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Dr. Jardine's Guide to Growing Your #VetBiz
Growing a business from a modest startup to a thriving multimillion-dollar enterprise is no small feat. Native Hawaiian and retired U.S. Army colonel Dr. Raymond Jardine grew his business, Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC, from $65,000 in its first year to $50 million with $200 million in backlog work when he sold it. Under his leadership, Dr. Jardine’s company won a number of awards, including SBA Business of the Year, SDVOSB Small Business of the Year, and 8(a) Graduate of the Year, to name a few.
His steps to success include calculated risks, strong leadership, and leveraging resources available to veteran entrepreneurs. Now serving as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of the Pacific mentor, his journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring business owners. Built on strategic planning and community-driven values, we explore Dr. Jardine’s top strategies below, how they contributed to his company’s remarkable growth, and how using SBA resources like VBOCs and mentorship can help you follow a similar path.

Start with a Plan
With 33 years of distinguished military service, Dr. Jardine attributes much of his success to meticulous planning. When he launched Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC, he began with a comprehensive business plan outlining his goals, strategies, and resources.
"A business plan is your roadmap," he said. "It helps you map out what you're going to do, how you're going to do it, and how you'll resource it."
A clear plan clarifies your vision and makes securing funding and building partnerships easier. SBA resources like B2B Revenue Readiness, a follow-up course to Boots to Business (described later in this article), help specifically with business plan writing.

Leverage Relationships
Relationships were key to Dr. Jardine’s success—those he already had, those he nurtured, and new relationships he developed. Early on, he learned that business success depends on people knowing, liking, and trusting you.
"Our first contracts came through relationships," he shared. "The more they know you, the more opportunities you have."
Networking was key to building affiliations, whether at industry conferences or through programs like the SBA's Mentor-Protege Program. A mentorship with Battelle Institute helped strengthen his back-office functions and enhance his business capabilities.
For veteran entrepreneurs, SBA resources such as the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) connect you with mentorship, procurement training, and government contracting assistance.

Diversify Your Offerings
Dr. Jardine started with emergency management and IT services but expanded into homeland security, munitions remediation, and strategic communications. This diversification helped his company adapt to market changes and seize new opportunities.
"We thought of it like a portfolio," he explained. "If one area wasn't thriving, another could compensate."
Diversification positioned Native Hawaiian Veterans for larger contracts, including partnerships with major organizations like Siemens and Northrop Grumman. SBA programs such as the 8(a) Business Development Program help small businesses expand into new industries by providing access to government contracts and networking opportunities.

Hire for Values and Build the Right Team
Dr. Jardine credits much of his success to hiring people with the right values. Rather than focusing solely on his credentials, he prioritized finding and hiring team players aligned with the company's mission and value system.
"We looked for the right person, at the right time, with the right values," he said.
This approach, along with leadership lessons from his military career, allowed him to build a cohesive and high-performing team. SBA resources such as SCORE and VBOCs have mentors who offer personalized insight into hiring, team management, and leadership—essential tools for any business owner. SCORE is an exceptional resource for entrepreneurs to explore—especially during January, National Mentoring Month.

Take Calculated Risks
Dr. Jardine's growth was fueled by his willingness to take calculated risks. Whether entering new markets, investing in mentorship, or pursuing high-stakes contracts, he approached each decision with careful analysis and preparation.
"Business is risk management," he explained. "You have to take calculated risks if you want to grow."
For example, Dr. Jardine secured a major munitions remediation contract by demonstrating his team's capabilities and addressing community concerns. Contracts like this have significantly contributed to his company's growth and reputation. Similarly, veterans looking to achieve entrepreneurial success can benefit from resources that provide critical skills. The SBA’s Local Assistance Page showcases resource partners that can help equip veterans with the tools to evaluate risks and navigate entrepreneurship confidently.

Scaling a Small Startup into a Multimillion-Dollar Enterprise
Dr. Jardine's journey highlights the importance of scaling strategically. He built credibility through subcontracting with firms like Siemens, Northrop Grumman, and Battelle Institute, leveraging these relationships to secure larger contracts. Certifications such as HubZone, 8(a), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) gave his company a competitive edge in the federal marketplace, opening doors to key opportunities.
Mentorship through Battelle Institute strengthened his operations, while his dedication to community impact through the Kīnā'ole Foundation enhanced his reputation as a values-driven leader. His resilience and adaptability, honed during his military career, helped him navigate challenges, adapt to setbacks, and focus on long-term success.

SBA Resources to Support Your Growth
Veteran entrepreneurs can access a wealth of resources through the SBA, including:

These resources are designed to empower veterans and provide the tools needed to succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, the SBA offers invaluable support every step of the way.

Final Thoughts
Dr. Jardine's story demonstrates that even a small startup in Hawaii can grow into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with the right strategy, resources, and employees with the right values. By leveraging relationships, diversifying offerings, hiring for values, and using SBA resources, you can position your business for sustainable growth.
As Dr. Jardine puts it: "Business isn't just about making money—it's about making a difference." With this mindset, success becomes not only achievable but transformative. Make 2025 the year of growth and achievement for veteran-owned businesses. For additional resources, updates, and inspiration, follow the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

This blog was originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). To learn more about OVBD and its offerings, visit sba.gov/ovbd.

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