Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“Professionalism and teamwork were skills I honed in the USAF.”

Gregory Pierce - ENGISYSTEMS Inc.

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

Thomas Krick - Homeland Property Inspections

“Do to the military training, I have learned to communicate with different type of individual and to communicate with them their needs for my service. My main service is to help each individual to purchase the home of their dream or to help current homeowner get better rate and lower their monthly payment of their current home mortgage.”

John Sheppard - J Sheppard Loan Processing Service

“My experience as an infantry Marine taught me the value of extensive planning, yet gave me the ability to adapt well to ever-changing demands and situations. As a business owner, I'm able to provide faster solutions and service because of my military service experience.”

Klay South - Operation Care Package 24/7

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

Gary Wainwright - Zrii International

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

Thomas Bednarczyk - SilverLining Partners LLC

“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

“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.

“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

“Get it done attitude.”

Jerry Dorman - Jerry W. Dorman Master Electrician

“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

“Aberdeen Proving Ground school for blacksmith and welding.”

Ruperto FUENTES - Universal Refractrs & Boilers

“Personal relations and discipline.”

Henry Canup - Henry Canup's Metal Polishing

“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 taught me responsibility and determination.”

James Jarrett - North American Environmental Services, LLC

“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 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.

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

Karen Auguste - Purple Lynx Inc.

“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 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

“Provided training, education, experience and ethical core values.”

Jay Marzulli - Biz Web Wiz Web Design

“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 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

“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

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

Bryan Whalen - Extremely Clean Pressure Washing

“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.

“Taught me discipline and gave me the self esteem needed.”

Dan Engel - Employee Benefit Solutions LLC

“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

“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)

“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

“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 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 key word in any business is integrity.”

Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, LLC

“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.

“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

“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

“Attention to detail and diligence in the way I perform my duties have proved beneficial in the corporate world.”

Christian Tolen - AmeriVet Logistics, Inc.

“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

“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

“Organizational skills.”

Tommy Pope - Business Systems, Inc.

“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

“100% disabled Viet Nam Era Veteran and formed the show to help other veterans navigate the system for their benefits.”

James Lytner - Veterans Talk / The Forgotten Promise

“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

“Giving me the discipline and knowledge to be competitive.”

Greg Nixon - QualiCare Commercial Cleaning

“I learned to take responsibility for situations.”

Christopher Rice - Southern Finishes Estimating, LLC

“Taught me to interact with all different types of people. Taught me discipline and accountability. Taught me loyalty.”

Steve Andrascik - Steve Andrascik (Henderson Home Search)

“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

“It provided me with the discipline needed to operate in a fluid manner even in stressful situations.”

Brad Crawford - Top Home Inventory Services

“The military prepared me very well by instilling the willingness to work long hours and a toughness to complete any task. The military also gave me the opportunity to get a degree using the GI Bill which made this all possible. Thank you!”

Dennis Dilley - PCB Interconnect Solutions, 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

“Attention to detail and the mindset to get the job done one way or another!”

Michael Jarecke - mjaUSA Hosting & Online Services

“Active, detail-oriented, discipline, focus, hardworking, observant, regimented, scheduled.”

Pete Petroulias - Phoenix Communications & Cabling, Inc.

“Government contracts can be a daunting task. However, having served in the Army the skills you develop as a leader prepare you to adapt to changing needs and to pay close attention to detail.”

Taylor Justice - Squared Away Construction

“It has provided me with the knowledge to better navigate the inner politics of most offices.”

Steve Clark - The Vannet Group, LLC

“Motivation, education, and integrity.”

James Molnar - Colossal Construction Company LLC

“Taught me not to quit even in today's economy.”

Merlyn Seeley - Shikata Enterprises

“Self discipline, attention to details, and a good work ethic all have helped me in my business.”

Vincent Chestnut - Alpha Locksmith

“Discipline and determination I learned in the Military has had a great part in my business that produces higher standard in my work.”

