38 minute read
Veterans in Business
Lila Teunissen
Michelle Thomsen
Owners of Bed N Biscuit Ranch
Lila Teunissen and Michelle Thomsen are both Bismarck natives and are co-owners of Bed N Biscuit Ranch, a dog training facility, daycare and boarding facility. They also board and groom cats. Both have a strong love of animals and served their county.
Lila joined the Army right after graduating high school and got her animal fix by pet sitting for friends as often as possible. A good friend, Jen, really got her thinking about dog training and boarding when she introduced Lila to her well-trained and gregarious Jack Russel Terrier. Over the years she has owned five dogs and has wanted to open a training facility. She felt her dream could become a reality when she met Michelle Thomsen, who was of a similar mindset.
They both volunteer with the Central Dakota Humane Society and Furry Friends Rockin Rescue and are passionate about their own fur babies. After many discussions and soul searching, they found a great property and launched their new venture: Bed N Biscuit Ranch in November of 2018. They managed to open even though Lila's mom was diagnosed with cancer and passed away a week before the grand opening and Michelle gave birth to her first child just three months before opening!
Lila has served in the North Dakota National Guard as a medic, active duty Army as a linguist and Medical Service Corps officer, and transitioned back to the North Dakota National Guard where she has served as a Medical Operations Officer, Deputy Director of Personnel and Commander of the Civil Support Team. She has completed her AA in Arabic, BS in Microbiology, and MBA. The military has allowed her to travel to almost every state in the US as well as South Korea, Europe, Iraq and Ghana. Lila retired in July 2020 with over 23 years of service and is now working at Bed N Biscuit Ranch full time as a Certified Professional Trainer for dogs.
As a child, there was always a family dog in Thomsen's house.
Michelle graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice in December 2002. In February 2003, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I with the 957 Multi-Role Bridge Company. In 2005 Michelle purchased her first home and her military career was not conducive to her having a dog. She traveled often and sometimes for months at a time.
In August 2008, Michelle entered the University of North Dakota School of Law. She completed her first year then went to training to be a Military Intelligence Officer and deployed to Kosovo in support of Kosovo Forces 12. In December of 2011, Michelle graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Juris Doctorate.
What was your first job once you finished your service?
Michelle is still serving full-time in the North Dakota National Guard and Lila is now working full-time as a Certified Professional Trainer for dogs at Bed N Biscuit Ranch.
What led you to military service?
Lila: I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up and the military seemed like a great opportunity to try out some different career options, travel to different places and potentially get my higher education paid for or at least mostly paid for. I have been a linguist, a medic, a clinical support director, worked in human resources and commanded a hazardous materials team and left the service with an MBA. I've also been stationed throughout the U.S. as well as South Korea, Iraq, and was able to work on projects in Ghana.
Michelle: I initially enlisted for the tuition assistance that allowed me to earn a law degree. I have continued to serve for over 20 years. I have a great sense of pride in
being able to serve our local community and nation. It's great to see what can be done when dedicated people come together as a team. The National Guard taught me how rewarding servant leadership and volunteering can be, and the effects of being a small part of a huge team.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
Michelle: Yes, Lila attended the Boots to Business course that is offered through the Transition Assistance Program and was linked to the Veteran's Business Outreach Center as well. They provided help with business planning, marketing, and helped find free places to advertise our services and helped us optimize our Google account. These helped us expand our audience and customer base with very inexpensive advertising, optimized word of mouth, and improved where we showed up in online searches.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
Lila: The military really teaches you to work with an 80 percent plan. If you wait for the 100 percent solution, the opportunity will have passed you by which translates very well into business. You have to be able to step into the unknown and work things out as they come. It also teaches you to think outside the box, recognize your weakness and use any and all resources available to you to overcome those weaknesses. We each bring very different perspectives to the business. Lila is more of a big idea, strategic thinker while Michelle is very much about the bottom line and what has to be done today. It has been a great balance that is working very well so far.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
