Most people don't realize that veterans make some of the best business people around. In fact, many of the most popular countries in the United States got their starts in the minds of former servicemembers or are now under the watchful leadership of a veteran. Take a look at the list below to get a closer look at some of the most well-known veteran-run businesses.
Johnson & Johnson
Alex Gorsky, the CEO of this mega company, is a proud graduate of West Point Academy, according to Business Insider. Gorsky's military career lasted six years, during which time he was a member of the Rangers and earned the Captain ranking. Gorsky's service took him all over the world before bring him back to the U.S. to head Johnson & Johnson.
Casey's General Store
After serving the Army in Germany, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait for 22 years, Robert Myers returned to America. According to Business Insider, this is when he began working for a Casey's General Store. Myers eventually earned himself the role of CEO of the company and remains in charge today.
Verizon
This communications giant is helmed by Lowell McAdam. The Veterans United Network stated that McAdam served as in US Navy Civil Engineer Corps for six years. Now, the former servicemember is CEO of one of the nation's leading communications providers.
Proctor & Gamble
According to Business Insider, Robert A. McDonald, the current CEO of Proctor & Gamble, wrote his congressman at 11 years old to ask for special permission to enter military service. When McDonald reached legal age, he entered the Armed Forces. He was put in the 82nd Airborne Division where he served until he retired. McDonald is now the head of Proctor & Gamble as well as the secretary of Veterans Affairs.
General Motors
This massive automotive company is another veteran-headed company. Daniel Akerson, the business' former CEO, spent five years as a Navy officer before assuming his role at the helm of General Motors, according to the Veterans United Network. Akerson reportedly comes from a long line of military service.
Veterans interested in pursuing entrepreneurial interests should look to their predecessors for inspiration. Many proud former servicemembers have started some of the country's most important and successful enterprises, and many of them have their military service to thank for giving them the drive necessary to complete these goals.