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From Boots 2 Biz Radio

Four Veteran Entrepreneurs tell their stories

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Our show today focuses on four different veteran entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Sabot Mobile is a real estate investment company that provides short term note-secured investment opportunities to main-street investors, improvement and renovation services to Mobile Home Parks, and updated and renovated Mobile Homes to prospective buyers and tenants.

Brandon Skolnick- Army
Veteran, OEF/OIF. Partner at Sabot Mobile, full time student at KSU- studying International Business. Heads a round table meet-up called Veteran Entrepreneurs for Veteran Entrepreneurs also involved in Habitat for Humanity Veteran’s Coalition, involved in Veterans Chamber of Commerce- Atlanta Chapter. Involved in building a website as a one stop shop for everything veteran – www.bandofsoldiers.com, post active duty is currently serving in the Army Reserve.  www.linkedin.com/in/brandonskolnick/

Alexander McMichen Army
Veteran, OEF. Partner at Sabot Mobile, graduated from UGA with a BA in International Affairs. Heads a round table meet-up called Veteran Entrepreneurs for Veteran Entrepreneurs also involved in Habitat for Humanity Veteran’s Coalition, involved in Veterans Chamber of Commerce- Atlanta Chapter and is currently serving in the Army Reserve. www.linkedin.com/in/amcmichen/

Atlanta Commercial Relocation Specialists, LLC specializes in corporate and government agency office relocations. ACRS’ proven systematic approach to commercial relocation provides significant savings over our competitors by increasing efficacy and reducing costs that are associated with project management, packing, labor, trucking and installations.

My journey from special operations sergeant in the US army to becoming a young disabled veteran business owner is not uncommon. One of my major personal goals is to have the city of Atlanta as well as the state of Georgia recognize a preference for service disabled veteran owned businesses in their contract

Daniel Beverly, http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=183496787&trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Capitol Financial Solutions, LLC is an independent firm affiliated with John Hancock Financial Network. Offering John Hancock insurance products. Registered Representative/Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC, a registered investment adviser.

Brent Williams Investment Advisor Representative   bwilliams@capfs.com

 

 

 

SignWorld attracts Veteran Entrepreneurs

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Sign Business – The Big Picture

98% of all signs are indoors. They are paper posters, cardboard, banners and thin plastic like materials. Most signs are thrown away every month. In December, they say “Happy Holidays”. In January, they say “Clearance”. In February, they say “Valentine’s Day”, and on and on…

Drive down any street, walk into any business, notice vehicles of all sizes wrapped in pictures and graphics or visit a tradeshow and the opportunity for building a business in the sign industry will become very clear. Today, more than ever, small businesses to large are seeking ways to increase their visibility and make an impact through the use of signs.

Here’s what a modern day sign business looks like:

  • Signs are custom production, so every day is different and you will see tangible, visible results of your efforts as you drive around town.
  • It’s close to home, in a low-overhead business park location, operating Monday-Friday 9-5 – no nights, weekends or holidays, with a small staff of career employees.
  • There are no loud noises, odors, or dangerous chemicals.
  • It’s a relationship business with repeat customers. Twenty to thirty of those customers can equal 80% of your revenue. Many of those customers may be regional and even national in scope.
  • It’s a non-cash transaction business, so when you are out seeing customers, you don’t have to worry about who’s holding the money.

This is SignWorld!  A business model veteran entrepreneurs find attractive!

We are the “Commercial Sign Companies” located in light industrial business parks.

We are not the retail sign stores you see in the shopping centers. Our 250 plus Owners are people-oriented individuals who have the desire to run a custom manufacturing business. Our Signworld Owners are a cut above the traditional sign company. Our ongoing support and training along with state-of-the-art equipment will leave the competition behind.

You won’t need any graphics arts education or prior experience with signs. Our owners come from all walks of life, from bankers to secretaries to construction workers and military veterans. No matter what their background, they all share a strong work ethic; a desire to build a business with no limitations and the realization that working for themselves is their ultimate destiny. They apply their people skills to help their customers with solutions they need to promote their business.

