Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“I would say I learned the value of service while in the US ARMY. With that I have built a business around just that, service.”

Nathan House - CODE 3 Public Safety Gear

“The Army instilled three traits into my personality. Discipline, honor, and initiative. Discipline helps me to run my business effectively and efficiently. Honor allows me to maintain a solid client base because I strive to "do the right thing" at all times, even if it means losing money on a job. Initiative gives me the desire to constantly improve processes, keep up with new technologies, and take advantage of opportunities to provide new and improved services to my clients.”

David Sazama - eFusion Systems

“Logistics management, organizational skills, operations. ”

Martin Bishop - Evac One

“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

“14 years of service active duty and air national guard. Organizational skills lead to a structured business, learning to manage, lead and follow for a well rounded business plan, that has pointed us in the right direction.”

Chris Barcikowski - Mid Atlantic Commercial and Residential Real Estate Solutions Inc

“I became more confident in myself to the point if someone else is doing well I could to.”

Gary Wainwright - Zrii International

“I learned discipline and responsibility.”

Donnie Cross - Just By Nature Candle & Soap Supplies

“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.

“The time spent in the Army demanded that I challenge myself to accomplish more than just average. Running the extra mile, and always doing what it takes to get the job done are just a couple of things that military experience gave me.”

Michael Bell - 7 Star Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

“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.

“In my eleven years of service I have honed skills on being process orientated all the while keeping a steady pace in accomplishing the objectives set. Discipline and motivation has helped me accomplish whatever it is that I set forth to do.”

William Tortorice - Wealth Management Group, LLC

“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

“Persistence and Organization!”

James Terhune - T&T Materials

“The Air Force has prepared me to be a professional leader!”

Mark Northrup - House 2 Home 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

“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

“Motivation, Discipline, and Foresight.”

John Paff - American Shootist LLC

“By supplying me with the tools to become a responsible, organized and motivated adult.”

Willie Vega Jr. - FITNESS 4 LIFE Personal Training

“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

“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

“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 gave me Leadership skills and a "success driven" attitude; enabling me to focus on my business plan and objectives while providing a friendly atmosphere to my clients.”

Devin Waddell - Aquatic Explorers Society dba Elements Dive

“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

“My time as an active duty Marine gave me the discipline and sense of accountability that has helped me become not only a better business person but a better individual. Take pride in everything you do whether it's at home or on the job.”

Chris Finck - Waddell & Reed

“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

“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

“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.

“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.

“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 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

“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

“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.

“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

“I am always on time and I do what I say.”

Sam Emmerling - Sam Emmerling Company

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

Dennis Sommer - Executive Business Advisers

“First the military service allowed me to participate in the GI Bill which paid for my Masters Degree in Business. Second it instilled in me a sense of integrity and honesty with is often missing in business. Third it taught me to focus on clients.”

Paul Harar - Maximum Blends

“It has given me tons of leadership experience!”

Jeremiah Richards - City Green Landscaping 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

“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

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

James McBride - Environmental Management System

“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

“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

“The military taught me determination.”

Vernon Williams - The Williams Company

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

Todd Claiborne - Claiborne Hauling Contractors, LLC

“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.

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

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

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

Eric brackman - RFI Consultants

“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

“CAN Do attitude. Always ready to get the job done.”

peter vanwolvelaerd - VanDahl Engineering & Construction

“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

“Time management, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, pride, and the list goes on. I am very proud to have served and look forward to a successful career in business for myself with the help of friends, family and other veterans. Thank you.”

Lisa Madison - Rocky Coast Seminars

“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 Air Force made me a more organized individual. It helped to enhance all of my talents in the administrative field. It also helped me in regards to becoming focused on a task and gathering information or data needed to complete a task.”

Morine Slayton-Nixon - Clean Nations

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

Michael Addison - Siella Imaging LLC

“Training, tenacity and the willingness to finish a job.”

Michael Brown - Desert Mountain Consulting Corp

“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

“Through training and discipline my service in the military has helped to mold me into a well rounded thinker. It gave me a great deal of structure and that coupled with my creative abilities makes a great combination for success.”

Scott Ceretti - VETS ROCK Inc.

“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 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

“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”

Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire

“Discipline, leadership, coping with things when the tides are against me.”

David Woods - Woods Patrol and Security Service

“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

“Honor, respect, discipline!”

stephon mudd - Services Rendered VIP Photography

“Honesty and integrity!”

Ronald McClaskey - R-Mac Electrical Service

“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

“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

“Organizational skills. Personal Discipline. Leadership by example. Team effort complete tasks. Delegation.”

Michael Moore - CarpetsPlus ColorTile

“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

“Taught me a "never quit" philosophy!”

F Gregg Meagher - Life Regeneration Systems Corporation LLC

“Never give up and absolutely never forget what you're fighting for!”

Thomas Kamm - All Veterans Funeral and Cremation

“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

“The Army gave me the attitude and drive to get things done correctly and efficiently. There is no civilian training that can compare to the conditioning your body and mind receive even in the first year of training. Real Integrity is key!”

Charles Clements - Clements Drivelane

“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

“Military services prepared me to be a better business owner by strengthening my attention to detail; motivating me to be the best that I can be in whatever circumstance; building on my leadership skills and giving me a great foundation to grow on.”

Teresa Garner - Think Business, Inc.

“It gives you the focus and discipline to deal with everyday situations. How to work as a team and to meet deadlines.”

Jean Danson - Allied Computers

“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

“Well I'm 61 years old now so it's been a while since I was in the army; however, the discipline of getting up early, everyday and getting out there to make a difference in the world still hold with me. Thanks for your site!”

William H Yarroll II - Business Development Associates

“My Military service taught me that nothing in life is free and if you want to be successful you have to work hard.”

Bobby Bonds - Diamond Studios

“It has given me leadership skills, drive and desire to become someone, the need to succeed.”

Katrina Wheeler - Katrina Wheeler Photography

“Experience of Government supplies purchased and requested.”

Joseph P Pekar - MFG Reps, LLC

“The discipline, training, and life experiences make veterans the best small business leaders in the civilian community. We use all those learned lessons and training experiences and apply them to our day to day operations and find they work extremely well.”

Michael Mizell - Millennium Security Services, 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

“Define goals, keep focus and achieve defined objectives.”

Leslie Cooley - Pierce/Cooley Architects, Inc.

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

Richard Olvera - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard Olvera

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

David Wardlow - Veterans Debt Relief

“I was in the United States Marine Corps, it taught me to make the best of what I have to work with and never give up.”

Wilbert Guice - The Point Mans Guide