We’re beginning to pursue new business ventures at Frontline Support Solutions that we hope will end up being successful. Along with the increase in available government projects, there has also recently been a huge influx of commercial construction opportunities here in the San Antonio metropolitan and surrounding areas. This is a forward indicator that the economy has begun to rebound.

My mentor company, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, has been picking up work at a record pace, which is even more impressive because they have been around for about 54 years. When I see them and other companies around the same size experiencing banner years, I realize how much of a positive trend our economy is currently experiencing. As a small business guy, seeing these huge companies growing so fast means that subcontractors and smaller companies will pick up work as well.

On the other side, I see a huge influx of veterans coming back home after fighting two wars over the last 13 years. We can observe the direct impacts of the federal government and Department of Defense going into downsizing mode. The big question is, where are all of these people going to go? As the economy moves forward, we need to fill the business ranks with some of these great people.

While there isn’t a large unemployment rate in Texas, especially compared to the rest of the country, the improving economy will provide more available job opportunities. All of these veterans who have a strong skill set from their military career have passion, drive, and experience. They now have the challenge of figuring out how to channel these skills into the commercial world.

In my opinion, there is going to be some lag time as veterans gain proper training. I recall my experience leaving the military after the first Gulf War, when I and many of my colleagues went directly to school. I think today’s veterans will do the same—two to four years from now we will see educated veterans willing to bring their military culture and work hustle to do a good job. In the meantime, these folks will still need to earn a living while they’re attending school. I just don’t know how things will play out.

I think it’s going to turn out well in the long run, but I still take into consideration what small business owners like me who are trying to grow our businesses can do to make a difference. How can we harness this situation to give veterans good paying jobs, while allowing them to continue their education process? I don’t know exactly what needs to be done, but I have a pretty good idea. I can assist a handful of folks at a time while I continue to build my company up.

My business strategy is to help those that are interested in starting their own business. Hopefully, they can learn something from me so they can get on the ground running, achieving their goal of starting and building businesses themselves. If you are a veteran that would like to talk to me about starting a business, contact me directly.

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