Listen as Jack Werner talks about the opportunities offered by SignWorld to Veteran Entrepreneurs.

For more information about SignWorld, contact your From Boots2Biz Radio host, Bill Williams, at bwilliams@4axxiom.com

 

VetJobs and Ted Daywalt

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VetJobs is the leading Internet niche job board for reaching the 10.5 million military veterans currently in the work force, the 200 thousand active duty military personnel who transition each year, the over 400,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve who return to the United States each year from extended deployments, and their family members.

VetJobs was established in 1999 following extensive research on job and resume sites catering to the military market. The research indicated there was a gap in sites which assisted employers in identifying the transitioning military and veteran candidate. VetJobs is operated by a seasoned management team of professionals to assist companies, recruiting firms and hiring authorities to successfully reach the military market.

VetJobs is owned and operated by veterans for veterans. In January 2000, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States exclusively sponsored and purchased ten percent of the company. Since then, VetJobs has garnered more veteran service organization endorsements than any other site. Major endorsements include the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Naval Reserve Association and the Veterans of Modern Warfare.

VetJobs is recognized in the industry as the leading recruitment site to reach the military market.

VetJobs makes it easy for employers to reach and employ all the members of the military community. VetJobs defines the military community to include Air Force, Army, Coast Guard,  Department of Defense Civilians, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, National Guard, Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, Reserves and their spouses and dependents. VetJobs makes it easy to reach not only the transitioning military member, but also the highly qualified men and women who are veterans that have separated over the decades and are now productive members of the civilian work force in all disciplines.

VetJobs Vision

The VetJobs vision is to meet the shortage of qualified candidates in the civilian sector with highly trained veterans who can offer employers technical skills, management expertise and most importantly, leadership.

What VetJobs Offers Employers

With the VetJobs flat-fee structure, employer members get predictable annual expenses, no matter how many candidates they hire using the site, or how many recruiters use the site or company locations.

What VetJobs Offers Candidates

VetJobs has thousands of employers who have used the site to identify candidates from the transitioning military and veteran market. VetJobs averages more job postings than any other military or intelligence related job board!

The Employment Assistance section has guidance on how to organize a job search, write a resume, interview and identify your next employer.

VetJobs publishes a monthly newsletter for veterans called the Veteran Eagle. The newsletter has vital information about employment and the market, as well as topics of interest to people who have been associated with the military.

Ted Daywalt, President

Since 1999 Ted Daywalt has been the president and CEO of VetJobs (www.vetjobs.com), the leading military job board on the Internet and recognized as the best job board for veterans by CareerXRoads, WEDDLE’s, Workforce Management Magazine, AIRS and AOL. Mr. Daywalt is regularly cited and interviewed in the press, including USA Today, 60 Minutes, Military Times, PBS Frontline, NPR, CNN and FOX Business News.

Ted’s background includes both extensive military service and roles in the corporate world.  From 1971 to 1978 he served on active duty in the Navy as a line officer and intelligence officer, then transferred to the Naval Reserve Intelligence Program, from which he retired as a Captain (O-6) with 28 years of service. Ted has held executive positions in the steel, electric utility, importing, chemical and recruiting industries. He is a published author and is an in demand speaker, he testifies regularly before Congress on veterans and economic issues.

Ted Daywalt is recognized as having the best understanding of veteran employment in the United States.

 

Veteran Entrepreneurs consider Right at Home

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We welcome Eric Martin, Director of Franchise Development for Right at Home and Larry Anthony, a new Right at Home franchise owner and a veteran entrepreneur.  Right at Home provides a variety of in home medical and non medical services to seniors and patients recovering from illness or injury.

If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business, there has never been a better time to make the right decision with Right at Home.

Right Time

The rapid-growth, trillion-dollar healthcare service industry is lucrative and recession resistant.  There are 78 million baby boomers today, growing at a rate of nearly four million people every year.

