Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“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

“Preparation and organization. Meeting deadlines, commitments and greater respect for our country and honor and respect for our fellow country men.”

Lawrence Daniels - Da Arla Tax Services

“Logistics management, organizational skills, operations. ”

Martin Bishop - Evac One

“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

“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 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

“I joined as a very young man. The Army instilled in me to believe in myself, have determination and never quit. Tho I be the lone survivor Rangers lead the way.”

Dewey Mitchell - Durable Cages LLC

“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

“Serving in the military has helped me stay more focused on the quality of my work performance while increasing my organizational skills. I am much more confident in my communication with personnel at all levels of an organization and am more at ease speaking in front of large groups. Most importantly, the military has taught me to focus less on the problem at hand and focus more attention on how to resolve the problem quickly with everyone's best interest in mind.”

Eddie Littrell - Corporate Resource Solutions, LLC

“Learned discipline, determination and perseverance.”

Hal Decker - Doctor Greens

“The military taught me primarily to listen and learn, understand diversity, and work with everyone. Using my planning skills, multi-tasking experience, and level of understanding of people and industry, I have worked to develop processes and innovative techniques to improve not only a business, but the employees and atmosphere. The Military taught me that - everyone has a great idea - it just takes the right time and the right person to hear it and how to focus on it!”

Ron Craw - Improvement Innovations LLC

“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.

“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

“Discipline!”

John(Jack) Furtney - JS Gifts and More

“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 work ethics. Work hard when it is time to work and shut it off when it's done. I don't have have to use my command voice very often these days, but it's there when I need it.”

Mary Smith - Virtual Imagery Photography

“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

“I was trained in discipline, organization; goal oriented, and team work. Start a project and follow through to a successful finish. Provide the tools for the work force and create a teamwork environment.”

James Guin - AAA Yacht Sales

“Higher work standards, better people skills, higher quality product efficiency!”

Roger Newcomer - Dick's Speed-O-Tach, 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

“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

“Military service teaches you to never give up.”

Rick Phillips - Dry Ridge Plumbing

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

LEO DURANT - LND Construction

“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 taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, 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

“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 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

“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.

“The US Army gave me the ability to make quick decisions, even though difficult keep on doing the task or duty until operation is complete and done to the best of my ability. Taught me to work as a team member, to encourage others to keep on going!”

Roy Huckaby - Weedseal Northwest Sales and Service

“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

“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.

“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

“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

“Honor. Integrity. Experience. ”

Ernest Arnold - ACE Midwest, LLC

“Procedures and systems.”

Ron Glazer - Ron Glazer

“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

“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

“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

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“Discipline & leadership.”

Brian Crist - MGQ & Associates, Inc

“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

“It helped me pay attention to small details and being prompt.”

Frederick Franks - Acme Logistics, Inc

“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.

“Leadership. Never surrender. Think outside the box.”

Fred Seger - Graydentech

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

Patrick Hamer - HomeSculptor

“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

“Focus, dedication, will to survive, discipline.”

Kelly Dearwester II - Premier Link LLC

“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

“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.

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

Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, 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

“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

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

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

Jeffrey Gruhlke - Pinnacle Carpet Care

“Tolerance, endurance, must succeed attitude.”

Linda Newberry - Agape Pools Leak Detection & Repair

“Discipline.”

Thomas Crook - Uncle Tom's Handyman Service

“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

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

Eric brackman - RFI Consultants

“It has made me disciplined and focused and able to multi-task.”

Doug Robinson - Maine Inspection & Engineering Company

“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

“It showed me the drive that it takes to succeed, and the integrity to make sure the job is done right.”

Nelson Borgeson - Borg Construction Services

“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 organizational skills given to me by the US Navy have helped us to make better informed business decisions.”

Gary Branch - Cross Chart Records

“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

“Leadership by Example. Supply Chain Management Skills.”

Billy Williamson - Global MPG

“The military gave me a wide range of responsibilities and duties. Knowing organization is the key to success, the Navy put me in diverse surroundings and gave me exposure to the world. The military has been a big part of my life for years and I feel I am a product of my environment.”

Mark Craggy - Amazing Creations

“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

“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

“Discipline, integrity and honesty!”

Marc Soss - Marc J. Soss, Esquire

“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

“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

“Honesty and integrity!”

Ronald McClaskey - R-Mac Electrical Service

“Trust, leadership, independent, and the ability to talk and work with others to accomplish goals.”

Jeffrey Lakatos - Hartland Electric LLC

“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

“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

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

Mark Rothrock - Rocky's Bar

“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.”

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

“Military trains you to get things done and go the extra mile. This is the core philosophy for my company which shows in the way we treat our customers and the quality of work we perform.”

Gus Meyer - Cypress Door & Glass LLC

“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

“Time and safety critical operations demand a higher level of personal accountability that most commercial operations. Military service (twenty-three years of US Navy service) builds-in a level of experience & confidence unmatched by other venues.”

Jim Holcombe - JHolcombe & Associates, Incorporated

“The leadership, management and personal accountability training and experiences provided to me through 23 years of US Navy service cannot, in my opinion, be matched by any other institution of higher learning or commercial concern.”

Jim Holcombe - American Biometric Systems Incorporated

“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

“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

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

Kevin Knight - KNIGHT SOLUTIONS