“[As veterans], we’re adept at creating order from chaos. I think that lends itself well to being an entrepreneur. You’re able to step back, assess the situation, and try to create some order around what is happening.” –Rich Vaill, USNA ‘88

Rich Vaill is the President of Custom Marketing Solutions LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and vertically integrated print marketing agency specializing in offset print, digital print, large format projects, and promotional products. Rich and his team run a nimble shop that can handle large-scale projects based on each client’s needs. After 20 years in the financial sector, Rich transitioned into entrepreneurship by acquiring Custom Marketing Solutions LLC in 2023. He is a 1988 United States Naval Academy graduate and a Marine Corps veteran.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Rich’s transition from finance to entrepreneurship

• Key pieces of advice Rich would give to someone who wants to buy a business

• The printing services offered by Custom Marketing Solutions LLC

• How the skills from Rich’s time in the Marine Corps have translated to owning a business and leading his team

• The goals Rich has for the rest of the year and the biggest challenges he is facing as he establishes himself in his new role

Major career transitions are not easy, and Rich made a big leap from the financial sector to becoming an entrepreneur through acquisition. His two key pieces of advice for others who are buying a business? Ask a lot of questions and make sure you have the right trusted advisors around you. Acquiring a business takes time and there are many steps to go through, but when you have a knowledgeable team supporting you, it makes for a smooth process. We enjoyed discussing entrepreneurship, leadership, and best practices as a business owner with Rich and are excited to see him succeed with his new company, Custom Marketing Solutions LLC. Thank you, Rich!

Connect with Rich:

• LinkedIn

• Custom Marketing Solutions LLC

• rich@cmsgroupllc.com

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Special thanks to Rich for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01