  • Seniors need in-home care to help stay in the comfort  of their own home.
  • Many seniors live alone and need the right in-home healthcare services.

Right Decision

You know that feeling you get when you’ve helped someone? Imagine feeling that way every day as your business helps families to improve their quality of life. With Right at Home, you make a difference in people’s lives, while feeling great about your own, fulfilling a huge need in this substantial, under-served market.

Right Team

Right at Home was one of the first companies to enter into the in-home senior healthcare industry and is in the top five of international providers with over 300 franchises in 42 states and five countries. Our franchisees earned an average of over one million dollars in topline revenue per office in 2011.   *Net Billings in 2012 for205 Offices open one year or more as of December 31, 2012. 79 or 39% of these Offices attained or surpassed the represented level of financial performance.

Advantages to owning a Right at Home franchise:

  • Multiple revenue opportunities
  • Recession resistant business
  • Technology resistant
  • Referral based business
  • Impressive earnings disclosure in their FDD, Item 19
  • A business that adds to the community
  • Recognized as one of the Top 100 franchises for Veteran Entrepreneurs.

This is a “Feel Good” activity, enriching your spirit as an entrepreneur

For additional information about a Right at Home franchise, contact Bill Williams at bwilliams@4axxiom.com or attend one of our frequent webinars about franchise ownership, see dates and registration information on the From Boots 2 Biz Radio landing page.

Veteran Entrepreneurship with Sparkle Wash International

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We welcome Sparkle Wash International with Tom Yuhas, VP of  Franchise Sales and Training for Sparkle Wash and Todd Butler, recently retired USAF Master Sergeant, a new Sparkle Wash franchisee and an example of veteran entrepreneurship.

Sparkle Wash is recognized world wide for their expertise in on-site commercial pressure washing.  They specialize in washing private and commercial structures, fleet vehicles and industrial and construction equipment.  To paraphrase television advertising, “this is not your daddy’s pressure washing weekend project!”.

The three things that make owning a SparkleWash Commercial Pressure Washing & Restoration franchise so desirable are:

1) A comprehensive BUSINESS PLAN and MARKETING PROGRAM

2) Professional one-on-one TRAINING and technical support

3) An exclusive cleaning PROCESS and environmentally compliant PRODUCT LINE

Our business is simple and flexible. We make things simple for our franchisees because we provide “One stop shopping” for all  ongoing education, technical, and business development needs.

Why should you consider a Sparkle Wash franchise?

a) Confidence – everything needed to be a respected business owner

b) Support – business and technical

c) Time – freedom to do things you want

d) Tangibles – good margins, unorganized competition, clearly superior results

e) Experience – Sparkle Wash has been in business since 1965

Tom Yuhas, Vice President of Sparkle Wash International for Franchise Sales and Training  has been with the company since 2000.  He directs national and international franchise sales as well as franchise training traveling extensively advising franchisees to help grow their businesses.  The best way to connect with Tom is to send him an invitation on LinkedIn.

Todd Butler, retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 20 years and immediately transitioned into a Sparkle Wash franchise.

Todd, why did you choose Sparkle Wash?

1) I wanted a franchise that provides a service to a large  and stable market, and also allowed me to continue being outdoors.   Sparkle Wash delivered.

2) I wanted a hands-on start that was also highly scalable.   I wanted to be able to fill my days as I see fit.   Sparkle Wash delivered.

3) I wanted to continue managing people.   Sparkle Wash delivered.

4) I wanted to continue managing operations.  Sparkle Wash delivered.

Again, many thanks to both of you for sharing your information today.  I believe Sparkle Wash represents an excellent option for aspiring military entrepreneurs.

For further information, please contact me, Bill Williams at bwilliams@4axxiom.com.  Mention you heard about Sparkle Wash on From Boots 2 Biz Radio and we’ll send you our comprehensive e-book, “Introduction to Franchising”.

