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Power 50 Building a better future for veteran entrepreneurs 2 #SageServingHeroes

Contents

3. Bravery Unbound 4. Life Off The Battlefield 5. Why We Serve at Sage 6. How Did the Power 50 Do? 7. Princes Trust (Australia) 18. Princes Operation Entrepreneur (Canada) 24. X-Forces (UK) 36. Hire a Hero (USA) 43. Invictus Games Sydney 2018 3 #SageServingHeroes

Bravery Unbound

To celebrate the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, Sage has joined forces with 50 inspiring veteran run or owned businesses and leading military nonprofits throughout Australia, UK, US, and Canada, to launch the inaugural Sage Power 50.

Our mission? Showcase the inspiring mentoring and guidance, a new generation Thank You personal testimony of former servicemen of veteran led businesses will unleash a The Power 50 is commissioned by Sage and servicewomen who are building wave of talent and innovation across the and supports our ongoing commitment entrepreneurial careers after service. global entrepreneurial community. to build sustainable social, economic, and entrepreneurial opportunities in Nominated for their ambition, drive and Sage Serving Heroes Sage’s local communities around the determination to succeed, the Power 50 As the market leader in cloud business world, through Sage Foundation. charts the highs and lows and unique management, Sage is committed to helping business insights that have turned service military veterans transition into meaningful For Sage this is the right way to do honed skills, into business acumen. civilian employment and start their own business. The Power 50 would not be businesses after service. This includes possible without the support of: Passion. Dedication. The drive to Sage’s partnership with the Invictus Games push on, no matter what. Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, a Sydney 2018, where, for the third year running, program of Prince’s Trust Canada: Every story in the Power 50 is proof that when Sage colleagues, customers, and partners barriers are removed that prevent millions will volunteer their time to celebrate the princesoperationentrepreneur.ca of veterans from living their fullest life after unconquerable spirit of competitors, and the X-Forces: x-forces.com service—it isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s heroic friends and family who stand with them. sound business. Together with our nonprofit Prince’s Trust Australia: princes-trust.org.au partners we want to help more veterans Hire Heroes USA: hireheroesusa.org secure their future. With the right support, Special thanks to Power 50 members, Brandon Shelton at TFX Capital and Cherisa ‘CJ’ Bellis at Major Freedom. 4 #SageServingHeroes

Life Off The Battlefield

For many former service people, their advanced resilience, discipline, and drive is perfectly suited to the task of setting up a business from scratch. Our Power 50 is all about inspiring the next generation. Power 50 businesses from the UK sat down with Sage colleagues – themselves veterans or part of the military community - to share their stories.

British Babies Heroes Drinks White horse Cleaning Willow Hearne Chris Gillan Lee Harris-Hamer

Click here to watch video Click here to watch video Click here to watch video

britishbabies.co.uk heroesdrinks.com whitehorsecleaningservices.co.uk instagram.com/british_babies_uk Twitter: @HeroesDrinks facebook.com/whitehorsecleaningservices facebook.com/britishbabiesuk

At Sage, we believe that if we don’t continue to unleash the entrepreneurial potential of our military heroes - our communities, and indeed, the global economy will be the poorer for it. Sage is committed to supporting service members, through advice, support and placements for those who want to start within an established company. Let’s do more to support the next generation of military heroes building businesses. 5 #SageServingHeroes

Why We Serve at Sage

Sage and Sage Foundation are committed to helping military veterans transition into meaningful civilian employment, build professional skills, and start their own businesses. Just as our heroes have served us, we want to support them to use their unique skills and experiences to build a new life after service. That’s why we deliver Sage Serving Heroes.