Lila: I believe we could have started a business without military service but it would have likely been much more stressful. The Boots to Business and Veteran's Business Outreach Center really did provide a solid planning base for us and gave us good frameworks for making early decisions. I don't know that Michelle and I would have developed the same skill sets that we have now if it weren't for our service. Those skills and experiences really prepared us to be ok with the unknown and able to reach out for help when we needed it. It taught us to be flexible on what the path would be to get the doors open and to look at all options along the way. I feel Michelle and I are smart and stubborn enough we could have done it on our own, but without the military, we wouldn't have met and the idea would never have been formed. So we definitely have the military to thank for bringing us together to create Bed N Biscuit Ranch.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
Have your personal finances in order and know what you are able to risk financially. Once you do that, there are many resources and people that are willing to help you out. Attend the Transition Assistance Program and take the entrepreneurship add-on. Once you have a base plan, attend trade shows or conferences to learn as much as possible about the venture you are looking into. People, especially those outside of your competitive market, are usually more than happy to give advice on what works and what doesn't. Most importantly, estimate start-up costs. Conferences will show you the latest and greatest items and ideas that are in your market. If possible, contact and visit a similar business outside your area or in your area if you can find someone local to help you. The Small Business Administration has many tools as well.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
Lila: I felt very disoriented as I transitioned out of the military and I knew I would be training dogs at Bed N Biscuit Ranch! Even if you have a plan, there is a certain level of routine and security that is removed and it is hard to adjust to civilian life. You have to pick out clothes each day, paychecks are more variable, you likely don't have the long history with your new co-workers that you did while you were serving. All of these things add small amounts of stress that can really add up. Going into business for yourself can help develop a sense of purpose and give a very clear goal of where you are heading which helps orient you as you come out of uniform. Once the business is up and running, you inevitably connect, not only to your customers but to others in the community that can develop into mutually beneficial relationships. Our connection to Furry Friends Rockin Rescue and Central Dakota Humane Society has grown over time and we plan to continue to develop relationships with other organizations over time as well.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
We've been open for just over two years so there aren't many things that we would have done differently at this point. If we had had more capital, we should have created a larger facility but we worked with what we had. We started the business discussing how to overcome partner disputes and if worse came to worse how to dissolve the business, so I feel we really went into this prepared for all contingencies except COVID. COVID really challenged us to grow our training and grooming operations to keep our doors open and has actually been a blessing in disguise. Boarding had been the main income source but now all three operations (boarding, grooming, and training) are operating at full capacity and are doing very well. I don't know that grooming and training would have taken off as fast if our boarding revenue hadn't dried up and we had no choice but to really expand those two.
Lila Teunissen
BRANCH Army National Guard YEARS SERVED 23
Owner of Sheyenne River Kennels/
Urban K9/K9 Crew
Joe Fluge is the Senior Intelligence Analyst for the North Dakota Air National Guard Counter Drug Force, while assigned with the 119 WG in Fargo. He enlisted in the Air Force shortly after graduating from high school and has served with the North Dakota Air National Guard his entire 23 years of service. Master Sargent Fluge was active duty for Operation Noble Eagle, serving at Langley Air Force Base after 9/11.
In addition to his current position, Master Sargent Fluge served as the Regional Manager for the National Guard Bureau’s Drug Demand Reduction Program, has been with the Safety office of the 119th Wing since 2010 and plays a major role in the motorcycle safety program. He was even awarded the Enlisted Association of the National Guard (EANGUS) Award for saving a friend’s life after a motorcycle crash.
While working full time, Master Sargent Fluge started a 501c3 at-risk youth nonprofit and in 2017 the first class of this one-of-a-kind nonprofit named K9 Crew started. During the same time, Master Sargent Fluge started a private canine narcotics and explosives detection business and in late 2019 he purchased Sheyenne River Kennels in West Fargo, which he has transformed into one of the best training facilities in the F-M area offering an exceptional amount of services for dog owners, including canine fitness with their Hydro Treadmill, pet obedience, pet obedience classes, one-on-one dog training sessions, dog behavior work and even a dock diving
pool to hold local events and dog dock diving training.
When he’s not working, Joe enjoys spending time with his three daughters, riding his motorcycle and catching an episode of Forensic Files.
What led you to military service?