Veterans, Citizenship and Entrepreneurship

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We welcome Glenn Spears and Roger Wise who exemplify the terms Veterans, Citzenship and Entrepreneurship.  Glenn and Roger talk to students and civic groups as “Stars and Stripes” to inspire their audiences toward personal achievement, patriotism, military service and participating in civic activities of all kinds.   The “Stars” references Glenn’s career in the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of Lieutenant General.  The “Stripes” refers to Roger’s service in the enlisted ranks of the United States Army during a slightly earlier era.  Individually, and together as “Stars & Stripes”, Roger and Glenn represent outstanding examples of citizenship, service and personal achievement.

Glenn Spears is a successful business development consultant who specializes in the aerospace and information technology sectors.  As president of Spears Advisors, LLC, Glenn increased U.S. market share and opened new markets in Latin America for a major business aviation aircraft manufacturer.  He also increased U.S. federal market share for a wireless communications integrator.  Before entering the private sector, Glenn served over 30 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force.  He is a
combat-experienced pilot, and flew 16 different types of Air Force aircraft.  Spears’ last assignment on active duty was as the Commander of Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern, and he retired with the rank of Lieutenant General.  Academically, Glenn earned a bachelors of science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Master’s degrees from both Salve Regina College and from the Naval War College.

Glenn can be reached at GlennSpears1@hotmail.com

Roger Wise, Jr. is originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, attended Goldsboro High School and East Carolina University. He  is a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Army Medical Corps.  Following his military service and capitalizing on that experience, Roger had a successful 30 year career with the Ross Division of Abbott Laboratories.  Roger rose through the corporate ranks, continually recognized  and promoted for achieving success at every corporate level, finally retiring from the prestigious and important role as Regional Director of Regulatory Affairs and Governmental Relations. Roger is a noted and respected civic leader, heavily involved in political activities, a National Ambassador for Shriners Hospitals and a strong supporter of Junior ROTC. He has been on so many boards that we don’t have time to mention them all.  Roger was recently spotlighted in the local publication Focus on Fulton, the theme being “Roger Wise Pays His Civic Rent”.

Roger can be reached at rogerwisejr@comcast.net

Change 4 Georgia = Supporting Veterans

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Change 4 Georgia is a non profit, community service program supporting veterans and veteran families, founded in Forsyth County, Georgia by Remington Youngblood, as a fifth grader.  With the full support of this parents, Remington was looking for a way to help in his community, C4G is inclusive to students and veteran supporters of all ages. The mission of C4G is to thank men and women in the military who are currently serving and also veterans who served in the past.  “Thank you for your service, dedication and sacrifice to protect our freedom and keep our country secure.”

Change 4 Georgia collects items from the “Wish Lists” of serving troops, items that will fit in backpacks and are needed and wanted to add comfort in remote areas.  At home, C4G helps to support families of deployed troops by collecting food, clothing, diapers, shcool supplies, personal items, furniture and appliances with special projects.  Year round, C4G holds “Fabulous Food Drives” and adopts veteran families that meet specific criteria.  During the holidays, C4G runs a “Terrific Toy” drive for the children of veterans in need.

To assist veterans who are pursuing a college degree, Change 4 Georgia has entered into partnerships with North Georgia College and Georgia Perimeter College and awards scholarships to deserving veteran students.

Remington Youngblood is 12 years old and speaks like a polished, experienced adult.  He is an award winning inspirational speaker with more than 40 public speeches to his credit.  Over 70 local businesses in the greater Atlanta area support his Change 4 Georgia projects.  Remington recently won a county wide award for his multi media production about Change 4 Georgia.

By appearing on From Boots 2 Biz Radio, Remington hopes to inspire other young people to seize the initiative in their own cities and states and create more Change 4 ______ organizations around the country.  Remington’s voice and actions are an inspiration to all he meets.  The troops have given him the call sign “Hollywood” and his nickname is “The President”.

