Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“Enhanced management skills.”

Harry LaSha Gray - Celebration DJ, LLC

“Military has taught me how to get something down by streamlining the process and focusing on the end result. In the event of facing obstacles, take a step back, refocus and then go accomplish the mission.”

Irving Donaldson - Blue Alert, 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

“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

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

Stephen Pearson - High Tech Crime Institute Inc

“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

“My service in the military taught me the core principles I needed in my industry, as well as how to pay attention to detail, take pride in my work, and navigate a global system. I am proud to be a Veteran and military wife offering a business opportunity to others.”

Corina DuBois - Celebrate Mama! LLC

“The military taught me structure, discipline, work ethic and teamwork. It helped show me that hard work can pay off. That by not quitting you can reach the goals that you set.”

Steven Matthews - RisingStar Entertainment

“Discipline-Team Work-Pride!”

DAVID DEMARS - North American Property Management

“Basic training was no joke. It instilled discipline, courage, and the will to "drive on troop"! While stationed in Fort Kobbe, Panama I depended on the guy to my right and to my left. Same goes with business.”

Tom Carter - Ultrabrite LLC

“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”

Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers

“Being a Marine & D. I. speaks for it's self - There is only one way to do it and "That's The Right Way". ~ They call me {The Box Doctor} and I have 46 years experience Semper Fi”

Roger Maxson - Maxson Container Consultants

“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

“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

“I'm built to be a better leader and much more confidence now.”

carlos gutierrez - CD Phone Home Inc.

“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

“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 gave me leadership and Taught me discipline for every day life.”

Robert Morone - Morone's Mowing 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

“Taught me discipline, respect, utilization of manpower and love of our great country.”

Elmer & Debbieanne Miller - Creekstead Development Services, LLC

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

Don Needham - LogSpec

“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

“Organizational Skills - Paying attention to details!”

Jay Giese - American Pride Industrial Equipment and Services LLC

“To better understand and appreciate the freedom that we have in the United States Of America. The discipline that the U.S. Army instilled in me was outstanding. Teamwork was the next item that I have been able to use every day in my life.”

Ernie Ratcliffe - Nu Skin Enterprises Rep - Ernie Ratcliffe

“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

“I was able to afford an education with the GI bill. Thank you Uncle Sam.”

Patrick Hamer - HomeSculptor

“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)

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

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, LLC

“It taught me to be able to deal with different personalities and to be able to be patient in waiting for what I am looking for.”

Aaron Thomason - Thomason and Partners, LLC

“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

“The military taught me that there is no 'I' in team...no matter how it sounds... it is true. I have learned that I can push myself to things I never thought possible and to treat people the way that I would want to be treated.”

Stephanie Salupo - Combat Cleaning Services, LLC

“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

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

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

“It gave me the skill to stick to it when the going has been slow.”

Richard Jennings - R H Jennings, LLC

“Taking control, responsibilities and preparing for adversity and having control of oneself when challenged.”

Ernest Smith - Health Force Drug Test

“The military taught me to take control and follow through and give 100% to my efforts.”

Anthony Perry - Total Care Property Inspections

“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

“The professionalism, discipline, and character of the people I had the honor to serve with taught us to always respect and treat our fellow man the way we want to be treated in business and in our every day life.”

Daniel B Jones - Purification Technologies

“Leadership by Example. Supply Chain Management Skills.”

Billy Williamson - Global MPG

“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.

“The leadership and decision making training and experience combined with the 'do what it takes to get the job done' attitude from the Marine Corps are the perfect building blocks for a business owner.”

John Spaugh - Desert Door & Building Supply

“The military showed me how to structure my time, money, and management.”

Brad Hedrick - Floor Designs

“The military provided a place to mature and see the world without the close protection of my family. Decisions made by myself were totally mine and had its repercussions either positive or negative. This was the place where you learn to be an adult.”

James E. Frederick - TimeLine Management Group, LLC

“I was a Army Corp of Engineer officer leading different platoons through multiple types of missions which really helped me be adaptable to change.”

James Farrell - The Lawson Flag Supply Co.

“Military service has given me the tools necessary to start, run, and maintain my business. Dedication and attention to details are my watch words. These are just a sample of the many lessons learned and experience gained from my military service.”

Charles Brown - Exodus International

“Strong work ethic.”

Stewart Smith - The Crabby Pig

“Military service provided me with a disciplined approach and the desire to take pride in my work.”

Gary Gruenwald - Domestic & International Security Group, LLC

“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

“Made me a strong leader and willing to pursue my goals.”

ramzi torbey - Halo-8

“Discipline. Before entering the army I was a mess but afterward I became very organized.”

Stanley Sigstad - Trader Sigstad's Coffee

“Discipline, pride in workmanship, attention to detail, extraordinary customer service ethic.”

Jeff Truesdale - Proforma True 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

“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

“I am prepared to deal with anything, anticipated or otherwise. My military training prepared me technically and operationally to deal with the great world of the unknown in technology consulting. Mission First, Team Always.”

Wayne Heffner - Customer First Consulting, LLC

“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

“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

“My time in the Army as a Infantry NCO has prepared me to be a business owner, by teaching me how to focus on the task at hand and not giving up until it is accomplished.”

Adam Hart - Nightstalker Tactical Solutions

“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

“Military service provided the discipline to see any project to it's completion regardless of the obstacles placed in front of one.”

Richard Canard - Chesapeake Chute Systems, Inc.

