During National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development is celebrating three remarkable veteran entrepreneurs who received training at a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).
**VBOC Success Story: Ray Jardine**
Dr. Ray Jardine, Jr. is the Chairman, CEO, and President of Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC (NHV). He served as a colonel in the U.S. Army before retiring. Jardine utilized multiple SBA programs, including VBOC, SBA Loans, seminars, and the Mentor-Protege Program.
**Impact of Military Service on Entrepreneurship**
Jardine credits his transition from an enlisted soldier to a non-commissioned officer and finally a commissioned officer for his leadership and people skills essential for entrepreneurship. The training and education he received in the military were invaluable in overcoming adversity and solving problems.
**About the Company**
Founded in 2005, NHV is a resilient company that has seen revenue growth every year for 11 consecutive years. The company operates worldwide in 20 countries, all 50 states, and four territories. NHV also supports other small businesses in Hawaii, particularly those owned by Native Hawaiians, veterans, and service-disabled individuals.
**Advice for Aspiring Veteran Entrepreneurs**
Jardine advises having a strong vision and work ethic, being ambitious, taking calculated risks, and continually growing knowledge and skills. He emphasizes perseverance and adhering to 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**
Staci Redmon is the President and CEO of Strategy and Management Services (SAMS). She served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and benefited from various SBA programs, including VBOC, Patriot Express, and SCORE.
**Impact of Military Service on Entrepreneurship**
Redmon believes military service equips veterans well for entrepreneurship by instilling leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, task execution, and resilience. These traits are crucial for business ownership as they enable veterans to take risks and persevere.
**About the Company**
SAMS has grown significantly since its inception in 2008, now employing over 120 people across 26 locations globally. The company has been featured on Washington Technology’s Fast 50 list for three consecutive years and has twice received the SmartCEO Future 50 award.
**Advice for Aspiring Veteran Entrepreneurs**
Redmon encourages asking questions, utilizing available resources, and never giving up. She highlights the importance of patience and persistence in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
**VBOC Success Story: Quiana Gainey**
Quiana Gainey is the owner of Securetech360. She served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and leveraged SBA programs such as VBOC and VIP.
**Impact of Military Service on Entrepreneurship**
Gainey notes that the military introduced her to leadership, which made her realize that entrepreneurship was achievable.
**About the Company**
Founded in 2010, SecureTech360 is an IT & cybersecurity firm that has seen 300 percent growth over the last three years. The company’s success was supported by mentorship and training from the Northern Virginia Community Business Partnership and the Springfield, Virginia Small Business Development Center. These programs helped SecureTech360 win its first contract and develop a solid business and marketing strategy.
**Advice for Aspiring Veteran Entrepreneurs**
Gainey advises not being afraid to take risks and utilizing SBA and other Small Business Development Center resources to learn about the business they wish to start. She encourages following Nike’s motto to “Just Do It.”
Celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week by exploring resources at www.sba.gov/myvetbiz and engage with the community online using #MyVetBiz.
