Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“I was in the NAVY for 6 years active duty. The service made me a more thorough and detailed person. I now have high standards of what I think is right and am very assertive in my work.”

Dennis Lucero - Defined Electric

“The ability to turn ideas into action plans by using the OSMEAC formula and achieving goals.”

Clayton Poff - Energy Cost Reducers, LLC

“The military taught me leadership, management, and people skills.”

Thomas Krick - Homeland Property Inspections

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

Richard Fendley - Interior Fusion, LLC

“It taught me honor, integrity, hard work, perseverance, adaptability, how to improvise, overcome and complete on each mission.”

Shelly Bauer - Universal Investigations, 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

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

Meredith Bogen - Bogen Pest Control, Inc.

“Gave me the principles and discipline that drives my business.”

Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners 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.

“I am better prepared to take leadership positions and handle adverse conditions properly.”

Kim Carevic - Kim's Trucking Co. Inc.

“As a Marine Corps Sniper in Vietnam, it taught me the importance of being careful and paying close attention to small details.”

Dan Bowers - Holmes Inspection Company

“Military training 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

“To deliver services in a promised time and respect customers.”

Thomas Covington - A-1 Copy Systems, 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

“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

“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

“Taught me to lead by example.”

Jeffrey Allen - Global Crossroads Capital

“As a Retied Command Master Chief, USN, my military experience prepared me to be a better business owner through visible leadership, team work, hands on management, and a strong moral compass.”

Barry Hemphill - Green Things

“Discipline-Team Work-Pride!”

DAVID DEMARS - North American Property Management

“Military service has prepared me to be a better business owner; by being organized, to be able to listen to my customers and meeting their needs. Not to be afraid to fail, and if I do, not to stop until I get it right!”

Charles Reynolds - OR Communications

“It's helped me form objectives, and become better at forming strategies to reach those objectives. It's also helped me work as a team, develop SOP's in my business, and focus on the goals I have set.”

EJ Smith - Smith Business Development Solutions

“The military prepared me to be a better business owner, by challenging my mind and body through seemingly impossible tasks. After accomplishing these tasks, I realized that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

David Zimmerman - Lawn n' Home Doctor

“Taught me patience.”

Jonathan Schneider - Schneider Financial Group, Ltd

“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”

Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers

“Military service instilled the concepts of discipline, organization, and integrity.”

Greg Jackson - Color Glo Leather Services of Houston

“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

“Leadership training and concept of personal Duty and Honor.”

Mark Preson - Operations and Engineering

“As a Master Training Specialist with the USN I gained valuable teaching experience that helped the transition to the private sector.”

H.G. Laragione - Maritime Institute 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

“Prepared me to get the job done and to create a plan of action.”

Andres Avilez - A Vet Communications, Inc

“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

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

Karen Auguste - Purple Lynx Inc.

“I was intent on starting a business where I could help give back to the servicemen and women that showed me the meaning of Integrity and Discipline. These are the very ethics that I have brought from the Marines into my organization.”

Mark Llano - Source One Distributors, Inc.

“Taught me how to deal with stress!”

Marty Katz - QBD Consulting, Inc

“I am a retired Navy Commander and the Navy gave me the necessary management skills to start my own business.”

Joseph Scarola - Capital Material Handling, 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 instills in most persons a sense of responsibility and respect for structure. The chaos in our daily lives is much better dealt with, I believe, by a person with a military background as opposed to one without. This is evident by the shear number of people locked up in our prisons at enormous cost to our society. For those who chose to change their lives or to seek adventure or to follow in the footsteps of another in joining the military, my hat is off to you. All the best!”

John Berosh - Information Systems 2000

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

C. Henry Adams - Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.

“Positive, can do attitude where failure is not an option as well as leadership qualities which helped motivate and support my employees.”

David Fisher - Military Supply Coins

“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

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

Dennis Sommer - Executive Business Advisers

“While I served in the Vietnam War, I learned many skills and trades. It has helped me to develop a sense of good morals and values in my family life as well as my professional career as a Prime Contractor.”

Jerry Bechel - BB&K Construction, LLC

“Discipline & leadership.”

Brian Crist - MGQ & Associates, Inc

“Work ethics, and responsibility.”