The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Additionally, we host Sage Military Insight Day events Nine one-day mentoring training courses have We’re extremely honoured to partner with the to get people signed up for the Cadet Apprenticeship been delivered for 32 mentors from 22 businesses Invictus Games Sydney 2018, after being at the heart of the Pathway, which provides guaranteed interviews across the UK. 29 AWS re:Start Program graduates Invictus Games Toronto 2017, and our first Games in Orlando to Cadets looking for a Sage apprenticeship. have also been matched to placements thanks 2016. 50 Sage volunteers are set to facilitate and experience to Sage, including KPMG, BBOXX, Securestorm, Sage Military Mentoring Program the Games in action. A highlight will be relaying messages of Deloitte, Splunk, Rackspace and Equal Experts. This program empowers work-based volunteers to mentor support through the Sage Salute; a tribute wall of postcards veterans transitioning into civilian life. We provide them with and tweeted messages from colleagues all over the world. training, so they can help ensure veterans excel in a work Looking ahead environment. A one-day workshop facilitates learning around As we continue to develop Sage Serving Heroes, A gold standard—The Armed Forces Covenant organisational culture, mentorship, and the veteran. more colleagues will deliver mock interviews for transitioning Sage UK is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and veterans through Sage Foundation volunteering days . recognised as one of just 50 organisations in 2018 to be Our program is a strategic partner of the AWS re:Start Program, We’ll train our HR teams and hiring managers to be more given a ‘Gold Award’ for their outstanding support of the a free training and job placement program launched by mindful of the challenges veterans face while transitioning Armed Forces community. This honour publicly reinforced Amazon Web Services. Military veterans, cadets, reservists, and to the private sector. And we’ll build new partnerships Sage’s commitment that those who serve or have served, their spouses are trained on the latest software development such as our pilot with the Peter Jones Foundation and their families, will always be treated fairly by Sage. and cloud-computing technologies. Graduates are then and X-Forces, targeted at Early Service Leaders. This includes the development of an internal community matched with a Sage-trained mentor from a company for Reservists and Veterans, and our membership offering work opportunities, after completion of the course. of X-Forces—where Sage will work to support more veterans to start up and scale up businesses.

6 #SageServingHeroes How Did The Power 50 Do It?

“If there’s a veteran with the skill sets we need, I’ll take “Never just give up, however bad the situation gets. There them any day over someone without military experience. is always another opportunity or option—you just need to They’re not afraid to take on responsibility. They have be able to adapt yourself to the challenge and not be afraid integrity, they work well under pressure, and are used to take the risk. I’ve applied this approach to my personal to following clear protocols and procedures.” life and business ever since I left the Forces. It’s never let me - Emergency Australia, Sean O'Loughlin down.” - Thoughtify, Tom Fox

“Research. Plan. Execute. Review. Those terms will “There is a saying that an officer is ‘paid from the neck up’. resonate with those in the Forces. If you miss one I assumed that the military decision-making skills I had step out you’ll fail. Have confidence that you can were just common sense. In civilian life I can see that the have a career outside of the military. Your skills just way an officer aligns information is relatively unique.” have to be repackaged.” - StevTech, Tristan Steventon - Pro-Noctis, Phil Kelly and Phil Quirk

“The military is the biggest family, they’ve helped me “When you choose to be an entrepreneur, whatever you’ve through tough times. They’re the ones who tell you you’re earned in the past is gone. It’s about what can you do, make being brave through the hard decisions. Stay connected and be—now!” and keep your military routines.” - Vemo Education, Tonio DeSorrento - Major Freedom, Cherisa ‘CJ’ Bellis

7 #SageServingHeroes

Spotlight On: Prince's Trust Australia

After four years delivering business training for defence members in transition through the Prince’s Trust Australia’s Enterprise for Veterans program, there’s one thread that runs through every program—the importance of giving back.

