Graduates

CJ Greer Testimonial

I want to thank the EBV Program for the opportunity to help me create my entrepreneurial endeavors. Randy Blass and his staff provided a critical support network that I can use to continue building a strong foundation to establish my company DARG LLC and whatever else it grows into.

During those intense days of the EBV program, I couldn't take enough notes with all the information that was presented to us. It was explained that this wasn't a how-to program that we could follow step by step, but a process that would only cause us to generate more questions. Wait until you see some of the questions that I have come up with!

Since getting back from the program, I waited almost two months to let everything sink in. From there, I reviewed the many EBV PowerPoint presentations, started networking, asked tons of questions and continued developing my business structure and business model for DARG LLC.

What stuck for me from the EBV Program? I realized I came out of the EBV program with a new attitude, a little extra knowledge, a team of caring individuals who are making a difference in the world and a focused agenda to have my company succeed. I found that measuring my level of success can come in many forms. Success for me is the fact that I am doing what I love to do, seeing that we are on the verge of making our first milestone of selling an enhanced medical drill bit to the government and finding additional services that DARG LLC can provide.

I feel that what's next for me is to continue developing and recreating myself to make a difference not only for my family and business, but also to make a difference in my community. I am already working with two groups in Lincoln County to promote the growth and well being for individuals who live, work and play in our beautiful county. Again, thank you for all your work.

Johnny "Mo" Moncayo Testimonial

When I found out about the program and spoke with Dr. Blass, I was skeptical about what the EBV program promised and that it was truly "free." I am happy to report that the program more than lived up to its promises.

When the 'bootcamp' started, I felt a little out of place. However, my anxiety was soon relieved by the staff and the other veterans whom I had much in common with. I was amazed at the quality of the program, with a mix of Ph.D. professors and business school faculty as instructors, along with a host of volunteers who did a great job of putting this all together. It was clear that they wanted to be there for us. Dr. Blass' obvious loyalty to our country and fellow military brethren was beyond impressive – he made everyone in the EBV 2009 feel like they were the most important individual in the world.

Many of us who attended the program had an idea about what business we wanted to go into, and some did not. By the end of the course, everyone had a great idea and a plan that was started into motion. The staff really encouraged us to dig deep into ourselves and find out what we really wanted to accomplish. They encouraged us and gave us a sense that we were doing the right thing and headed in the right direction.

I have many diplomas from military courses I have taken, but the EBV certificate was the grandest of them all. It is the only one that was given to me from a school that I felt cared about the transition of veterans from uniform to business suit. Of all the military diplomas I have received, it is the only certificate I plan to hang on my wall.

While my goal of owning an airline is still my primary goal, I was instructed that this may not be the one that actually gets me started. This has proven to be true. I recently submitted a Marine contract bid (with a fellow veteran) to train America's Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to fight and return with honor and will hear soon if we won the contract. This venture may enable me to fulfill my real dream of airline ownership.

I cannot put into words what the EBV program has meant to me. My dreams and goals continue to change and grow, and I intend to not only pursue my business ventures, but also to complete my bachelor's, MBA, and Ph.D. (in entrepreneurship) degrees at Florida State. I hope one day I can give back to the EBV program a measure of what has been graciously given to me.

Sayngeun Phouamkha Testimonial

When I arrived at the Florida State University College of Business to attend the 2009 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), I didn't know what I was getting myself into, much like when I went off to boot camp for the first time. Over the course of the 9 day residency, I was mentally and physically transformed from an introverted person to an extroverted person. For me, this was the biggest accomplishment of the EBV program, and it has opened my world up to a vast network of new friends and professional acquaintances which in the past were as foreign to me as breathing water. The information overload I received at the EBV allowed me to re-assess how I approach all situations and events in my life. Now, I look at every encounter or event as an avenue of future possibilities that can be immediately explored if it relates to what I am working on right now, or stored for later reference.

Today for example, I was installing a printer for one of the executives at the company where I work. I knew it would take a while to get the new printer installed, so I casually struck up a conversation -- something I would never have done prior to the EBV. From that casual conversation, I learned that this executive used to have his own business doing IT Security contracting work for the government, which was very profitable, until our current company bought him out. I was intrigued about his experience, so I began asking him questions; I also explained that I had recently attended an entrepreneurship bootcamp and that I was in the process of starting a business as well. My description of the EBV program and what it has done for me got him interested in my situation. By the time the conversation had ended he had promised to be a customer when, not if, I started my company. This is but one of many similar incidents that have happened to me since leaving the EBV program.

I definitely encourage any disabled veteran who thinks they've reached rock bottom, and that nothing positive could be waiting for them around the corner, to give EBV a shot and to take it seriously when they do. It's been 4 months since I graduated EBV, and my business plans are constantly rolling. I am slowly building up a line of customers before I eventually quit my current job and go full force into being an entrepreneur. With the wonderful support I am constantly receiving from the EBV team, even after graduation, how can I not succeed?

Thanks EBV!
Forever Grateful,
Sayngeun Phouamkha (SY)

Eulanda Shingleton Testimonial

I think the EBV program is one of the best for disabled veterans who want to start a business. One of my goals since completing the program is to spread the word about the EBV to all who will listen.

I am a person who has a hard time "thinking outside the box." However, through the help of all of the instructors and volunteers who stayed up with us during the intensive nine days and nights, I was able to direct my mind toward the future. This wonderful program helped me to discover a more purposeful meaning for my life - not just being a wife or a mother - but someone who can leave the military and be very successful and make a difference in society!

I was able to concentrate on putting my ideas on paper and presented my venture to a panel of successful entrepreneurs (which was very grueling for me!!!). Sometime in the near future I will turn my vision into reality. I am convinced that the essential tools that are needed to start a business were taught throughout the entire course; for instance, how to get financing, how to utilize the government system to start a business, how to use your disability to your advantage, etc. I am able to apply the knowledge that I have learned from the EBV program to start one or several successful businesses as a result of the program.