A: Deployments or temporary duty was a part of the job for 23 years. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve deployed places. Prior to 9/11, I did a lot of training with various special operations units and took a number of trips around the world to work with and train with allied partners. The world clearly changed that day 23 years ago, and so did where, when, and how we deployed…. it was time to get to work. All of the training we had done prior to 9/11 was about to be put to the test. The first location we went to was a country north of Afghanistan where the living conditions were rough, the food was questionable, and safety was a primary concern; but we were there, in the fight, defending the country we love. Conditions improved over the following months, and the tents we were living in felt a little more like home. We received countless packages from loved ones, schools, and communities— there was a tremendous outpouring of love from home. Weeks turned into months and months into years. I came and went from this location until we were able to move to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.
Q: What was your first job after service and what was that experience like?
A: I went straight onto the railroad where I was a conductor and then a locomotive engineer, the railroad is a lot like first joining the military—they tell you when you’re leaving and where you’re going and might tell you when you’ll be back.
About Eric Card
Eric Card was born in Fargo and grew up in Minnesota. He is married to Danelle Card, who is currently serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard as the Domestic Operation Chief. Together they have three children: Kyler who is also serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard, Taelyn who is a sophomore at Park Christian School in Moorhead, and Keagan who is in 8th grade at Park Christian School.
“We are a very active family and busy ourselves chasing kids to all of their sporting events and school activities,” Eric said. “We are active in our faith. Besides enrolling our children at Park Christian School with the intent to receive a faith-based education, we are active in our church Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, MN.”
Q: Did you have any struggles after returning to civilian life?
A: Having a strong family dynamic minimized any struggles, the biggest difficulty is leaving the people and mission behind. Esprit de Corps, there is a common bond of people in the military, a place where you can count on the person next to you and they can count on you.
A: Command and Control Construction started with a vision to accomplish construction with a team concept in mind. I wanted to put together a team inside the company that would take that team and serve our customers, utilizing the concept taken from the military Esprit de Corps. We have grown to a force of 20 strong, and there isn’t one position in this company that is more important than another. It takes the entire team to find projects, and eventually deliver that project to our customer. We focus on relationships—our customers know that they are a top priority to us, and they will always be able to get in touch with me, or anyone on our team.
Q: Did you plan to start your company before enlisting in the service?
A: I never intended to be an entrepreneur, when a door closes, God opens a window—you just have to be looking for it.
Q: What does a normal day on the job look like for you?
A: I spend a great deal of time in front of a computer these days, pouring through the countless emails I receive every day, and searching for projects on the many different databases we use. There are at least two meetings scheduled per day, and I spend a lot of time building relationships, both inside of the company and equally important, meeting and building relationships outside of our organization.
Q: How did your family react when you told them you were pursuing service?
A: I come from a long lineage of Military Service. My grandfather was in the Army Air Core and transferred to the United States Air Force upon its creation in 1947. My father joined the Marines and served in Vietnam with a number of my uncles also serving in the military; so of course, there was a sense of pride knowing there was someone carrying on the family tradition.
Q: What do you remember about your first day of business?
A: The first job I ever did with Command and Control Construction was installing sprayapplied fireproofing to structural steel at the Fargo VA Medical Center. I was a one-person company, but I needed someone to help, as it really is a two-person job. I ended up hiring a temporary employee for this one job.
Q: Has your service experience changed your business mindset?
A: I don’t think its possible to do anything for 23 years and not have it influence you—it molds your future, good, bad or otherwise. Thankfully for me, it was a very positive influence. The service has taught me to be mentally tough, to fight through adversity, and to surround myself with the best people I can find.
Q: Have you found any specific resources or support networks that have been instrumental in your entrepreneurial journey as a veteran?
A: Initially the Minnesota Procurement Technical Assistance Center was a vital tool to help guide and advise my way as a new business owner. After the initial year or two of business, I was fortunate enough to work with Light Consulting; their guidance was instrumental in our growth. Again, it’s so important to surround yourselves with the best people.
Q: What was the hardest challenge in opening your business?
A: Taking the first step and finding the right people. The first one is a little easier than the second, but if you can find the right people, you can be a successful business.
Q: What does being a veteran symbolize to you?
A: For me, being a Veteran was about service. I had a strong desire to serve the country I love. What I didn’t know was everything else that would come with it—life long friends, like serious friends, the kind of people that you might not see for 15 years, and when you meet back up with them, it’s like you saw them yesterday. Being a Veteran brings a sense of accomplishment; a Veteran is someone who at the time of their service is doing what 99% of America’s population isn’t doing; they are serving, saying ‘Yes, here I am, send me.’ I will be the one, the one who will stand and defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Q: Who are your biggest mentors?
A: God, without Him, nothing is possible.
Q: What advice do you have for other businesses out there?
A: Go for it, take your niche and surround yourself with the best people you can find (just not mine), and find your success. I’ve heard it said, if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.
Q: What advice do you have for others considering enlisting?
A: There are so many reasons to join the military, and everyone has their own reasons. Above all there is or will be a sense of service, always remember you are serving the members who came before you, serving the American people, and establishing the path for those who serve in the future.
Q: Do you have any book recommendations?
A: I recommend “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.
Editor of Fargo INC! — covering the founders, companies, and ideas shaping business in Fargo-Moorhead. Eleven years in, still no opinions, no politics, all business.