JERRY ACOSTA - JD and Master

“I joined the USAF right out of high school. I received Engineering Training, worked in Civil Engineering and earned my Bachelors Degree while serving on active duty and understood the basics of Land Development as I entered into the civilian world.”

William F. Mitchell - ML Development

“Discipline and stick-to-it-tiveness, organizational skills, administrative, keep moving forward in the face of adversity; no doubt that without the skill sets I learned and honed in 18 years of military service that they prepared me.”

Doug Kelly - SEO for My Website

“Army leadership schools (Ranger School).”

Larry Mills - Skeen, Mohler & Associates Insurance

“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

“I've learned to be self-disciplined and adapt to new environments with people of different cultures.”

CURTIS THOMPSON - DJ Tee's Entertainment

“I learned from my tour of duty as a Marine Corps Helicopter Pilot many personal traits and core values that serve me well in 29 years of business in real estate.”

David B Meyers - Meyers & McCabe Properties

“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

“We are able to produce the required documentation, samples and attention to detail needed to help make our customers approvals and acquisition processes go smoothly.”

Will Cronin - Tiger Foam Insulation

“I realized that anything is possible and we are only limited by our own initiative.”

Joseph Abi-najm - VA Home Inspect, LLC

“Learned responsibility and chain of command.”

Clifton Coleman - Ugly Otter Trading Post

“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

“Taught me to focus and set goals to attain desired results.”

Anthony Barbarette - Smoky Mountain Kayaking

“My military experiential base as a program and project manager, logistical specialist, and variety of other attributes from the service helped keynote the abilities I have learned to develop to be successful as a business owner.”

Dennis R Stebbins - Ventus Travel

“The leadership and discipline received in the Army gave me the tools needed to be a successful small business owner.”

James King - J M King Distributing, 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

“Service before self, always doing your best, attention to detail.”

Glenn Heald - Santa Talks - A Book by Santa Glenn Heald

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

Eric Ives - Tactical Strategies and Concepts, Inc.

“The military was instrumental in teaching me how to take pride in my work, and how important ethics are in any work environment.”

Craig Sawyer - Tim Nolen Enterprises

“Being in the military gave me the courage to step outside myself and take a chance.”

Gail Walker - Paddle and Pedal Adventures

“Being from a home with no father involvement, the service gave me the direction and opportunities in life that was helpful in becoming a successful business owner.”

Mark S. Haines - Tropical Environmental, Inc.

“My time in the Air Force allowed me the opportunity to meet new people across the country, develop wonderful skills for restoring and renovating old homes, and enjoying and embracing new experiences with each assignment. It was a great life and career that has led to another! We look forward to serving our community again; just in a new capacity!”

Timothy Allen - A G Thomson House Bed and Breakfast

“Military service prepared me for the world I would be facing when I was discharged.”

Richard Langis - Rick Langis Private Investigations

“Discipline, courage with 3rd Bat/26th Marines and 1st Bat/13th Marines.”

Stephen Coyle - Town-Green

“Military service taught me how to be respectful of others, especially of my elders. Gave me the opportunity to learn a trade and how to use my hands. I learned to solve problems by listening versus acting first. Made me a better young man by being a team player, learning and working with others. Hard work always shows results which equals success. I returned to the civilian workplace a lot better person then the one who entered into the military, that's for sure!”

Steven Seidmeyer - FAWSsit™ Showers

“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

“Military service (25) years has given me the necessary discipline and training to operate a business. After one year (1969) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, running a business seems easy.”

Joseph Reis - Naval Aviation Cadet Benson

“1.) Work ethic 2.) Technical training”

Thomas Gaume - Network Computer Services, Inc

“Discipline, Dependability, Respect, Dignity, and training.”

Justin Law - New England Security & Public Safety Agency

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

Kevin Beasley - New Start Realty and Relocation

“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

“I spent four years in the Air Force Medical Corp and flew as a crew-member in a "crash rescue helicopter." From Basic Training to Advanced Medical Training I was taught RESPONSIBILITY, SELF-SUFFICIENCY, DEDICATION TO PURPOSE, and that FAILURE IS NEVER AN OPTION. They have all served me very well in my private life and business career.”

