During National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Veterans Business Development is highlighting three outstanding veteran entrepreneurs who received training at a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).
VBOC Success Story: Ray Jardine
| Name: | Dr. Ray Jardine, Jr. |
| Position and Company: | Chairman, CEO & President, Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC (NHV) |
| Service History: | U.S. Army, Colonel (ret.) |
| SBA Programs used: | VBOC, SBA Loans, 7J, training, seminars, Mentor-Protege Program, HUBZone, 8(a) |
How did your service have an impact on your path to entrepreneurship?
Being an enlisted soldier, then becoming a non-commissioned officer, and finally a commissioned officer provided me the people and leadership skills to become an entrepreneur. The training and schools I attended also allowed me to deal with adversity and problem solving.
Tell us about your company.
In 2005, we built a resilient company and increased revenue every year for 11 consecutive years, expanding worldwide with work in 20 countries, 50 states and four territories. We advocated for other Hawaii small businesses, Native Hawaiian-owned companies, veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled small businesses in Hawaii and on the mainland. We have grown NHV to be one of the top 250 companies in Hawaii.
What advice would you give a veteran, service member, or military spouse who is thinking about starting a business?
Be, Know and Do the following:
- Have a vision and work hard. In other words, have a strong work ethic
- Be ambitious. Be a calculated risk taker
- Grow your knowledge, skills and those around you
- Perseverance. This is not for the meek! Apply the Kina'ole approach: Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, for the right reason, with the right feeling – The First Time!
VBOC Success Story: Staci Redmon
| Name: | Staci Redmon |
| Position and Company: | President and CEO, Strategy and Management Services (SAMS) |
| Service History: | U.S. Army, Sergeant |
| SBA Programs used: | VBOC, Patriot Express, Veteran-to-Veteran-Entrepreneur Group (V2VE), Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Veterans Institute for Procurement, and Community Business Partnership (CBP). |
How did your service have an impact on your path to entrepreneurship?
I believe that veterans are well suited for entrepreneurship. In the military we learn and develop behaviors such as leadership, strategic planning, creative problem-solving, task execution, and resiliency—all traits essential to business ownership. Veterans are not afraid to take risks and we understand perseverance like no one else.
Tell us about your company.
SAMS has achieved significant growth since its inception in 2008 to over 120 employees at 26 locations throughout the United States and internationally. SAMS has been listed on Washington Technology's Fast 50 for three years in a row and has received the SmartCEO Future 50 award twice.
What advice would you give a veteran, service member, or military spouse who is thinking about starting a business?
Ask questions. Find the resources. Never give up! We have all overcome so many challenges in our lifetimes. Never give up and have patience and persistence.
VBOC Success Story: Quiana Gainey
| Name: | Quiana Gainey |
| Position and Company: | Owner, Securetech360 |
| Service History: | U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant |
| SBA Programs used: | VBOC, VIP |
How did your service have an impact on your path to entrepreneurship?
The military helped me realize that entrepreneurship was possible by introducing me to my first leadership classes.
Tell us about your company.
SecureTech360 was started in 2010 based on a former employer encouraged me to go after my dreams. We are an IT & cybersecurity firm that has had 300 percent growth in the last three years with the assistance of the Northern Virginia Community Business Partnership and the Small Business Development Center in Springfield, Virginia. Their mentorship and classes were key to us winning our first contract, learning how to manage our finances and assisting us with putting together a business and marketing plan.
What advice would you give a veteran, service member, or military spouse who is thinking about starting a business?
Don't be afraid to take a risk. Utilize the SBA and other SBDC opportunities to learn more about the type of business you want to start. And it may sound too simple, but use the Nike motto and "Just Do It."
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Celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week by visiting www.sba.gov/myvetbiz and learn more about resources built to support your entrepreneurship success. Join the conversation online using #MyVetBiz.