Local Army vet boosts career at 'boot camp' page 2

Veterans go back to "boot camp" for business training

Date published: 9/19/2009

"One gentleman came up with [a business] taking vets to doctors' appointments," he said. "Where he lived, they were having trouble getting rides to VA clinics."

Another student also chose a beauty salon concept--bringing beauty services and barbering to veterans' homes.

By week's end, Zeitz was one of three students chosen to give a final presentation to the class and a group of professors.

The boot camp actually started three weeks before students arrived at Purdue.

"We had to finish an online course they said we could do in two to three hours per night. It took a lot longer. We had four books to read and take tests" on the material, Zeitz said.

Students got a certificate of completion, but more importantly, a boost in whatever they were doing back home, says Jerry Lynch, professor of economics and director of executive education at the Krannert School.

"There are thousands of great ideas that don't succeed because people don't know how to explore the market--things like who their competitors are, how to market, finances," he said.

The professors' aim: "Let us help you think about how to go from the idea phase to the execution phase. I'm hoping we gave them a broad skill set."

The boot camp, Lynch said, will likely be offered again next year, though this year's inaugural program must first be evaluated.

Lynch, a Vietnam-era veteran himself, said that Zeitz and others in the class had one advantage going in.

"Those in the military have good leadership skills."

Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com

Gary Zeitz grew up in Cherry Hill, N.J. He's a graduate of Lynchburg College, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration. He received a master's degree from Florida Institute of Technology. He joined the Army in 1985, eventually commanding a tank unit at Fort Knox, Ky. He attended Ranger school and got into information systems after being accepted into the Army Acquisition Corps. He was assigned to the office of the Chief of the Army Reserve at the Pentagon, commanded the General Staff College and worked in information systems, contracting, human resources before becoming secretary of the general staff for the office of the Chief, Army Reserve. He retired last year. Zeitz is married with three children and lives in Fredericksburg.

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Date published: 9/19/2009