How the Military Prepares Veterans to Start a Business
By: David Mielach
Jack Riggs
Jack Riggs served as lieutenant governor of Idaho and an Idaho state senator before being named CEO of the restaurant chain Pita Pit in 2006. Riggs, however, says his real business training came as a result of his career in the military.
After serving as a medical doctor in the U.S. Air Force, Riggs transitioned into the world of business by starting the first immediate-care facility in north Idaho, he said.
"In military service, you learn a great deal about systems, communication and discipline," Riggs said. "You also learn about teamwork and chain of command. I definitely used all of those tools when I became a 'business owner' in 1985 – and I have used them since in my political career, as well as now, as CEO of Pita Pit USA."
After serving as a medical doctor in the U.S. Air Force, Riggs transitioned into the world of business by starting the first immediate-care facility in north Idaho, he said.
"In military service, you learn a great deal about systems, communication and discipline," Riggs said. "You also learn about teamwork and chain of command. I definitely used all of those tools when I became a 'business owner' in 1985 – and I have used them since in my political career, as well as now, as CEO of Pita Pit USA."
