On Veterans Day and during the Small Business Administration’s Veterans Business Week, three Northwest Arkansas veterans highlighted how the discipline and ingenuity forged in uniform are powering their local enterprises.
From the cockpit to logistics tech
Calvin Paquette spent nine and a half years in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a helicopter gunner and intelligence officer. Today he is the founder and CEO of Halobond, a logistics‑technology company that helps businesses streamline supply‑chain operations. Paquette says the problem‑solving mindset he honed in the service—figuring out how to get a job done when the playbook isn’t clear—directly translates to running a fast‑growing tech firm.
“It’s a misconception that veterans are only good at following orders,” Paquette explained. “The reality is we’re really good at figuring out a way to get a job done.” He added that the biggest obstacle for any entrepreneur is often self‑imposed, noting that the structured environment of the military can make the open‑ended challenges of business feel both daunting and liberating.
Accessibility solutions from a military couple
Retired Army officer Chad Quayle and his Navy‑veteran wife Cindy run Next Day Access, a company that supplies ramps, stair lifts and other mobility products to help homeowners stay safely in place. The Quayles credit their military backgrounds with the ability to wear many hats at once—learning to manage product design, installation logistics and customer service rapidly and efficiently.
“We had to learn how to do everything ourselves quickly,” they said. “Our experience adjusting on multiple fronts in the military helped us engage with what we’re doing faster.” They stress that while the hurdles of starting a business are not unique to veterans, the habits of operating from standard operating procedures and adapting to new environments give them a distinct advantage.
Encouraging the next generation of veteran founders
All three owners urged fellow veterans to consider entrepreneurship. Paquette called veterans “remarkable people” and said more should open their own businesses. The Quayles recommend prospective owners seek mentorship from those who have already walked the path, emphasizing the value of asking questions and learning from real‑world experience.
“Taking the time to talk to other owners with similar businesses and asking a bunch of questions gives you the ability to deal with issues before they become problems,” they said.
Veterans Day reflections
For the Quayles, Veterans Day also serves as a reminder of the bonds formed in service and the shared experiences that continue to shape their lives and work. Their stories illustrate how the values of duty, perseverance and teamwork cultivated in the armed forces are enriching the Northwest Arkansas economy and strengthening families across the region.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
