has given me the skills to work hard and over come many obstacles that you encounter when opening and running a business.”

eric hirt - Hirt Motorsports

“26 years experience of flying, maintaining, and support Air Force Weapon Systems.”

Don Needham - LogSpec

“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

“Provided training, education, experience and ethical core values.”

Jay Marzulli - Biz Web Wiz Web Design

“My military service was instrumental in the development of my leadership and organization skills.”

Dennis Sommer - Executive Business Advisers

“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

“Leadership abilities, and discipline acquired in the service has carried over into business.”

James McBride - Environmental Management System

“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

“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, LLC

“Hard work and discipline.”

Kevin Hurley - Windy Hill Nursery, LLC

“Discipline and leadership skills, along with organizational skills.”

Todd Claiborne - Claiborne Hauling Contractors, LLC

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

“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

“Tolerance, endurance, must succeed attitude.”

Linda Newberry - Agape Pools Leak Detection & Repair

“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

“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

“One word: Discipline!”

Mike Gillingham - Eastern Iowa Inspection Services 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

“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.

“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

“The Marines has given me the drive to keep on going. Starting your own business can be very difficult, but I know that whatever I come up against it can't be as difficult as the long deployments or rigorous training.”

Jeremy Findley - Your Trendy Lingerie

“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

“Attention to detail and diligence in the way I perform my duties have proved beneficial in the corporate world.”

Christian Tolen - AmeriVet Logistics, Inc.

“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

“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

“Military Service enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”

Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel

“The military provided work place skills, discipline, responsibility, order, and foresight.”

Ricky Forrest - Don's Repair

“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

“The military has provided me with the perseverance required to stay focused to any obstacle or task at hand.”

Kevin Knight - KNIGHT SOLUTIONS

“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

“Experience of Government supplies purchased and requested.”

Joseph P Pekar - MFG Reps, LLC

“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)

“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

“My training helped me to look at a situation and quickly and accurately make educated decisions.”

David Wardlow - Veterans Debt Relief

“When I enlisted in the navy right out of school, this was during the Vietnam war. I was a gun captain with the responsibilities of ten young men like myself, and the military by giving me that task set the wheels in motion, with teaching me leadership among my peers, and has helped me with my business.”

mike whitmer - Mike's Natural Stone Walls

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

Brad Crawford - Top Home Inventory Services

“Discipline. It's all about discipline.”

Bob McGuire - Cooking Classes in Melbourne with Chef Bob

“Taught me to be self reliant.”

Seymour Lecker - Lecker Business Services, Inc.

“Attention to detail and the mindset to get the job done one way or another!”

Michael Jarecke - mjaUSA Hosting & Online Services

“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”

Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC

“Endurance and diligence.”

Tim Donaldson - Media Dreams 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

“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

“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”

Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services

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

Leanne King - SeeKing HR

“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

“Learned discipline and to stick with it.”

Bruce Cram - Douglas Enterprises Transportation Services

“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

“Dedication, hard work and always faithful (semper fidelis).”

Ron Hall - R & S Small Engine Service

“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.

“Went in as a kid, came out more grown up.”

Chris Rider - DirtGlue Enterprises

“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

“The military education that I have had along with my job as an engineering draftsman/illustrator as well as art school has prepared me to do what is required for the sign business. I have served in the Navy as well as a Civil service retirement.”

William Smith - Signs by Splat

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

Richard Baisden - T&D Productions, LLC

“My military service has prepared me for life. Being a business owner is just one piece. The discipline and work ethic I gained from my service combined with a greater understanding of team and leadership continue to be useful everyday.”

Christopher Swenson - Brightcore Consulting

“I have learned how to handle a challenge.”

Glen Sandiford - My Virtual Accountants

“The Marines & Vietnam taught me not to give up, communicate, disagree is OK, and work together. With that nothing is impossible.”

Mike Mah - NoStressMike.com

“My experience as an electrician in the Navy helped enable me to use this knowledge in construction and remodeling for residential and commercial customers.”

Robert Stouter - Stouter Construction, LLC

“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

“The service taught me honor, courage, commitment, and how to think on your toes. Ever since my exit with the Navy I knew that I would do something great. I have always had high standards in everything I have ever done, now the business does that.”

Tony Webber - TNT Drywall and Painting

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

Donald Chapman - Chapman Services KCMO LLC

“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

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

Bill Hodge - HP Engineering, Inc.

