Between 240,000 to 360,000 personnel leave the ranks of the U.S. military every year, many facing the question: what’s next? While some opt to continue working for the government, enter a career in a hands-on field, or earn a degree, many veterans choose to leverage the process-driven, leadership-heavy skillsets obtained during their service to pursue entrepreneurship. In fact, more than 2.5 million small businesses today are owned and operated by veterans.
I had the pleasure of speaking with several veteran entrepreneurs to learn more about the trials and tribulations associated with transitioning from the military to business ownership, and gleaned some insight for other veterans thinking about taking the same leap.
Focus on Teamwork
Kevin Stansick and Andrew Schneider have been stationed in places like the Persian Gulf to Naples, Afghanistan, and Italy. Supporting their units by providing logistics and intelligence, the two became key liaisons in the Navy after multiple tours and over 20 years of service. Coming back to the states after their active service, the two decided to carve out their own entrepreneurial path as owners of a Marco’s Pizza store in Virginia Beach.
So, what was the most important learning lesson the duo took from their experience? “The ultimate skill that made us transition so smoothly from active duty to entrepreneurship was the ability to communicate,” said Schneider. “In an organization where a chain of command is part of the environment, processing and passing along information from colleague to colleague is essential. I would also say that being a great leader involves learning your colleague’s strengths and weaknesses. Understanding how every member of your team operates will help you help them learn, enjoy their craft and be efficient.”
Rise to the Challenge
Ever since high school, Wisconsin-native Jody Nelson knew she was meant to serve in the U.S. Army. After almost three decades serving as a Combat Commander and Chemical Officer, boasting several overseas tours training soldiers and working to mitigate nuclear warfare in the Middle East, Nelson has moved on to her next mission: entrepreneurship as the owner of The Spice & Tea Exchange in the Florida Villages.
Having spent the majority of her working career in the military, I asked Jody what advice she would give others struggling to find their entrepreneurial groove post-service. Nelson said, “My biggest piece of advice to other ‘vetrepreneurs’ is to just take the leap. While we, as former members of the military, have faced countless challenges, know that this journey will be the most daunting. The business will consume you, but in an extremely positive, worthwhile and rewarding way! I would also advise other to invest in something you are interested in, but that is not necessarily your hobby — keep the two separate so that your hobby isn’t ruined by your day job.”
Success Takes Dedication
Tristan and Hannah had always been interested in becoming entrepreneurs. Once an opportunity at Anytime Fitness presented itself, they were able to sell their existing business (after increasing its profitability 10-fold and being sought after) which enabled them to pursue the prospect of opening the Anytime Fitness gym.