Sharrel Davison - Northwest Uniforms, Inc.

“Improved communication skills due to extensive experience in leadership positions throughout my 23 years active duty.”

Sergio DelHoyo - NOVA Home Inspection LLC

“To be on time and responsible for your actions!”

Jim Coshatt - T & C Services LLC

“Discipline, plain and simple.”

Kirt Anderson - TEC Trainer, LLC

“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

“As a former Navy Nuclear Electrician I learned how important it is to perform quality work. Poor quality work would have put lives at stake on my boat, the USS Bergall.”

David Loftin - 3E Services, Inc.

“The military is a great place for a high school graduate to start. You will gain the confidence and discipline needed to someday become a business owner and a productive member of society.”

Craig Ramirez - Advanced Waste Services

“I learned to stay 200 steps ahead of what people might want from me.”

James Wright - LastWright Music

“The Military made me a man. During my Tour of Duty, I learned leadership, respect, teamwork, organization, structure, and most important Honesty, Compassion, The love of our Country and all the people who live here and who give their lives everyday.”

John Dafonte - Port Bolivar Marine Service, Inc.

“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

“My service in the U.S. Army has prepared me in business by: understanding my goals, mission, and methods used by competition. I am a combat veteran; so, I understand the “need to have” vs. the “nice to have” tools and strategies to survive and win. Leadership methods learned in the military have helped me coach, council, manage, motivate as well as discipline/reward my employees. Communication, documentation, initiative, organization, professionalism, teamwork, technical quality and technical quantity as well as time management skills were business tools that I learned while in the service.”

Dave Tong - Premier Technical Services Corporation

“You don't give up when things get tough and you keep you head when others lose it.”

Michael Kozeliski - PrepFire Solutions LLC

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

Phillip Priebe - Priebe Construction

“It taught me that you must be committed to a duty to fulfill properly. Also to know you have what it takes to be a winner. How to respect others and always treat them fairly. Responsibility also means others are counting on you to do what you say.”

james c contarino sr - Pepsipainters+

“The United States Army has given me the tools to be able to face any problem with a "get it done" attitude. Failure is not an option.”

Michael David - Phoenix 21 LLC

“During my tour of duty, I managed funds, property, deployments and people. I am very blessed that I served. My professional duties included, military police and Aviation (UH1,OH58, Cobra).”

Edward Harris - Picture Perfect Framing & Art & Building Green Distributors, Inc

“The military taught me humility, honor, a strong work ethic, and follow thru.”

James Gigeous - Proficient Air LLC

“Great attention to detail.”

paul salas - PSA Electric

“Military service has given me the discipline, attitude and confidence to tackle a wide variety of challenges, circumstances and objectives.”

Kevin Pippen - Automation Authority, Inc.

“Management skills, discipline, team building, dealing with stress, mission focused, perseverance.”

Allan Jackson - Southeastern Data

“Prior law enforcement K-9 handler, disabled veteran who rehabilitated herself back to health via dancing.”

Bethsheba Almah-Place - South Florida Belly Dancers

“During my Personnel (HR) career in the Air Force, I gained the knowledge and experience needed to step out on my own. While on active duty I was also afforded the opportunity to pursue a degree in Management. I've always known that I would someday start my own company, so having proper the training, project management & people skills, and experience gained through the military are my foundation to successful entrepreneurship.”

Shelly Stafford - Stafford Home & Business Inventory, LLC

“My service has provided me with leadership skills, dedication, and has provided me with the morals that go far beyond the Army.”

Jason Stephenson - Stephenson Painting

“The military instilled in me the pride in a job well-done and an attention to detail that in my business is a must.”

Henry Niemiec - Sure Strike Guide Service and Boat Detailing

“It taught me to be organized.”

Norman Edwards - Veteran Lawn Service