“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”

Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services

“Prepared me to be a responsible and accountable person. Has also helped with organization and structure.”

Raymond Bartholow - Total Product Services, LLC

“Work with no supervision.”

Mike Morin - Mike & Sue Properties

“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

“After 8 years in the Marine Corps, I have learned that such values as Honor, Courage and Commitment not only apply to the military and battlefield, but to my professional life as well. Vets need to look out for each other just as we did in service.”

Greg Trost - No Surrender Productions

“Discipline!”

Ed Mihalacki - Laurel Mountain Laser

“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

“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

“The military taught structure and discipline, which is a must in business. Therefore, the preparation to operate a successful business has been accomplished. The military time taught patience for economic crisis and financial trials such as now.”

Toney Clark - Fresh Start Help Center, Inc.

“Being in the USMC has taught me discipline, strong work ethics and to be fair and honest.”

James Wenninger - Good to Go General Contracting

“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

“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

“Leadership, management skills, problem solving.”

James Wissenbach - Calamity's

“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

“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

“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

“As a squad leader with Delta co. 52nd Engineers during Desert Storm I realized the importance of some of the things we were drilled on during our training and the importance of continuing that training and to be adaptable to the situation.”

Boyd Hughes - B & B Power LLC

“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 made me aware of attention to detail and the importance of serving others.”

Benjamin Ross - Indiana ProClean

“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 am a disciplined, well organized and punctual business owner who believes in providing a quality service at a reasonable price.”

Joe Ferguson - Rio Grande Home Inspections, LLC

“Introduced me to mechanical engineering.”

Paul Martin - Sigma Psi Consulting Engineers, PLLC

“My training and combat tours have given me the knowledge to train others.”

Eric Ives - Tactical Strategies and Concepts, Inc.

“I've been doing government contracting for 43 years. Retired C.O. from the USAF in 1986.”

Rick Horn - Nevada Procurement Outreach Program

“The best Leadership course in the world, working as a Team, Training under pressure. Integrity, Health and Fitness as part of the work day.”

William Brisbin - Promothreads

“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

“As a veteran of combat ready carrier duty, it provided me emergency preparedness experience as it relates to supporting local and large scale disasters.”

Jerome Hamilton - TractorFax Technologies, LLC

“I never quit!”

Boone Fowler - FineArtReps

“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

“Prepared me for life!”

James Fecteau - Freeport Plumbing & Heating

“Having toured as a military musician and entertainer, I learn the secrets of having a good experience when traveling.”

Michael Embrey - FunME Events

“Learned to work as a team. Learned the need to keep studying. Leaned to plan ahead and to work a plan.”

George Trost - G. E. Trost & Associates, Inc.

“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

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

Kevin Beasley - New Start Realty and Relocation

“Teaching me to never give up no matter what happens.”

Jack Gentile - New York Aviation Corporation

“The biggest gift from the military for me lies in understanding the necessity for clarity at the onset of what you want to achieve, planning and organizing for that result and ensuring you have some way of getting on-going feedback about how things are truly going with respect to your plan.”

Reggie Crane - Next Level Coaching and Consulting Services

“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

“Military service taught me discipline, strategic thinking, perseverance and teamwork.”

Tomas Santos-Alejandro - Nexus Technology Solutions

“The military has given me the technological and communication advantage to work within today's industries. I have been able to make the successful contacts that have allowed me to start this business as a direct result of the skills I matured while in the military. Go Army!”

Micah Young - Noah's Rock LLC

“I have come to understand that their are no limits with the right motivation and ambition in a "free market system".”

Nathaniel Selby - Syndicate Moving and Transport

“'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

“Military service has prepared me to be a better owner because it made me detail oriented. It also helped me with my organization skills. I learned that organization plays a vital role on order in your business.”

Juan Davis - Tandem Productions LLC

“The Army taught me to pay attention to detail which in the business world is everything.”

Matthew Logan - TDL Electrical Contractors, Inc

“Work ethic.”

Ronald Woodfin - TetraTek, Inc.

“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

“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

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

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

“Military service helped me set goals and become a better civilian and appreciate love for my country and what it does to keep this world safe. God bless America!”

ALVIN FIGUEROA - A & M Fire and Safety Equipment, LLC

“It gave me the knowledge and experience to be a leader in the defense community. It gave me the special skills and abilities to be an intelligence professional in the defense contracting industry.”

Joseph James - Advanced Methods Group, Inc.

“Leading others, goal setting and discipline.”

Larry LeDoux - LeDoux Industries, Inc

“It has taught me key leadership, planning, and organizational skills.”

John Karafa - Leebcor Services, LLC

“Discipline, hard work and ability to overcome. Motivated to be in control of my destiny, and will not be happy working for those who are not.”

Cian Miles - Pinnacle Innovations

“Maturity, organizational skills, meeting deadlines, how to work with persons from any background.”

Benjamin Pogany - Pogany Construction, LLC

“Credibility, structure, discipline.”

Cary Vea - Polytron Corporation

“I have had served over 23 years in the United States Marine Corp, developed strong business ethics and discipline, and experienced working with many people from all walks of life.”

Richard DeVasto - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard R. De Vasto

“Command position.”

W Creighten Cornett - LegalShield Independent Associate - Creighten Cornett

“Taught me meaning of responsibility. Do the best you can do. Finish the job in a timely manner.”

Phillip Priebe - Priebe Construction

“The military taught me quality, disciplined work, and fairness of service delivery.”

Jeff Fries - Pegasus Web Services Inc.