Wilkes-Barre Connect hosts HONOR Veterans Recognition Luncheon

Apr. 29—PLAINS TWP. — Michael Hawkins, president and CEO of Netizen Corporation, had a message for his fellow veterans who are looking to start a small business — expect a struggle, but don't ever give up.

Hawkins was the keynote speaker at Wilkes-Barre Connect's HONOR Veterans Recognition Luncheon on Monday at Holiday Inn Wilkes-Barre East Mountain.

This event was presented by Perfect Storm Renovations, and it recognize local veterans and the veteran entrepreneur community.

Netizen Corporation is an award-winning ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and CMMI Level 3 certified company specializing in cyber-security and related solutions with locations throughout the United States. The company's work is truly global, supporting customers all across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Hawkins said he speaks to veterans all the time, and he said they tell him that they have difficulty getting access to the capital necessary to start a business. He said veterans also tell him that they have trouble finding employees and they also struggle with navigating the certification process.

"And veterans also have difficulty with government bureaucracy issues," Hawkins said. "I tell them it's always tough to start a new business. Those veterans that have started a business tell me that they are dependent on their top five customers."

However, Hawkins said it's not all "doom and gloom." He said there are plenty of opportunities available to veterans and sources for funding are increasing.

"One of the best things is the camaraderie between all veterans, regardless of age or era served," Hawkins said. "It's what sets us apart. And veterans are far more likely to support their communities."

Hawkins said he struggled to get his business off the ground, but he said willpower and determination got him through and on to success.

Hawkins said the keys for him and any new small business entrepreneur include networking, gradual hiring of employees, trust, improvisation and adaptability.

"Don't expect handouts," Hawkins said. "Learn to be uncomfortable. Specialize — be the laser, not the light bulb. And value the lessons learned along the way."

Shanie Mohamed, director of economic development at the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the luncheon was a time to come together to celebrate the achievements of veteran entrepreneurs in the Wyoming Valley and foster a connection between the Northeast Pennsylvania veteran network.

Three veteran entrepreneurs from the Wyoming Valley were awarded grants to advance their business ventures, including:

—Michael Szklanny, author of "The Shadow Within," a fantasy novel and the first installment of a future three-part series.

—Amber Viola, founder and co-host of "Politics but make it Fashion," a podcast that explores the intersection of politics and fashion, discussing how clothing style trends can reflect and impact political and social issues.

—Vincent Balint, owner of Bulldog BBQ, a catering business and roadside stand that will soon be constructing a brick-and-mortar location.

The program is an offering of Wiles-Barre Connect's HONOR Program, made possible by the support of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation.

Hawkins was named one of the U.S. Army's "most proficient and capable leaders" during his six years of military service with the US Army as a Military Police investigator.

In 2013, Hawkins founded Netizen Corporation, located in Lehigh Valley, to provide cyber-security and related services to government, defense, and commercial markets worldwide. Netizen would become the 47th fastest growing private company in the nation in 2019 according to Inc. Magazine and the 184th fastest growing in 2020.

It was the second-fastest-growing company overall in the state of Pennsylvania, the fastest-growing veteran-owned company in the country, and the fastest-growing cyber-security company in the nation during those years as well.