It’s a value many of our defence veteran participants still exploring their next career or identify as About us share as they seek a new purpose and community a life-long learner, job seeker, entrepreneur, in civilian life. It’s also the case with our civilian contractor, freelancer, consultant, social media The Prince’s Trust Australia (P.T.A.) provide sponsors, scholarship providers, and supporters influencer, or small business owner. a coordinating presence for the Australian of our Enterprise for Veterans program. charitable endeavours of His Royal Highness, We’re here to provide the tools, skills, networks, and The Prince of Wales. H.R.H has a long-standing As thousands of new veterans transition each year confidence our veterans need to apply their extensive commitment to the Australia Defence Force, and across Australia, it seems a natural fit that many experience in the Australian Defence Force, to their serves as a Colonel-in-Chief to the Royal Australian would look to small business. Their extensive training, new civilian careers and communities. Armoured Corps, a position held since 1977. attention to detail, focus and commitment make for great entrepreneurs and great business people. We couldn’t do it without our industry experts. In partnership with Australian business and the not-for-profit sector, P.T.A delivers high-impact, Over the years we’ve seen our alumni thrive This community thrives when we share our evidence-based programs in three key areas: Defence in veteran-owned and operated businesses in own stories and celebrate the diversity of Members and their Families, Young People, and industries as diverse as IT, fitness, hospitality, expertise within Australian business. Sustainable Communities. This includes business building and construction, finance, retail, real estate, training programs for defence members in transition, the arts, skincare, e-commerce, recreation, and Whether you’re a large corporation donating staf veterans and partners through one day workshops, tourism. And as their businesses flourish, they’re time as mentors, a passionate educator ready to help and nationally accredited six-month bootcamps. overwhelmingly returning to ofer their services and at a moment’s notice, an up-and-coming disruptive support to help fellow veterans succeed, as well. entrepreneur eager to brainstorm, or a veteran-owned - Janine Kirk AM, Chief Executive, business sharing your own transition journey to Princes Trust Australia Our role in this journey is to help this eco-system self-employment, we all have a role to play and an grow and prosper—to create a community of confident, opportunity to give back to those who need it most. Find out more: princes-trust.org.au like minded business leaders, whether they’re 8 #SageServingHeroes

AEGIR Marine Association of Veteran Surfers Stuart McDonald Kieran Scotchford & Matt Hoare

Stuart McDonald joined the Royal Australian Navy With just two employees and the use of contractors The Association of Veteran Surfers (AVS) is a Surfing The association has grown since the first 'official' (RAN) in 1993, he was discharged in 2011, and began when needed, the business grew, working with vessels Queensland-affiliated boardriders club founded by Matt surf in 2016. Now with 60 active members, they’ve his business in 2014 with wife Kirsty McDonald. as big as 24 metres. The couple are proud of their Hoare and Kieran Scotchford, following their service in the received the Club Spirit Award during the 2017 Kirra ongoing growth and, four years later, the business is Australian defence force. A volunteer-based charity, AVS Teams Challenge and gained sponsorship from RSL Alongside owning their business AEGIR Marine, a still going strong—there’s no signs of stopping: is building a veteran community based around surfing. Queensland for their Health and Wellbeing initiative. marine survey company that carries out investigations and safety consultancy on vessels, Kirsty continues “We’ve had steady growth after starting with just Kieran and Matt joined the Australian Army in 2007 and 2008 “Our experience has helped us to remain flexible and focused. to serve in the RAN after joining over 23 years ago. a laptop in 2014. Ongoing contracts and growth at 18 and 19, they both served with the 8/9th battalion, Royal There have been logistical headaches and occasional show we’re doing alright—and winning.” Australian Regiment and served in East Timor and Afghanistan. bureaucratical issues, but the planning and problem- Entering civilian life for Stuart was solving skills we learnt have been put into practice.” something of a culture shock: Their advice to veterans aspiring to embark Their vision for AVS is to create a healthy, active community And their advice for others? on the same journey is straightforward: for returned and serving defence personnel, who may be “I had mixed opinions. I thought everything we did struggling with the darkest of thoughts. Both have found “Stay humble, do not allow any personal issues or in the Defence Force must add up to something on “Do your homework and make sure you have solace in the ocean as they struggled to adapt after service. emotions to interfere with your goal. Remember the outside. In reality, it wasn’t what I experienced, civilian qualifications. Sounds simple yet it’s to help others on your journey, because there will so we started to look into if there was a market not. After being told several times your military "Once we were out in the surf, it took away negative thoughts, come a time when you will need their help.” for the business we wanted to set up.” experience does not count, it does.” and we thought - if this works for us, we might be able to aegirmarine.com.au offer this to other veterans and serving members.” The plan now is to start clubs all over Australia so that they build stronger and healthier veteran communities.