Thomas Hughes - DOD Consultants, LLC

“It taught me how to live with very little income.”

Brian Kinney - Brian Kinney Insurance Agency

“Military service is invaluable in teaching one team work, discipline, communication, contacts, and allows one to establish life long friendships.”

David B. du Pont - HEPCO, Inc.

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

Patrick Hamer - HomeSculptor

“Responsibility and honor.”

Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting

“Discipline, discipline, discipline!”

Bob Wilburn - Matrix Construction Co., Inc.

“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.

“Hard work and discipline.”

Kevin Hurley - Windy Hill Nursery, LLC

“Being in the military has taught me that no matter what background you come from or where you come from has nothing to do with the teamwork and family values that you leave there with. I loved meeting so many people from so many places.”

Stephanie Salupo - Admin On The Go

“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

“Serving in the Navy has given me the discipline to be a better business owner. I was able to commandeer my four sons into getting involved with our family run business, therefore running a tight ship. Our Italian Ice business is run by all walks of people across the United States (some of which are veterans).”

Harry Moore - Little Jimmy's Italian Ice

“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

“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.

“Attention to detail, self discipline, teamwork, and a "never quit" attitude was instilled in us in the USCG. If you apply these principles to everything you do, you will prevail.”

Donald Lynch - LYNCH Janitorial & Cleaning, LLC

“”

Norbert Rug - Akron Grove Bath Products Inc.

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

Ernest Smith - Health Force Drug Test

“I have been doing what I learned in the Military my entire life.”

Richard Grado - Rocky Mountain Civil Constructors

“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

“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 submarine service taught me discipline and the need to work in cooperation with others.”

Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC

“Military service helped develop my focus on detail which enables my optical scanning service help businesses concentrate on what they do best.”

Susan Berehulka - Scanning Innovations, LLC

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

Michael Raffetto - Accurate Forms & Supplies

“Leadership, working with teams, management, efficiency and hard work.”

Mel Lamont - Lamont Brands Inc.

“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

“Leadership by Example. Supply Chain Management Skills.”

Billy Williamson - GLOBAL-MPG LLC

“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

“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

“Improvise, adapt and overcome!”

Brian Durgin - Durgin's Lawn & Landscape

“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”

Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire

“Being a marine has developed discipline and organization to our business. We consider it an honor to do business with other veterans.”

Harold O'Callaghan - Waco Formworks LLC

“Military service provided the ability to achieve tailored results in complex operating environments with a diverse work force. Teamwork, collaboration and individual/team achievement are key to customer satisfaction and company growth and professionalism.”

Ben Saylor - Fidelity Contract Flooring, LLC

“I'm able to think outside the box after living and working in many, many boxes.”

Timothy Buskell - Ago

“I entered the Army at seventeen years old, as a high school drop out. The Army taught me the skills that have enabled me to thrive in any situation that I have found myself in. The training and education I was provided have made the man I am today.”

Scott Jones - Native Sons Services, LLC

“Serving in the military as an enlisted soldier made me appreciate how easy life really can be. It's all about making the best of every day and every business opportunity. Family and country!”

Steve Carby - VetRents Equipment & Sales Company

“Personnel Management. Leadership. Strong work ethic for long hours.”

Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar

“Organizational skills.”

Tommy Pope - Business Systems, Inc.

“Taught me a "never quit" philosophy!”

F Gregg Meagher - Life Regeneration Systems Corporation 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

“More discipline to do what is right. More direction to get to my goal.”

James Moore - D.J.M. Building and Remodeling Co.

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

Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel

“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

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

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

“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

“Introduced me to the disciplines required to get a job done and accomplish important and critical task without excuse or oversight. Also learned supervision, delegation, and leadership principles that have served me every day.”

Michael Thomas - Thomas Lock & Key

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

Ricky Forrest - Don's Repair

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

ramzi torbey - Halo-8

“Organization skills, accomplish anything attitude.”

Allen Hafer - Sandal Marine Services

“Military service taught me that taking care of people is just as important as turning a profit. We truly believe that in helping others in a fair and honest way that we are also helping ourselves to be better people.”

robert thomas - Thomas and Sons Home Efficiency

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

Jeff Truesdale - Proforma True Solutions