David Gallemore is a Military Veteran from Lithonia, Georgia. David joined the military when he was 17 years old. He scored exceptionally high on his ASVAB test and completed his basic training during his junior summer, then came back and graduated high school. He attended his AIT at Fort Sill, where he trained to troubleshoot and repair tactical communication equipment and field systems on the battlefield during any conditions for all infantry and special operations personnel. He was also trained to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and supervise the implementation of integrated communications systems at battalion or higher level. He served in Desert Storm and other military operations throughout his military career.
After leaving the military, his mindset of supporting his fellow soldiers has never left his spirit. He has created companies throughout the last decade focused on hiring and training soldiers. Through ups and downs, he has finally developed the correct partnership of training and opportunity to reach his goal of hiring 10,000 veterans, active-duty soldiers leaving the military, and their immediate family members.
He is a strong believer in doing your job, being positive, and being a good teammate. David believes in giving it your all when it’s time to work but places the time he spends with his kids watching a movie and relaxing on the weekend – TOP PRIORITY.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit, or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Covid-19 for many of us was the most significant lifestyle change since I’ve been an adult. I believe that this dark tunnel that we entered gave everyone the opportunity to come out better on the other side. I took that time to become stronger spiritually and mentally, get physically fit, eliminate distractions, get rid of people that don’t contribute to my success, and, most importantly, become closer to my children.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
I like hanging with my kids when I’m unfocused, or I step away and relax.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Set your goal, keep your credit good, and surround yourself with people who can assist in your success spiritually, mentally, physically and reach your financial goals. You can’t get in shape hanging with people who have bad eating habits or have no goals or plans for success.
What is one lifestyle trend that excites you?
Healthy eating, working out, and traveling more.
What’s one of the biggest life lessons you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson is to stick with your plan. I have had plans in business but changed because of other people’s influences that really didn’t bring anything to the table. Two projects come to mind that taught me valuable lessons. Walmart had the potential to be a great project. We opened five stores under my company Technicians USA within Walmart. My initial plan was to have a 100% veteran workforce in the stores. I deviated from this plan and hired non-veterans because of the pressures to open. The stores barely made $500.00 per day, some were not opening on time, and we were breaking customer’s stuff. We closed the stores. I started over again with the same intentions of having a total veteran work workforce. We partnered with a local workforce development agency to provide me with veterans. They did not provide me with one veteran. However, we proceeded. A couple of those employees were exceptional, but overall, it was a disaster. We partnered with some of the largest home warranty companies globally, which also came to Atlanta and provided training to this team. My company rating was 97% before this workforce development partnership and dropped to 35% in October of 2016. We closed that business, and that is when I got my life lesson.
How have you implemented this lesson and measure its success?
Yes, I have learned from this lesson, and now that I’m following the original plans. The Gallemore Group is growing. We have focused on creating a veteran and active-duty support team that is making a significant difference. Gi-Techs is now providing services in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Texas, and operating in all 50 states in the next two years. VTEC our non-profit, is training soldiers transitioning out the military and building training academies for veterans and active-duty soldiers across the United States, and Special Forces Delta Whiskey Golf is launching in June 2021. Our other subsidiaries will go live by the end of the year. The entire team consists of veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their immediate family members, and we are getting the job done.
What do you think it is that makes you/someone successful?
I think having a good balance between work and family is the key. You must be able to put the computer down and enjoy little things with your family.
How do you stay motivated?
My failures keep me motivated.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
My legacy will be what I leave for my family.