I wanted to challenge, change and better myself.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
Leadership as mentorship. I think one of the most important skills to have as a leader is being a mentor to your team. Encourage your employees to aim high and help them pursue their own work and personal goals. This has also served me well when working with the kids of K9 Crew.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
Yes, I would have started a business without my military experience - people do it every day. However, having that military experience has been a bonus. I have always been tenacious and driven, but the military has engrained in me certain standards – a need to exceed those standards and how to deal with stress and lack of sleep while keeping focused.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
It’s going to be hard. If you’re not struggling, something isn’t right. Just as in life, business has its good days and its bad days. More often than not, when just starting up a new business, most days will be long, tough and exhausting. In the military, we are usually taught if something isn’t working, create a “workaround." If you can push through, work hard, and manage the stress of it all, you will make it. Just never quit.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
I think over the last five years or so, veterans have started many successful companies ranging from clothing companies, coffee companies and security and training companies, which in my mind are some of the best companies out there right now. I believe every veteran has a talent to showcase, they just need to utilize social media groups that focus on their passion, be able to reach out to other vets for assistance or advice and just dig deep, set their goals and get it done.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
I would not have purchased a boarding kennel three months prior to a global pandemic, hahaha. A couple of things that come to mind are getting together with different business leader groups in the F-M area and building a relationship with them, which falls back on mentorship from already proven leaders. The second would be life balance. You tend to go all in when you start a business and forget about the reason you got into the business, which for me was to build something for my three daughters. Joe Fluger BRANCH Air Force
and Air National Guard
YEARS SERVED 23
Managing Partner in
Goose River Brewing LLC
WIth years of experience in the private sector and public service, Terry Sando, Hillsboro's current mayor, is working to bring a Brew Pub destination to the region's beer lovers and downtown Hillsboro through the soon-to-be open Goose River Brewing.
"Goose River Brewing will be a Brew Pub and Brewery that produces our beer for on and off sale," said Sando. "The food we will be sports bar favorites."
Sando boasts an accomplished resume that is too long to list in its entirety. He is currently the Director of Business Development for Mobile Recon Systems. In the past, he was the Business Manager for Unmanned Autonomous Systems in North America and a lead for advancing the establishment of Unmanned Autonomous Systems with the Grand Forks EDC. During his years of service with the Air National Guard, Sando held multiple positions of local and national importance.
What was your first job once you finished your service?
I took a couple of months off to decompress and after that I went to work for UND developing their Emergency Management Program.
What led you to military service?
I always wanted to be a pilot and that is why I enlisted, unfortunately, by the time I was eligible, I was too old.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
Yes, the VBOC has been very helpful and I'm using my GI Bill to get a Brewing Certificate from the University of Vermont.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
The leadership skills, ability to do critical analysis, and the most obvious one is people skills.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
That is an interesting question. I think the answer is yes, but it would have been more difficult. My military career provided the opportunity to gain more and more responsibility. This could have been replicated in civilian life also, but it may have taken longer to achieve. The other important factor is that after 30 years I have a secure retirement which allows me to make an investment in building a brewery.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
There isn't any better feeling than owning your own business. As an entrepreneur, you get to focus on building something and making a dream come true. Will it be easy, no, but knowing that you made a contribution to your community and building a legacy that your family is proud of is worth the sacrifices. If you are struggling, reach out to the VBOC and SBA to take advantage of veteran programs. Use your GI Bill benefits, if available, to learn those new skills to be successful in your business.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
I think that often it is difficult to make the transition from military life to the civilian world. Going one day where you entrust your life to the young lady or man next to you, creates a strong bond, a sense of belonging. Then, transitioning to the civilian world, where that strong bond isn't always reciprocated, can be tough. I have found that if you are open to your community, there are many opportunities to get involved. If you would have told me that I was going to be the Mayor of Hillsboro back in 2009, I would have thought you were crazy, but here I am. A lot of that has to do with my public service in the military, it's just another form of public service.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
I would have looked at taking the brewing classes that I'm enrolled in now sooner. It would have helped me to develop a better business plan for the brewery.
Terrance Sando
BRANCH Air Force
and Air National Guard
YEARS SERVED 30
Owner of Trev's Barbershop
Trever Thompson was born and raised in Bismarck, ND and graduated from Century High School in 1998. Upon graduating, Thompson enlisted into the North Dakota Army National guard with 1st Battalion 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. At that time, he attended Bismarck State College for a couple years. In 2001, Thompson moved to Fargo and attended NDSU and joined the Army ROTC. That same year, he also met the love of his life and future wife, Melissa and married in October 2004. Thompson was honorably discharged as a Sergeant from the North Dakota Army National Guard in 2004 and graduated from NDSU and was commissioned as an officer that same year.
Thompson decided to go full-time with Army upon graduating, serving with the 5th Battalion 5th Air Defense Artillery at Fort Lewis in Washington. His unit deployed to Iraq in March 2007 and spent 15 months there. Thompson was eventually honorably discharged as a Captain in October 2008.
In 2014, Thompson decided to attend barber college and graduated from Moler Barber College of Fargo the following year. He was hired by Everett’s barbershop in 2015 where he did his apprenticeship.
"I learned a lot working at Everett’s," said Thompson. "Both hair cutting techniques and how a barbershop is ran."
