Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“I was able to travel through the world and collect all my stamps and I learned to keep extremely good records.”

Richard Easingwood - Easy's Stamps

“It has helped me keep deadlines, be well organized.”

Dawn White - White's Cleanit

“It gave me a chance to have HUGE responsibility at a very early age. I was in charge of some very high profile programs. This experience propelled me into having the skills needed for entrepreneurship!”

Jeffrey Luckado - IMPACT Homebuyers Group, Corp

“The military helped me focus on leadership skills, being goal-oriented and a having high level professionalism.”

Richard Fendley - Interior Fusion, LLC

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

Roy Drangstveit - Minnesota Valley Inspections 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 employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service.”

Kelen Prutow - U.S. Integrators

“I learned discipline and responsibility.”

Donnie Cross - Just By Nature Candle & Soap Supplies

“The discipline it takes to be a successful soldier benefited me the most. I am able to focus and accomplish specific tasks more effectively because of my military experience.”

Jacqueline Ingol - Beautiful Plants LLC

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

Sean Elkin - Searchlight Interactive, LLC

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Self-discipline, confidence and structure I gained while serving in the USAF.”

Jyl Hendricks - All Cape Painting & Carpentry LLC

“Military service taught organization, leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”

Ralph Owens - O-Craftsmen Builders

“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 military taught me discipline, dedication and commitment - the will and desire to carry a mission through! All of these traits are required to persevere in business today!”

Amy Contino - Das KaffeeHaüs von Frau Burkhart

“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.

“Being an Infantry officer in the Army is about health, fitness and self-defense of our nation, through leadership of others. Teaching traditional Kung Fu is all about helping others develop health, fitness, self-defense, and leadership skills.”

Doyle Perry - United Martial Arts

“Made me a more dynamic, honest and determined individual!”

Jake Haap - Orion Home Inspections

“Military service teaches you to never give up.”

Rick Phillips - Dry Ridge Plumbing

“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

“While serving in the military I learned honor, pride, and attention to detail.”

David Dohrmann - A Quality Carpet Cleaning

“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

“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

“Gave us the fortitude to Last in Business from 1977 to now.”

Edward Ginner - Alachua Telcom Inc.

“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

“Personal relations and discipline.”

Henry Canup - Henry Canup's Metal Polishing

“Taught me responsibility and leadership under fire. Company commander with 3rd Marine Division RVN.”

LEO DURANT - LND Construction

“Taught me planning.”

Peter Peno - The Hitch Man, Inc

“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.

“The military taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, LLC

“Discipline of finances. Only taking opportunities that present winning outcomes. Networking opportunities.”

CHARLIE FRISCH - Z3 Consultants Inc

“Professionalism, Compassion and Prudence. All traits associated with growing up in a military family and continue today as I say congrats and good luck to a Grandson going the Navy way.”

Rick Pino - Ricon Compliance Inspections

“Military schools and my positions as a senior non-commissioned officer has help in daily operation of my business.”

Donald Walker - A-One Cleaning Svs. Inc

“The Navy prepared me not only when I was active but for my future as a civilian. They taught me to work hard, learn from your mistakes, learn as much as I can, and help others.”

Richard Synek - Feed Our Veterans

“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.

“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.

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

Karen Auguste - Purple Lynx Inc.

“As a Navy hospital corpsman back in the mid 80s, I spent several years juggling many tasks at one time. Whether drawing blood or filing medical records, everything had to be extremely organized and done quickly and perfectly. There was no room for error when it came to dealing with my daily duties in the Navy and there is no room for error today in running an agency. The military also helped me become comfortable working with different people from all ranks and all walks of life which makes running a web-centric marketing agency like eWareness much easier.”

Brian St.Ours - eWareness

“The military has better prepared me to run my business for many reasons. I love to take challenges head on, am a highly motivated person. I look for the best in anything I do whether I was on the front lines in Iraq or cleaning a customers window!”

Billy Templeton - Veterans Window Services

“Hard work with attention to detail, supervising crews, Organization, Safety, Maintenance logs, Maintenance schedules and preventive maintenance of equipment. Patience, Respect of others.”

David Search - Endless Summer Lawn Care LLC

“The military taught me that there is always a way to get something done and I believe I have brought that attitude to my business.”

Matthew Gilmore - Lincoln Process Service

“Attention to detail!”

