This article features L.J. “Nick” Callazzo III United States Marines (Retired)
L.J. “Nick” Callazzo III joined the United States Marine Corps in 1956 after graduating from West Catholic High School. He completed recruit training at Parris Island, where he was named
Outstanding Marine Recruit, promoted to Private First Class, and awarded his dress blues. Following advanced infantry and communications training, he served as a forward observer and participated in two Mediterranean deployments, including service in Beirut, Lebanon. He earned meritorious promotions during his military career and credits the Marine Corps with laying the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and service.
Following his honorable discharge, Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English from West Chester State College and a master’s degree in Literature from Villanova University, where he also served as diving coach. He began his career teaching English and coaching before transitioning to the corporate sector.
Nick held leadership positions with Wilson Learning Corporation, Siemens, Corporate Performance Systems, and American Hearing Aid Associates. He later founded Resource Specialists, a consulting firm focused on individual performance and organizational effectiveness. Throughout his career, he became a respected speaker, facilitator, and consultant, working with Fortune 100 companies, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and professional organizations.
After retiring to Delaware in 2005, Nick became an adjunct business professor at Wesley College and a presenter for the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. His work with the military community led to the development of Military Community Partners, a network of more than 60 organizations providing financial, medical, emotional, and physical resources to veterans. The initiative continues today through Joining Forces.
Recognizing the challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life, Nick founded Victory Village, a transitional home in Port Penn, Delaware. He served as its pro bono director for eight years, helping veterans secure housing, access benefits and counseling, and develop skills for employment.
Nick recently completed his tenth year as a SCORE mentor and serves as lead facilitator for the SBA’s Boots to Business program, helping transitioning service members explore entrepreneurship and business ownership.
His latest initiative, Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurship, is an eight-week program beginning September 15 at the CURE Center in Dover. Through 16 classes, veterans will learn essential concepts for starting, growing, and sustaining a business, with veteran experts sharing their experience throughout the program.
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