“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

“I am used to putting up with whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Paul Coghlan - Paul A. Coghlan & Associates, P.C.

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

Paul Hill - PJ Hill Industries

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

Craig Sawyer - Tim Nolen Enterprises

“The military prepared me for the unexpected. In the Infantry we spend years training for situations that will likely never occur, but we try to be pro-active. This training has led me to be proactive in business, trying to anticipate problems, opportunities, market fluctuations and movements before they occur.”

Michael Moussa - PartSnap

“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

“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

“I do for the public what I did for the military.”

Wayne Crist - Tri-Star Communications

“Discipline, courage with 3rd Bat/26th Marines and 1st Bat/13th Marines.”

Stephen Coyle - Town-Green

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

Marc House - Total Shred Solutions, LLC

“The experience I learned in Desert Storm was invaluable to forming who I am as a person today. If you can get thru basic training or a week in the field, you can certainly get thru a late night project without much complaint. The structure of the military and the patience needed have carried over into my day to day business practices.”

Lisa Fargo - Fargo Design Co., Inc

“My military service showed me to be professorial in every thing that I do.”

garry mclaughlin - Federal Shredding Inc.

“It has given me the passion a desire to serve my fellow members of society. Providing them with an invaluable service at a reasonable cost.”

Kandra Ferguson - Ferguson Alternatives LLC

“Received the highest quality of training and education to be able to the skills I received into the private sector. Taught me about leadership, professionalism, integrity, commitment and dedication. All our clients can tell the difference of the type of service and professionalism they received between a veteran and non-veteran.”

ROBERT FICKES - First Line Security Services

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

Genesiac Folkes - Folkes Brothers, LLC

“My time spent in the Marines taught me dedication, discipline, and gave me a "No-Quit" attitude. It has helped me to start and run my company.”

Tyler Fox - Fox Benefit Solutions

“Military service taught me discipline to keep working to get the job done, not to be afraid to tackle something I was unfamiliar with, and to take care of the men and women assigned to me, which today is taking care of my customers.”

John Byers - Music Man Apparel

“My experience in the Army has showed me what to fight for and how a real family of soldiers can live together through all sorts of situations. It also gave me the strength to endure hardships as in business. While serving in Iraq I saw a need to create a private internet network so our unit could communicate back home to our families and friends, and it still up today.”

Marlon Williams - mWillsplace Mobile Inc

“Organization, Leadership, Dedication.”

Edward Houston - New Genesis Organization, LLC

“Discipline, hard work, loyalty, and ready to go "All The Way".”

Kevin Beasley - New Start Realty and Relocation

“My interactions with people from different cultures and backgrounds has allowed me to view the world as a "melting pot" of talented people. My military discipline, loyalty enables me to provide good customer service while manufacturing practical products for "everyday people" to use!”

Terry Evans - NexTTyme LLC

“Leadership and management skills. Patience and perseverance.”

Edward Norton - Norton Consulting & Investigations LLC

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

Sergio DelHoyo - NOVA Home Inspection LLC

“Integrity!”

Timothy Foor - T4 Construction, Inc

“Work/life balance is key to a rich fulfilled life. Just the same as having R&R in the military it is important to have R&R in your civilian life.”

Stephen Tanzer - TBS Travel

“Discipline, plain and simple.”

Kirt Anderson - TEC Trainer, LLC

“I was a Navy Corpsman for 10 years at which time my strong work ethic and discipline was forged. I thank the military for every good thing that has happened to me as well as every good trait I have grown.”

Kimberly Nash - The Bunny Baby

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

Ron McCollum - The Construction Services Group, Inc

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

Fred Ezra - The Ezra Company

“The two owners of the firm are both in the Army Reserves. We both deployed to Iraq. We are now at the same Army Unit. Michael Chen is a 1LT (O2) in the JAG Corp. He just received his commission. He was a SSG (E6) prior to getting commissioned. Rex Tran is a SFC (E7). The military service gave us both the will and drive to own our own business. It helped give us the confidence, patience and the ability to pay attention to the details necessary to build a business.”

Rex Tran - The Law Offices of Chen & Tran

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

Mark Moore - The MEP Group Inc.

“It taught me to believe in myself, and never give up.”

Dale Nelms - The Peanut Wizard