For veterans, the transition back to civilian life isn’t always easy. But one organization in the Capital Region is working to help those who served take the next steps in their futures.
For veterans leaving the military, uncertainty often plagues their return to civilian life.
“I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do,” said Darius Myles, founder of DMYLES General Construction and an Air Force veteran. “When I was 12 years old, I was a paperboy. That was kind of my first taste of entrepreneurism, where I got to wake up, be my own boss and get a paycheck.”
Owning your own business is often rewarding, but it’s a venture that comes with plenty of highs and lows.
“Veterans, they have the skills and tools to be successful entrepreneurs and small-business owners,” Myles said. “I think, sometimes, they can be a little resistant to taking that leap.”
The Niagara Falls native took that leap in 2013 when he founded the construction company.
“We actually specialize in commercial construction, primarily for the federal government,” he said.
It’s a success story he brought to the Veterans in Economic Transition Conference.
“The idea here is really is matchmaking and networking,” said Anthony Kuhn, an Army veteran who is a managing partner at Tully Rinckey and VETCON chair.
The annual event offers a variety of educational seminars for veterans who already own a business or are interested in starting their own business.
“They’ll learn everything from setting up their exit strategy, we like to talk about starting with your exit strategy and building backwards from there, and learning all the thing you need to be worried about at the start of your business,” Kuhn said.
Having the resources under one roof is an invaluable asset that Myles was able to benefit from. He hopes to inspire and help others do the same.
“Go out there and take advantage of opportunities like this and use them as a springboard to launch you into everything you want to do,” he said.