Paul Dinkins - Prep Security, LLC

“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

“The Military Service gave me the determination to succeed.”

C. Henry Adams - Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.

“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 - Paying attention to details!”

Jay Giese - American Pride Industrial Equipment and Services LLC

“Discipline & leadership.”

Brian Crist - MGQ & Associates, Inc

“The Navy gave me direction and allowed me to see opportunities that I thought were out of reach. It also taught me to be organized.”

Morgan Le Vally - Morgan Marine LLC

“My military service gave me the courage and determination to start and manage Extremely Clean Pressure Washing.”

Bryan Whalen - Extremely Clean Pressure Washing

“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

“Serving in our military has taught me the discipline necessary to manage the day to day operations of my business!”

Edward Humbert - Complete Heating & Cooling

“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

“The military's ability to create professionals, good work ethic, discipline and can do attitude has definitely helped me with my business.”

Michael Rock - Rocktek

“Leadership and program management at the Defense Contract College.”

David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC

“First and foremost, the Navy taught me electrical. I work until the job is finished. Confidence, knowledge and integrity were expected of me while serving and now those characteristics are provided for my clients.”

Steven Barrow - Sun Electrical & Renovations, LLC

“The military taught me determination.”

Vernon Williams - The Williams Company

“It has made and kept me Responsible.”

Rowland Givens - The Wright Place Foundation Inc.

“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

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

“I was an Airborne Ranger. While I was a Ranger, I was held to a higher standard. I had to go above and beyond my call of duty. I have always went out of the way for my customer. That single gesture makes you better than your competition.”

James Scott Williams - Alabama Sprinkler Services Inc.

“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

“Discipline.”

Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service

“By developing my organizational skills and giving me pride and determination.”

Eric brackman - RFI Consultants

“William Boone, was a Fleet Marine Corpsman in pre-Vietnam era. We are determined to support and encourage our brave heroes and to see that the disgraceful actions to our Vietnam vets doesn't happen to these heroes today. We have compassion and empathy with our deployed military. Our daughter has been to the SandBox 3 times with the Army so we understand the needs of our young people.”

William Boone - TOUCH OF HOME Support 4R Deployed Military, Inc.

“My military service has helped me to be a better business owner by the organizational skills I was taught and the ability to adapt and overcome obstacles and adverse situations. Above all else honesty, integrity and to take responsibility.”

RUSSELL PRICE - R.J. Price Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

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

Richard Jennings - R H Jennings, 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

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

Anthony Perry - Total Care Property Inspections

“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

“It gave me the discipline to run a successful business for over 26 years.”

Michael Raffetto - Accurate Forms & Supplies

“The key word in any business is integrity.”

Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, LLC

“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

“Loyalty, Honesty, Motivation.”

Robert Collins - Collins Landscape Services

“The skills I learned at an early age in the US Navy developed my sense of discipline, tenacity, and motivation to excel in all areas of my life. I left the USN and completed my college degree, entered the market in sales and sales management, ran companies, and always helped others to increase their own motivation too excel. I would not trade my time serving my country for any amount of money. It created a cornerstone for my life and that has been now passed to my son. Thank you.”

Martin Lee - Happyface Media

“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.

“Leadership and Character. The military gave me the confidence to know that I can do anything I set my mind on.. and that's the truth! 100% success thus far!”

Jeffrey Gonzalez - DirectJG HIDS and Accessories

“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.

“The leadership training I received in the US Army prepared me to take on many challenges in life as well as taught me the skills I needed to venture out and start my own business.”

Leopold Lacrimosa - SonoranDesertKnives

“Taught me a "never quit" philosophy!”

F Gregg Meagher - Life Regeneration Systems Corporation LLC

“Leadership, integrity, commitment.”

Carla Watson - A.C. Waters Mediation Services, LLC

“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

“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

“My experiences in the Air Force as a Security Specialist taught me Leadership Skills, Attention to Detail and Pride in Accomplishing Tasks to a Degree of Perfection not found amongst many.”

Larry Ebeling - Spectrum A/V Group

“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

“My service in the military has allowed me to travel the world and expand my herpetology experiences far more than I ever expected. The Army Values are what I bring to work every day in order to complete the task at hand; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.”

Luis Fraser - Rattlesnake Removal USA - N California

“Never quit or give up!”

Randy Hill - RRJN 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

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

Kevin Knight - KNIGHT SOLUTIONS

“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