As we honor Americans who served in the military and their families on Veterans Day this November, SCORE shines a light on the nation’s almost two million Veteran-owned small businesses.

Many Veterans feel the military experience prepared them well for small business ownership, based on SCORE 2020 and 2021 national surveys with entrepreneurs.  The most notable strengths cited were: teamwork, leadership and management skills, work ethic, and discipline. 

Looking closer to home, mentors from SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties would like to share the milestone achievements of recent award-winning Veteran business owners.

Andy Resch, President and CEO, Resch Enterprises

2021 SCORE Small Business Achievement Award

After serving 25 years combined in the United States Army & United States Air Force, Resch took over the family business as co-owner with his brother in 2019 to retain the brand and company legacy.

Resch grew up working alongside his Dad and brother fixing leaky basements before his military service and while home on leave. He has applied the same level of dedication to supporting Resch Enterprises’ valued contractors who are building their businesses as he had serving his county. 

In 2019, as part of his transition into the business, Resch attended a Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Boot Camp at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and was introduced to his SCORE mentor, Mike DiLeo.

As Resch began to learn the business, he found he could apply many leadership lessons he learned from the military.  Two of these strongly guided him: “First, focus on the priorities that will advance the business; and, second, strive to improve your existing position.”

Resch remembers as a leader in charge of protecting entire Air Bases both home and abroad, “I focus every day on the little things that can make a difference.” 

He feels the personalized approach of Resch Enterprises is its differentiating feature. Working alongside his relatives is at the core that “Family is always first!”  The Resch team never loses sight of their focus: “Because of the customer, we exist!” 

Learn more about Andy and his family business

Jonathan Maiorine, Founder and Owner, J Howell Maritime

2021 SCORE Small Business Achievement Award

J Howell Maritime brings expert maritime training to an industry facing increasing mandatory domestic and international safety, security, and environmental protection regulations.  Listen to Jonathan’s own story of how he worked with his SCORE Mentor, Jerry Francis, to fulfill his dream.“I always wanted to have my own small business, but I never really knew how or when [to go about it.]” 

Jonathan Maiorine, SCORE Awards acceptance (2 min)

Other SCORE Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs

In addition to free one-on-one mentoring, Veteran entrepreneurs can meet with subject matter experts to answer specific questions about starting or growing their business, take workshops to develop new skills and get access to resources to help move their plans along.

SCORE is dedicated to helping Veteran entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, develop the best business strategies, launch successful organizations and strengthen our local economy.

SCORE can help. Find a mentor today.

SCORE Veteran Entrepreneurs Hub

SCORE Webinar: Expert Advice for Veteran Entrepreneurs

SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA which provides business certification programs, Boots to Business, Lender Matching and more to Veteran startups.

More about SCORE

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide. SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties has been operating since 1985, with 100 dedicated volunteers today who provide confidential mentoring at no charge and offer business seminars, workshops and webinars to benefit the local community. 

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).