In the military, success often means accomplishing the impossible, even before the sun comes up. It’s this same spirit of determination and excellence that has helped countless veterans transform their military experience into a clear business vision. The skills that make an outstanding service member—steady discipline, strategic thinking, and relentless determination—often prove to be the exact ingredients for entrepreneurial success.
Veterans Day is the perfect time to celebrate the resilience and achievements of those who have served our country. Hearing their stories of transitioning to civilian life and finding success is truly inspiring.
Translating Discipline and Focus to Business Success
One inspiring military veteran and entrepreneur is Sergio Gutierrez, a local Arizona business owner who graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Although his education was partially funded by the GI Bill after serving in the Vietnam War, he had to work full-time to achieve his higher education goals. “I worked a graveyard shift and attended classes half asleep, but I was dedicated to getting it done and I still managed to succeed,” he says. Sergio, who earned the Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) as a Sergeant E5, attributes much of his business success to the discipline and focus he gained from his military experience in the Vietnam War.
Military training emphasizes discipline, focus and stamina—a powerful combination for entrepreneurs. Veterans know that success in any mission requires thorough preparation and contingency planning, while staying adaptable when circumstances change. These same abilities enable entrepreneurs to turn their business vision into reality, much like executing military missions.
“The main takeaway from my service was learning to focus and stay disciplined, a necessity for survival in both Vietnam and business,” Sergio shares. In the military, he learned to focus on one main goal: to survive and get out alive. This mentality translated into his business life, where surviving the critical first five years, when most businesses fail, required the same level of focus and determination. “To accomplish that survival, you have to be the best you can in business and do whatever it takes to make it work, just like my experience in Vietnam,” he says.
Team, Community, and Networking
Veterans learn to lead by example, manage diverse teams and make strategic decisions under pressure. These abilities are invaluable in the business world, where effective leadership and teamwork are critical for success. Veterans can inspire their teams, manage resources efficiently, and drive their businesses toward their goals.
Sergio’s military experience taught him the value of teamwork and community. “In Vietnam, we learned how to forget all biases and realize we were all equal,” he reflects. “We were all Americans because we needed to lean on and depend on each other as brothers.” This sense of camaraderie and real teamwork was critical in his business endeavors as well. The drastic circumstances of war made working together a necessity, which made teamwork easier to implement in a business setting.
“Networking is essential and learning from other people, exchanging ideas, and identifying what works for what I’m facing is just like in the army,” Sergio explains. His early business success can be attributed to connections made with the Minority Development Organization, which is now MBDA. Through networking with large companies, his business gained the visibility needed to attract business to the early-stage company. It wasn’t easy, but persistent effort and countless calls eventually secured great accounts.
The Positive Impact of Partnerships on Their Communities
Military spouses are remarkable, not only for managing responsibilities while their spouse is deployed but also for becoming business owners and giving back to the community. A 2022 national survey revealed that 80% of military spouses are female and showcased their strong entrepreneurial spirit, along with the crucial support needed to thrive in the business world.
Sergio’s business success was a joint effort with his then wife, Antonia Hernandez. Together, they built their company, All American Office Products, in the heart of Peoria, Arizona. Antonia also attended ASU and received a Bachelor’s in Business Education. Her education, combined with their shared focus and determination, played a crucial role in building their business from the ground up.
They launched their business straight from their garage, using retirement money from previous jobs with the State of Arizona to fund it initially. The journey wasn’t easy, with the biggest challenge being to generate enough business to move out of the garage. At the time, wholesalers wouldn’t sell to them without a storefront, so they had to build a loyal customer base from the ground up. With perseverance, they purchased their first building in Peoria and finally gained access to wholesalers. This pivotal moment came just before big box stores began to dominate the retail landscape, so their timing was perfect.
Their innovative business model combined retail and catalog sales. They were pioneers in online purchasing, securing major accounts like AT&T, Universal Propulsion, Southwest Gas, APS, and small state agencies, along with the City of Peoria, the City of Glendale, and various small businesses. Their story displays how determination, innovation and the power of believing in your vision can make it happen.
Sergio shares that their business goals extended beyond personal success to helping others. “Being able to donate time or money to causes that uplift the community, like the Boys and Girls Club, was something I enjoyed,” he says.
As David Drach, Vice President of Partnerships at TechStars, observes, “Veterans and military spouses are dynamic problem solvers and understand the tenacity required to execute a plan and mission. Those characteristics make them the best kind of entrepreneurs.”
Tailored Business Resources for Veterans
For veterans ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, here are several valuable resources to support your vision:
- Veteran-Owned Business Certification: The Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certification through the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) opens doors to corporate and government contracting opportunities. Visit www.nvbdc.org to begin the certification process. Additionally, the federal government’s Vets First Verification Program through vetbiz.va.gov allows you to register for federal contracting opportunities.
- Veteran Business Grants: The StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award and the Warriors Rising Grant Program offer significant funding opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) also provides access to capital and preparation for small business loans through the Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loans program.
- Local Support and Networking: ASU’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute regularly hosts events for its diverse community of entrepreneurs. These events range from networking meetups to intensive workshops on business development. Check our calendar to find upcoming opportunities.
Inspiring Stories That Spark Motivation
Listening to veterans share how they bring the same intense focus to business challenges as they did to military missions is truly inspiring. Their knack for staying cool under pressure isn’t just helpful—it’s a game changer. Their ability to think clearly in high-stakes environments is incredibly valuable for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. These success stories aren’t coincidences—they show how military service builds an ideal mindset and skills for entrepreneurial success.
For those who have served, entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to apply their unique skills and experiences in new ways, continuing their mission of making a positive impact through leadership and service.