“Well, I have to be honest with you, I feel energized with all the mission. I feel proud of what my team is achieving, to keep our nation safe, and the missions that we're doing abroad and here in the States as well. At times, it feels overwhelming. I mean, I tell my team, I've never run a company before, so don't blame me. I don't know what I'm doing.” [43:27]
LTC Gabriel Ruiz (Ret) brings us an incredible story of success through hard work, perseverance, learning and giving back.
Gabriel Ruiz was born in Puerto Rico and served in the
U.S. Army for 26 years as a Communications and Technology Acquisition Officer. In 2006 he proudly retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. This is when he then launched his business with the guidance of his mentor.
Since 2013
AITC has delivered $70M+ programs. The company is a
Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and currently
8a certified. Gabe tells us the importance it is to be ready and prepared to have your company become 8a. This will show you how to properly and effectively use the program and always keep a goal-oriented mentality. Here is a piece of knowledge he shares.
“I think it's like 70% of the companies never get an 8a contract, right, and by showing them the numbers, and then other thing is you need to start planning to transition out of the 8a the moment you get it. You cannot wait until the ninth year to start planning, because then about 60% of the companies that graduate die within two years. [26:42]”
One very impressive program that Gabe has established within his company is what he named the “CEO Hive”. This is a program he established where he takes entrepreneurs and his subcontractors and mentors them to become successful. He wishes many other prime contractors take this model and integrate it wihing their companies. He feels this is the way to give back, help others and build a stronger community together.
Gabe also offers valuable advice, like this one, to transitioning Veterans. “After I retired, I became a consultant. Before I talked to this person that helped me transition, I didn't know how much knowledge I had and how valuable my knowledge was to these companies on the outside, and that's something I always encourage transitioning military folks to do their homework, and find out how these skills can translate into the commercial sector. [9:09]”
LTC Gabriel Ruiz journey has led him to be the successful entrepreneur he is today and will continue to be for years to come.
After this powerful episode I promise you will walk away with lots of ideas, advice and guidance to become your own success story.
