When I look back on my journey from serving in the United States Air Force to becoming a business owner and entrepreneur, I realize just how deeply those years in the military shaped my life. The values, skills, and mindset I developed during my service have been instrumental in building and managing my businesses, navigating challenges, and finding success. Transitioning from military life to the business world wasn’t without its hurdles, but the lessons I learned in the Air Force gave me the tools to overcome them.
In this post, I want to share some of those lessons—principles of leadership, discipline, and adaptability—that have guided me through my career and life.
Discipline: The Foundation of Success
One of the first things you learn in the military is the importance of discipline. It’s not just about following orders or adhering to a schedule; it’s about maintaining focus, staying consistent, and holding yourself accountable even when no one else is watching.
In business, discipline is just as crucial. As the owner of several companies, including Delco Holdings, LLC and Delco, LLC, there’s no one standing over my shoulder to ensure I meet deadlines or stay on budget. It’s on me to keep myself accountable and make sure my team is operating at its best.
That sense of personal responsibility was ingrained in me during my Air Force training. Whether it was preparing for a mission or maintaining equipment, there was no room for shortcuts. That same mentality has carried over into my businesses. I’ve learned that staying disciplined isn’t always glamorous, but it’s the foundation for achieving long-term goals.
Leadership: A Commitment to the Team
The military teaches you that leadership isn’t about rank or power—it’s about responsibility and service to others. A good leader earns the trust and respect of their team by leading by example, listening, and making decisions that benefit the group as a whole.
When I stepped into leadership roles in my businesses, I leaned heavily on these principles. As General Manager of Villa Homes, LLC, I don’t just delegate tasks; I work alongside my team to ensure we deliver the highest quality homes to our clients. In my other ventures, like Delco Devgru, I make it a priority to create a culture of respect and collaboration.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that leadership means putting your team first. You have to invest in their success—whether it’s through training, mentorship, or simply showing them you value their contributions. When your team feels supported, they’re more likely to give their best effort, and that’s when great things happen.
Adaptability: Thriving in Uncertainty
If there’s one constant in both the military and business, it’s that things don’t always go according to plan. In the Air Force, we trained extensively to adapt to unexpected situations—whether it was a change in mission objectives or a sudden challenge on the ground.
This ability to pivot has been invaluable in the business world. Markets change, projects encounter roadblocks, and new competitors emerge. Being adaptable has allowed me to see these challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities to grow and innovate.
For example, when I started Delco, LLC, we faced significant hurdles in developing new technologies and bringing them to market. Instead of being discouraged, I embraced the challenge, leveraging the problem-solving mindset I’d developed in the military. Today, we have several patents to our name and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in advanced manufacturing and product development.
Planning and Execution: The Mission-Driven Approach
In the military, every mission begins with a plan. But a plan is only as good as its execution. That balance between careful preparation and decisive action is something I’ve carried with me into my business ventures.
Whether I’m working on a federal contract with Delco Devgru or managing a new development project with Villa Homes, I approach each task with a mission-driven mindset. This means setting clear objectives, identifying potential risks, and ensuring that everyone involved understands their role in achieving the goal.
But just as in the Air Force, I’ve learned that flexibility is key. Plans often need to be adjusted on the fly, and success depends on your ability to adapt while staying focused on the bigger picture.
The Importance of Balance
While the Air Force taught me to give 110% to everything I do, it also instilled in me the importance of balance. Even in the military, there were moments to pause, reflect, and recharge. That lesson has been crucial in my personal and professional life.
As much as I love my work, my family is my greatest priority. Spending time with my wife and two children grounds me and reminds me why I work so hard. Whether we’re enjoying a day at our lake house or just sitting down for dinner, those moments of connection keep me focused on what truly matters.
Golfing and being outdoors are also ways I find balance. These activities help me clear my mind, recharge, and come back to work with renewed energy.
Looking Ahead
The transition from military service to business ownership has been a rewarding journey, filled with challenges and growth. Every day, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned in the Air Force—lessons that continue to guide me as I lead my companies, develop new products, and create opportunities for my team.
For anyone considering the leap from military to civilian life, my advice is this: embrace the discipline, leadership, and adaptability you’ve already cultivated. These qualities are your greatest assets, whether you’re starting your own business or pursuing a new career path.
Ultimately, success comes down to staying focused, staying humble, and never losing sight of the bigger picture. The military taught me that, and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day.