What was your first job once you finished your service?
I worked for UPS briefly as a seasonal driver. But while I was discharging and out processing from the Army, I applied for a job at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Fargo. I
worked there for six years as an administrative assistant for the social work executive and the returning Veterans program. I mostly worked with Veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
What led you to military service?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do after I graduated high school. I also had relatives who served that influenced me.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
I didn’t use any. I probably should have researched that more. I know there are a lot of really good resources and programs out there. I did however use the Post 9/11 GI Bill which paid for Barber School and it also provided a monthly housing allowance while in school, so that really helped me out.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
It is a hard to single out one as there were many procedures used. On a daily basis, I would say discipline, time management, attention to detail and interpersonal skills. Similar to other branches and civilian businesses, the Army uses what’s called an AAR (after action review). Meaning, what was supposed to happen, what did happen, and how it can be done better are all reviewed. I’d say I use that daily. Always trying to improve whatever I can in areas that can be. Improving your foxhole/fighting position as they say. You come away with valuable interpersonal and technical skills that help you work both independently and as part of a team. All of the skills learned during active duty, national guard, and reserves are good attributes and a solid foundation for an entrepreneur.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe I could have. The foundation that my military career provided me led me down the road I am currently on and without this I wouldn't be who I am which has led me to now.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
I think a big one is to try and minimize the amount of money you borrow in loans, if you can. Also, remember what you learned during your time in the military throughout the years in your unit/units, whatever branch you served in. You started with basic training/ boot camp and followed with school training. Then, at some point you were promoted and put in charge of people and equipment. Along the way, you maybe attended other specialty schools, leadership schools and you learned a lot and gained more confidence. Remember that! At one point you were nervous to do all of that, same with starting a business. Use those fundamentals you learned while you were serving. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help and support. There are a ton of benefits and programs for Veterans. The Fargo Veterans Hospital/Regional Office is a good resource as well as your County Veteran Service Officer. Remember, it’s not how many times you fall down, it’s how many times you get back up.
I was nervous myself to make a career change. I didn’t make my decision to attend barber college until two years after visiting the school and getting my application. I was nervous about leaving the paid time off, retirement and benefits. However, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Especially starting and owning my own barbershop now. I love what I do.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
Many Veterans have a difficult time simply returning to "normal" life and adjusting back to being a civilian which is a hard concept for some people to grasp. You also miss the brothers and sisters you lived a time of your life with. Every Veteran has their own story to tell. Working with the business community helps you maintain a structure, team mindset and camaraderie you had when you were serving. You build new relationships with other business owners of which may include other veteran-owned bussiness owners, electricians, postal workers, law enforcement and fire fighters just to name a few. Networking and building these relationships can help give you that sense of belonging and purpose. A community of like-minded business owners that have went through the process of starting a business, have that experience and can be a valuable resource to one another. Someone to bounce questions off of and learn from. There is camaraderie that comes with that.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
Well, I've only been open for six months. I did open during a pandemic which isn't ideal. I am so thankful for all the support I have received. I just would like to say thank you to all the customers that come and keep coming back to Trev's Barbershop.
Trever Thompson
BRANCH United States Army YEARS SERVED 10
Founder of
Nine-Four Coaching
Sarah Skedsvold grew up in a small town in western North Dakota where she learned there was always a place on the team for someone who worked hard and was committed, and a leader doesn't have to be a star
Skedsvold took that hard work and commitment to the North Dakota Army National Guard where she learned that a group of people, committed to each other, can deliver on the seemingly impossible
After her time in the Guard, Skedsvold became a CrossFit Coach here in Fargo.
"It taught me the value of being a beginner and surrounding yourself with people you aspire to be like," said Skedsvold.
Sarah Skedsvold's company, Nine-Four Coaching, allows people to challenge their own beliefs through outdoor mindfulness practice, play and podcasts. Skedsvold currently partners with Nature of the North and Thunder Coffee, locally, and Team Red, White and Blue, regionally, to provide outdoor mindfulness experiences, getting people out of their heads and into the woods.
She also hosts a podcast, Nine-Four Radio, providing tools and empowerment for people to ask deep and different questions of themselves with the intended result of achieving something that is uniquely meaningful.
"I know what it's like to work and sacrifice to achieve a dream that isn't worth the price," said Skedsvold. "I help folks who are there now and help head off others from ever getting there, through outdoor mindfulness practices and play."
What was your first job once you finished your service?
I was an associate coach at Icehouse Fit here in Fargo.
What led you to military service?
Honestly, I was looking for a team to belong to after high school, do meaningful work, and the college benefits were pretty appealing too.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
I didn't take advantage of many businessrelated military benefits. I definitely maxed out college benefits while I was serving and I continue to rely on trusted mentors I met during my military career.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
Finding common ground with all different kinds of people. It never ceases to amaze me how people who seem to be complete opposites can always find something in common.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
I don't think I would have been able to start a business without my military experience. My experiences inspired me to dream big, gave me the tools to create an actionable plan, the confidence to start, and the resilience to make adjustments and keep going.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
Know why you are starting, or remember why you started.
If you can't, talk to someone you trust and respect, who respects and trusts you enough to ask tough questions and gives you space and time to find your answers.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
A lot of veterans wear self-sufficiency like a badge of honor. The military is great because it makes even the most selfsufficient individual be a member of a team, and there is an often unexpected alchemy that results from that teamwork.
The civilian world doesn't force teamwork in the same way, and without the intention to find community, a wildly independent veteran entrepreneur can find themselves fighting the doubt and hardship, that are common in the business world, alone.
Getting involved in the business community offers a way to build a support system and rediscover the unexpected alchemy that results from teamwork.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
In the early stages of building Nine-Four Coaching, I would have talked to my family and friends; reached out to veteran and small business resources and approached complementary businesses to partner with. I am continually relearning the lesson that I can go fast and burn out alone or I can go far with others. I choose to go far.
Sarah Skedsvold
BRANCH North Dakota Army
National Guard
YEARS SERVED 20
Owner of Blitzkrieg Blasting, LLC
Jim Letzring started in the North Dakota National Guard in August of 1986. In 1990, Letzring graduated from Jamestown College and moved to Gillette, Wyoming where he worked in the oilfield and coal mines. He married in 1991 and had a daughter named Kyndra that same year. He would later get divorced. In 1999 he went on to Officer Cadet School and was commissioned in 2000. In July of 2013 he remarried to Shawnda and retired from the Guard that same year. He moved back to North Dakota in 2015 and started Blitzkrieg Blasting, LLC in 2020 which does mobile dustless sandblasting, surface preparation and rust and paint removal.
"I was looking for something different from the 30 plus years of land surveying," said Letzring.
What was your first job once you finished your service?
Land Surveying
What led you to military service?
I wanted to learn construction equipment and mechanic sills. I also wanted it to help pay for school.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
Not right away but, I have since been certified as a SDVOSB (Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business).
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
I think the ability to plan has been instrumental in my success.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
Probably not because I wouldn't have had the self-confidence and drive to at least give it a try.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
If you want to start a business, just go for it and give it a try. You'll never know how it would turn out if you don't do it. If you can, start out on the side, if possible, while working a regular job. This is what I currently do.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
Being able to run your own business gives you a personal sense of accomplishment. My business is slow right now but when I do get a blasting job done and the metal is there all clean and ready for whatever coating, I feel good.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
I would have started sooner by looking for a used system like I did a year ago.
Jim Letzring
BRANCH Army National Guard YEARS SERVED 27
Owner of FargoDIYGarage
Chris Partridge is the Owner of FargoDIYGarage in Fargo ND, a garage where people can rent space to work on their cars, trucks and motorcycles. Partridge claims he was never someone who knew exactly what he wanted, so he bounced around a bit, doing all sorts of jobs from fast food to telemarketing to automotive sales and service. He also worked as a railroad conductor and engineer, a Navy weapons technician and even managed a salvage yard for a while.
One thing stayed constant though, Partridge always remained fascinated by vehicles, all of them, the great ones and the bad ones, land, sea or air.
"I love fixing or maintaining something myself and the feeling of accomplishment when I am done, especially if I save a little money along the way," said Partridge. "I like many military people, discovered the Base Auto Hobby Shops and I fell in love with the idea. I have been waiting to open my own version for 20 years. My name is Chris and I finally own my dream."
What was your first job once you finished your service?
Car sales at a Toyota dealer in Colorado.
What led you to military service?
An intense curiosity about the world and underwhelming grades my first time in college.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
Leadership, dependability, courage and self confidence.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
A business yes, but not this business. I got the idea for my business from my time in the Navy.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
Do it, jump in, failure is part of the process. You rarely get it exactly right the first time, but you need that experience to steer yourself to success. You miss every shot you do not take.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
I still struggle with that from time to time. Making people happy makes the struggle so worth it to me.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
Start very small and build. Every dime counts, so start as small as you can and grow as your demand grows. If you build to satisfy a demand that is not yet there you are paying for space, products and equipment you don't need.
Chris Partridge
BRANCH Navy YEARS SERVED 6
Owner of Alloy Engineering LLC
Keith Homstad grew up in Grand Forks, ND. During his military service, he spent time in Ft. Sill in Oklahoma, Ft. Bliss in Texas, Ft. Polk in Louisiana, Iraq, and Ft. Louis in Washington. Homstad finished his degree in Mechanical Engineering from UND and worked in Tennessee and Massachusetts before moving back home and switching gears into manufacturing engineering and consulting.
What led you to military service?
I needed a challenge and to see more of the world before going to college.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
Yes, I used the Veteran Business Outreach Center and participated in the ND Veterans Entrepreneur Course.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
The inability to quit.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
Yes, but I would not have been able to graduate with a BSME. The military gave me a relentless drive to complete what I started.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
The best advice I ever received was, "You get what you want by helping others get what they want." When in doubt help someone. Also, there will never be a perfect moment to take the leap. I spent years hiding behind the idea that I needed more experience or a larger network. It took me a long time to realize that the experience I was looking for would only come after I was on my own.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
It's important to build relationships and find a new struggle to put your energy towards. Starting a business is a very productive way to do both.
What are some things you would've done differently with your business career if given a second chance?
I would have started earlier and I would have made sure to stay in contact with previous employers and co-workers.
Keith Homstad
BRANCH Army/
Army National Guard
YEARS SERVED 8
Owner of Art by Heather
Krause’s life-long passion and love for art as a hobby has evolved into a journey of self-discovery and a determination to pursue art as a fulltime business. Krause’s diagnosis with Spinocerebellar Ataxia in 2009 and Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2017 inspired her to challenge herself through her artistic expressions, with an emphasis on abstract and fluid art conveying emotion through color and movement.
As a fluid artist or pour painter, Krause sells her pour paintings online or at art shows. She also does custom commissioned pour paintings.
"I've had clients from California to Florida," said Krause. "Before COVID, I was offering classes at my studio in downtown Grand Forks which are currently on hold."
What was your first job once you finished your service?
I was a videographer/editor.
What led you to military service?
I've always felt drawn to service and had great respect for those in service and their sacrifice.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
Yes, I worked with the VBOC, the SBA and participated in the Veteran Entrepreneurship Boot-Camp
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
Drive and tenacity
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
Yes, I think so but I don't know if I would've built my business so fast without having that experience.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
Use to tools the military provides now, there are so many possibilities.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
Have a clear business plan and dream that you can achieve that's realistically attainable.
Heather Krause
BRANCH Army YEARS SERVED 3.5
Owner of Ripollsworkshop LLC
Courtney Ripoll-McBride is the owner/ operator of Ripollsworkshop LLC. With her business, Ripoll-McBride works as a financial coach. She is also currently in the process of launching bookkeeping services for small businesses. In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Ripoll-McBride is a stay-at-home mom and a full-time student in her final year of Accounting.
"I love helping families and small businesses find ways to put money back in their pockets," says RipollMcBride
What was your first job once you finished your service?
I became a full-time student, then a stay-at-home mother.
What led you to military service?
I decided to join the service right out of high school versus going into college. One of my decision points was I came from a military family and I wanted to be able to maintain the same path of service as my family members.
Did you take advantage of military benefits when starting your business?
Yes, VBOC has been so helpful with connecting me with resources to further my business. I also took advantage of the Boots to Business Program.
What skill that you learned in your military service do you use most in your business career?
In the military, I was in the IT field. Now, I have transitioned to finances. The skill I would say that I use the most is collaboration and working with other people from all walks of life.
Would you have been able to start a business without your military experience? Why or why not?
I benefited from my military experience by building a foundation of dedication and confidence. Which helped to work towards my goal of opening my own business.
What words of encouragement do you have for a fellow veteran nervous about taking the plunge into entrepreneurship – or maybe a veteran who started a business and is struggling?
There are so many great resources out there that are available to you to utilize while starting or opening your business. Don't give up, there are going to be some bumps along the way. Always remember to use your resources. I strongly recommend looking into networking with other veterans and veteran groups that have similar goals.
Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?
The business community is an amazing community to join, network and meet with people who have similar goals as you. I would recommend quickly establishing yourself in the field that you are joining in order to keep up the same passion and energy moving forward.
Courtney Ripoll-McBride
BRANCH Air Force YEARS SERVED 3.5