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Veterans make great entrepreneurs. In fact veterans own roughly 9% of all American firms and employ about the number of people who live in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, or Dallas-Fort Worth. To honor Veteran’s Day, we asked the veteran small business owners we’re proud to call customers to share their key to success. 

Mike Kehrer, U.S. Air Force – 1-800-Vehicles.com, Chattanooga, TN

“Work hard, be honest, act with integrity, and you will be successful.”

Thomas Bernard, U.S. Army – ProCraft Interiors, New York, NY

“Don’t be afraid of where the rubber hits the road. You may need to work harder than those around you, but it pays off in the long run.”

George F. Koeber, DDS, FACD, U.S. Army – The Dental Center at Sears, Concord, CA

“Don’t let the Veteran’s Administration forget its promise to our soldiers.”

Chef William Curtis, U.S. Marine Corps – Crescent Moon Wine Bar, Spring, TX

“You don’t have to go through problems alone, there is plenty of support for you. Always brothers-in-arms—don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Stephen Potter, U.S. Army – Patriot Services, Commerce MI

“Resilient soldiers and sailors make great entrepreneurs. Be flexible, adaptable, wake up every day with the passion you had in the service. Entrepreneurship is a great option for veterans. Take the leap.”

Leveraging the skills developed in the military has helped many veterans find success in small business. Applying the advice of those who are now in the trenches of small business, could help you too. 

OnDeck is celebrating veteran business owners all month long – to learn more, click here.