Find more information at these links:

www.change4georgia.com

https://www.facebook.com/Change4Georgia

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=21669276&trk=tab_pro

https://twitter.com/change4georgia

 

 

 

The Value Of a Veteran

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We welcome Lisa Rosser and Jill Dunn of The Value Of a Veteran to From Boots 2 Biz Radio.  The Value of a Veteran teaches organizations how to recruit and retain Military Veterans, members of the Guard and Reserves and Military Spouses.

Lisa Rosser is a 16-year human resources professional and a military veteran who spent 22 years in the active Army and the Army Reserve.  In 2007 she combined these backgrounds and founded a woman-owned, veteran-owned small business called “The Value Of a Veteran”.

Through The Value Of a Veteran’s training and consulting services, Lisa has made it her mission to help companies understand what military veterans have to offer an organization, how to translate military skills into civilian positions and how to market to and source military talent.

Lisa is also a vocal advocate for small business and passionate about supporting and championing her fellow veterans who venture into entrepreneurship.

Jill Dunn and Lisa Rosser have been friends since childhood, Jill is married to a career Naval officer and works with The Value Of a Veteran by delivering on line workshops and meeting with transition assistance programs whenever possible.

www.linkedin.com/in/lisarosser

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2060418

www.thevalueofaveteran.com

Among the topics covered in the show today:

1. Background and evolution of The Value Of a Veteran as a company.

2. Lessons learned on the road to small business ownership.

3. Advice for military members considering entrepreneurship (in general)

4. Why franchisors should look to veterans as potential franchisees.

5. Why veterans should consider franchise ownership.

Women Veterans in Transition

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We welcome Joe Rangitsch to From Boots 2 Biz Radio.  Joe is originally from rural upstate New York, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from West Point after serving 4-years in the enlisted ranks as a member of the 82ndAirborne Division.  He most recently served as a Configuration and Release Manager for Fiserv ( the company used to be called Checkfree).

Joe has earned 2 Masters Degrees – one in Computer Science and one in Systems Management and is now  pursuing his PhD in Information Technology.   He is retired from the US Army, having served for 26 years in a variety of command and staff positions. His technical certifications  include the Project Manager Professional (PMP) as well as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) along with several other technical certifications.

Joe is deeply commited to assisting all military veterans transitioning from active duty to a civilian career with a specific, local interest in helping women veterans in transition who are sometimes overlooked by the general public.

If you’d like to contact Joe directly, please email him at jrangitsch@gmail.com.

Re-Entering Civilian Life

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Our guests today are Dr. Paul Blumsack and retired USMC Major John Forrest.

We’re discussing some important factors relative to Re-Entering Civilian Life after transitioning out of active military duty.

Dr. Paul Blumsack is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Paula, for the past 28 years and together they have raised 5 healthy, medication free children. Dr. Blumsack graduated from Life College of Chiropractic in 1994.

Dr. Blumsack has developed a unique approach to care that has been simple and effective in helping get sick people well, improve their overall quality of life and then help them stay well. He is committed to helping his community Live Better and Live Longer through specific scientific chiropractic care.  Paul is also dedicated to helping his fellow military veterans regain their health, reduce stress and reintegrate back into society.  He is a strong proponent and promoter of the ICA Cares Program offering free chiropratic care to Iraq and Afganistan military veterans.

John Forrest retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Major after serving over 20 years in active and reserve duty.  He served in Southwestern Asia for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and was mobilized and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  In 1986, John enlisted in the Marines and graduated from Recruit Training, aka Boot Camp, advancing to the School of Infantry, then serving his reserve unit until accepting a commision as a Marine Corps officer in 1989.   John’s military career included a wide range of responsibilites in command and staff positions and is distinguished by many commendations and awards including the Bronze Star.

Currently, John heads up the Forrest Consulting Group and an Aflac practice while, in his spare time, he is pursuing a masters degree at the Keller Graduate School of Management in Atlanta, Georgia.