Comments on the Military and Business Ownership
We asked veteran owned businesses listed in VeteranOwnedBusiness.com to tell us how their time in the military helped them succeed as business owners. Below are some of their answers.
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Here is a random list of 100 military testimonials/comments. We have 1,000s of members who submitted one. Refresh the page to generate another random grouping of 100!
“Taught me to always be prepared, honest and punctual.”
Joe Everett - All American Tree And Stump Removal
“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
“Logistics management, organizational skills, operations. ”
Martin Bishop - Evac One
“Leadership, Focus, Attention-to-Detail, Perseverance, Character, Empathy, Passion and Commitment.”
William Faucett - Flagship Logistics, LLC
“The military taught me leadership, management, and people skills.”
Thomas Krick - Homeland Property Inspections
“Taught me discipline, attention to detail, working with and directing a team.”
Rick Stricker - WebSlingers Web Development
“My years in flying and crash investigation gave me discipline, confidence, and drive to take care of fellow vets. ”
Bear Thomas - Bear Team Realty
“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
“Instilled discipline, confidence, and satisfaction in a job well done.”
Sean Elkin - Searchlight Interactive, LLC
“Learned discipline, determination and perseverance.”
Hal Decker - Doctor Greens
“I joined the Navy one year after high school. I served six years in the Navy Nuclear Power program, four years on the USS California (cgn36). After the service, I enrolled at the University of New Mexico and received my Electrical Engineering Degree. I worked for Intel for 12 years and now own and operate my own fitness center. The Navy gave me experience that none of the other things ever could; that is, discipline, honesty and integrity and that anything worth having requires those three.”
Mark Atencio - Anytime Fitness Albuquerque
“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.
“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
“Persistence and Organization!”
James Terhune - T&T Materials
“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
“To deliver services in a promised time and respect customers.”
Thomas Covington - A-1 Copy Systems, LLC
“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
“Motivation, Discipline, and Foresight.”
John Paff - American Shootist LLC
“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
“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
“Gave us the fortitude to Last in Business from 1977 to now.”
Edward Ginner - Alachua Telcom 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 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 Air Force, Airmen, invested time in mentoring me and developing my skills to be able to manage complex tasks and make sure the job gets done!”
Ed Stobierski - G.I. JUNK
“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 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 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
“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
“Management and leadership skills plus the idea of serving people and providing others what they need.”
Howard Tennyson - Ace Home Inspection, LLC
“The military has given me the skills to work hard and over come many obstacles that you encounter when opening and running a business.”
eric hirt - Hirt Motorsports
“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
“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
“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
“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
“Standing on my feet for hours, listening to the roar of the ships engines, and being meticulous are all necessary characteristics of a good sailor and a vigilant press man!”
Jeff Hooper - Hooper Printing
“My military service gave me the courage and determination to start and manage Extremely Clean Pressure Washing.”
Bryan Whalen - Extremely Clean Pressure Washing
“The leadership skills learned in the military has prepared me to be better business owner.”
Anthony King - Bamaboys Towing & Transport
“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
“Responsibility and honor.”
Joseph Gleason - J Gleason Consulting
“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)
“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.
“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
“Determination, readiness, motivated, able to accomplish any task!”
Douglas Goss - The Plumber Company, LLC
“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
“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
“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.
“The military taught me to take control and follow through and give 100% to my efforts.”
Anthony Perry - Total Care Property Inspections
“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
“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 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 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.
“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, leadership, coping with things when the tides are against me.”
David Woods - Woods Patrol and Security Service
“The military developed my leadership and management skills through the years and the ability to see how communications and relationships with other organizations was key in making your operations successful.”
Laura Orcutt - Laura Orcutt Business Operating Solutions LLC (LOBOS)
“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
“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.
“Joining the Marines was the best choice of my life. In my business life it has given me huge confidence and integrity. The willingness to persevere through any situation is also a big plus in my business.”
James Erickson - EMC Dental Marketing
“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
“Organizational skills.”
Tommy Pope - Business Systems, Inc.
“The self-discipline and dedication to a team effort that I learned in the Marine Corps, prepared me for the rigors of the entertainment business.”
Giacomo Knox - A Week With My Father, LLC
“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 enabled me to have the discipline and internal drive to succeed in creating and growing my own company.”
Jamie Falconi - Stellar Apparel
“As a Marine, I was taught the values of leadership, discipline and camaraderie. This is still very much evident 35 years later.”
Frank Espinoza - Frank H Contractors
“Being in the US Army and having the privilege of serving overseas has helped me take the challenges of the business world in stride.”
JD Beers - Coupon Raider!
“The leadership and discipline from my military service prepared me for managing not only one business but two.”
Dorothy West - AVON - Independent Sales Representative - Dorothy West
“The military provided work place skills, discipline, responsibility, order, and foresight.”
Ricky Forrest - Don's Repair
“Military service provided me with a disciplined approach and the desire to take pride in my work.”
Gary Gruenwald - Domestic & International Security Group, LLC
“Made me a strong leader and willing to pursue my goals.”
ramzi torbey - Halo-8
“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
“Paid for college and built leadership.”
Mike Olivera, DBA - Rescue Wireless Remote Computer & Network Repair
“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
“Disciplined, organized, motivated, on-time, responsible, professional.”
Scott Ehlert - Coastal Flooring Contractors
“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
“Experience of Government supplies purchased and requested.”
Joseph P Pekar - MFG Reps, LLC
“It has made me a more (nose to the grindstone) kind of a person. What ever it takes to get the job done.”
Gary Wickham - P.F.D. LLC
“Leadership skills!”
C. J. Brown III - PeoplePower
“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
“My training helped me to look at a situation and quickly and accurately make educated decisions.”
David Wardlow - Veterans Debt Relief
“How life is.”
Shari Wahlert - Wahlert Service
“I see paths of opportunities not just roadblocks.”
Eric Wiechert - Eric Wiechert Law Office
“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
“My 14 years as an army officer taught me to handle emergencies and pressure and get the job done no matter what. Now in water damage restoration we are professionally handling clients emergencies and getting their lives back on track in record time.”
Brian Epperson - Action Cleaning
“Discipline and professionalism!”
Erby Crofutt - B4U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing






