Embracing the Military Spirit in Entrepreneurship
In today’s bustling entrepreneurial landscape, veterans like Lori Sales remind us that military experience can be a robust foundation for success in the business world. With her journey as the President and CEO of Civility Management Solutions, Lori exemplifies the unique advantages veterans possess in entrepreneurship and government contracting.
A Journey from Service to Success
Lori’s narrative begins in the military, where she served as a logistics specialist and gained critical skills that shaped her professional ethos. Transitioning from the Marine Corps to civilian life in 1989, Lori navigated a corporate world lacking the structured support that veterans often need. With no formal transition assistance programs like TAPS at the time, she relied on her adaptability and resilience to climb the corporate ladder. Starting as a receptionist, she eventually ascended to the role of executive assistant, where she began to see the potential for greater income and stability.
Understanding the unique needs of veterans in the business sphere, Lori emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship. "If I can do it, you can too," she often tells fellow veterans, embodying a mindset rooted in determination and perseverance.
The Role of Mentorship in Business
Integral to Lori’s journey has been her commitment to continual learning and the mentoring relationships she formed along the way. Collaboration with organizations like GovCon Giants and PAC (now called Apex) opened doors for training and partnership opportunities. She encourages veterans to seek mentors within the industry they wish to pursue, highlighting the invaluable insight and connections that come from engaging with seasoned professionals.
“A mentor can help you navigate the murky waters of government contracting, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving,” Lori asserts. These relationships are critical, allowing veterans to share experiences and strategies that often equate to success.
Cultivating Relationships and Networking
In the world of entrepreneurship, fostering genuine relationships is key. Lori recounts her experiences managing teams in government contracting, where respect and accountability were often lacking. This contrasted starkly with her military training, which emphasized teamwork and commitment to one’s peers.
"Civility Management Solutions was born from my desire to instill respect and accountability," she explains. Veterans know the importance of having each other’s backs, and Lori aims to translate that principle into the business realm. She posits that whether you’re in or out of uniform, treating your colleagues with kindness and professionalism fosters a work culture where everyone can thrive.
Resilience: The Veteran’s Advantage
One of the standout traits that Lori attributes to veterans is resilience. “You learn that persistence pays off, even when the odds seem stacked against you,” she shares. Lori’s journey involved years of hard work and sometimes taking jobs that weren’t glamorous but were necessary for her growth. It wasn’t until she had an opportunity to collaborate on a significant government contract that her years of grinding began to pay off.
She co-managed a $24 million proposal with a newly established firm and notes, “This is what happens when seasoned veterans like myself collaborate with emerging businesses—they each bring unique strengths to the table.”
Leveraging Military Skills in Business
The attributes instilled during military service, such as discipline and leadership, set veterans apart in the entrepreneurial sphere. Lori emphasizes the importance of applying military principles like integrity, duty, and selfless service to business practices. “These values not only benefit your business but enhance the community around you,” she encourages.
Veterans have an edge in understanding complex systems, managing logistics, and leading teams—all essential components of successful government contracting ventures. Lori’s ability to align her military experience with her business goals illustrates how valuable veterans can be in any field, especially in government entrepreneurship.
Staying True to Core Values
Lori’s journey serves as a reminder for fellow veterans to remain authentic to their mission and values, regardless of the challenges faced in business. “You’re not going to be liked by everyone, and that’s okay,” she advises. It’s crucial to focus on building partnerships with those who share your vision and uphold the same integrity you bring to the table.
She also highlights the significance of mental fortitude, encouraging fellow veterans to remember their past principles. "Use the same skills that kept you alive in combat to thrive in business,” she asserts, illustrating how the lessons learned in uniform continue to inspire and drive success in civilian life.
Celebrating Milestones and Achievements
As Lori reflects on her journey, she underscores the importance of celebrating both personal and team achievements. “In the military, we often forgot to recognize our successes because we were focused on the mission. In business, don’t let that happen,” she advises. Acknowledging milestones not only boosts morale but strengthens team dynamics, fostering an environment of support and encouragement.
Lori showcases the vital connection between celebrating individual efforts and achieving collective goals, reinforcing the essence of building a dependable team. “Recognize every step—as a veteran, you’ve faced many challenges. Celebrate those victories!”
The Path Ahead: Thriving in Government Contracting
With her wealth of experience and extensive network, Lori encourages veterans to pursue opportunities within government contracting actively. By leveraging their unique skills and resilience, veterans can create impactful businesses that address essential needs within their communities.
“The key is to stay true to your mission and keep growing through collaboration,” she concludes, encouraging fellow veterans to engage passionately with programs like GovCon Giants and seek out valuable partnerships that can propel them toward success.
In an era where entrepreneurship and government contracts are intertwined, the tenacity, leadership, and integrity developed through military service remain invaluable assets. With stories like Lori’s paving the way, there’s no doubt that veterans will continue to thrive in the world of business—a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to excellence.
