Photos courtesy of Priscilla Bersee
May is Military Appreciation Month and the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating and recognizing our active service and veteran members of the military by showcasing some of our military member business owners in the Toledo Region. Check out this Q&A with U.S. Army Reserve’s Priscilla Bersee of Castle Hill Associates in Waterville.
In what branch of the military did you serve, when, and rank?
United States Army Reserve 2000-2014, I was mobilized USAR 2004-2006 and 2008, SSG/E6
How did your service prepare you to be a business owner?
We are given tasks greater than we believe we can achieve while in the military. We are trusted with great responsibilities and the livelihood of others is under our watch. We rise to the challenge, bring others up with us and learn from every experience. I feel that business presents similar challenges, and due to our military experience, we are ready for it. We don't complain or give up, rather, with our resilient spirit, we view the daily hurdles as opportunities for growth.
What advantages do you see to hiring veterans?
I find that veterans bring a commitment to excellence and an attention to detail that is very beneficial in business. They operate with integrity and respect, understand the importance of a mission, and share their initiative and innovations with the team.
I also think it’s important to look at a veteran’s whole story when considering their resumes against non-military applicants. For example, duty assignments, college transcripts, transfers, breaks and timelines may look quite different than a non-military applicant due to their individualized military career, but should not be seen as a negative. I know service members who completed their college courses in their off hours on deployment, which all on its own speaks volumes.
Are there ways the region can better support veteran-owned businesses?
Though our past experience can be strikingly different from one another, there are many great commonalities we share. I think we can all strive to understand, respect and even translate the various attributes, skills, experience and education, with a goal to see our similarities, rather than our differences.
What are some of your favorite things to do here in the Toledo Region?
We enjoy exploring the Maumee River, bike riding through our great Metroparks and, of course, watching the Mud Hens, Walleye, Falcons and Rockets!
Interested in learning more information about Castle Hill Associates? Please visit the website at www.castlehillassociates.com.
United States Army Reserve 2000-2014, I was mobilized USAR 2004-2006 and 2008, SSG/E6
How did your service prepare you to be a business owner?
We are given tasks greater than we believe we can achieve while in the military. We are trusted with great responsibilities and the livelihood of others is under our watch. We rise to the challenge, bring others up with us and learn from every experience. I feel that business presents similar challenges, and due to our military experience, we are ready for it. We don't complain or give up, rather, with our resilient spirit, we view the daily hurdles as opportunities for growth.
What advantages do you see to hiring veterans?
I find that veterans bring a commitment to excellence and an attention to detail that is very beneficial in business. They operate with integrity and respect, understand the importance of a mission, and share their initiative and innovations with the team.
I also think it’s important to look at a veteran’s whole story when considering their resumes against non-military applicants. For example, duty assignments, college transcripts, transfers, breaks and timelines may look quite different than a non-military applicant due to their individualized military career, but should not be seen as a negative. I know service members who completed their college courses in their off hours on deployment, which all on its own speaks volumes.
Are there ways the region can better support veteran-owned businesses?
Though our past experience can be strikingly different from one another, there are many great commonalities we share. I think we can all strive to understand, respect and even translate the various attributes, skills, experience and education, with a goal to see our similarities, rather than our differences.
What are some of your favorite things to do here in the Toledo Region?
We enjoy exploring the Maumee River, bike riding through our great Metroparks and, of course, watching the Mud Hens, Walleye, Falcons and Rockets!
Interested in learning more information about Castle Hill Associates? Please visit the website at www.castlehillassociates.com.
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