instagram.com/avs.australia facebook.com/AssociationofVeteranSurfers 9 #SageServingHeroes

BCT Solutions #BodyBeyondBeliefCairns Angus Heatley & Patrick Batch Tyrone Gawthorne

Angus Heatley and Patrick Batch have over 19 “We, like many veterans, have a diverse range of skills At 17, Tyrone Gawthorne joined the Australian Army as A gentleman and well-versed businessman, he years’ experience in the military, both serving in the and can approach business problems differently. We a Rifleman, then was posted and deployed with the 4th became a mentor in bringing my dream to life.” Army for the Royal Australian Signals Corps. didn’t realise until we started building our business Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, to Timor Leste, in 2001. Lee’s guidance and staunch resolve made it possible just how impressive veterans’ skills are.” He was medically discharged from active duty in 2011: It’s the technical skills they acquired, managing and for Five Star Fitness in Earlville Shopping Centre, It’s clear why BCT Solutions—with 30 employees deploying classified communications technology, “As an Infantry Soldier in the Australian Army you’re Cairns, to open. In total 1500 square metres with the —28 of whom are veterans, is flourishing. They allow that formed the very basis of BCT Solutions. set up for any challenge. The experiences learnt best equipment, and an unmatched atmosphere. employees to utilise their skillset in the right environment. and endured can never be repeated. They equip you Then, another opportunity came to light: BCT Solutions is an independent, professional Ultimately, Angus and Patrick have built a business with attributes unlike any other profession.” services provider across the Cyber, Electronic Warfare, which has become a marker of how to help veterans’ “When the chance to purchase The Clarion Hotel in Technology, and Intelligence Operations Domain. transition towards civilian life and power a business. After service, Tyrone pursued his interest in health Townsville CBD was presented to myself and my friend BCT ofer a team of men and women who enhance and fitness, opening #BodyBeyondBeliefCairns, With plans to double growth within the next 12 to 18 months, Andrew O’Brien, I couldn’t say no. There was no time to think an organisation’s operational capability—defining and a nutrition and supplement store in Cairns, with the future is bright, yet both admit success brings challenges: about it. We signed up and adapted to another industry.” designing systems, managing the introduction into brother and Military Comrade, Gareth Desmond. service, and establishing the workforce, learning and “It’s hard not to become consumed by the business. Using his life’s savings, he went all in. Tyrone competed in the Invictus Games development structures needed to ensure success. Managing fast growth and balancing your personal life Toronto 2017, taking silver in Powerlifting: Their success allowed them to open a second store in The essence of the choices Angus and Patrick have made is tough and you need your military discipline to help.” Townsville, with another soon- to-be-enlisted man, Todd “I applied to connect with friends who were suffering from is a great lesson in how to transition back to civilian life. Despite these challenges both Angus and Patrick Francis. With both stores returning investment, Tyrone and injury and illness. I wanted to help them on their journey They’ve played to their strength, used their acquired skills implore veterans to follow their dream, as they know his partners were able to open a gym, competing with big towards rehabilitation. My experience has helped me in and put them to the test in a business environment: first-hand what can be achieved with hard work and brands. ways I could never have imagined.” determination. Something all veterans have in abundance. “I’m fortunate to have an amazing network. I bctsolutions.com.au bodybeyondoz.com.au was offered an opportunity by a good friend, au.linkedin.com/company/bct-solutions Neil Undy, whose father Lee owns a gym. www.clariontownsville.com.au 10 #SageServingHeroes BenchOn Tim Walmsley “I’ve been taught resilience — don’t After a stint at a US based Aerospace stop until you achieve the mission. Just consulting company Tim spotted an find a way, work harder to get around opportunity to start his own business – it. If our solution isn’t win- win, then BenchOn, a start-up solving issue of employee we don’t do it or we think harder!” underutilisation by matching idle staf to short term contracts with reputable companies. Retired Army Major Tim Walmsley joined RMC in 2003 and left the military in 2015. In just two years, Tim’s grown BenchOn to His varied career saw him work across 350 clients with $60m in contracts across 10 artillery, air defence, surveillance and industries. The perfect example of a veteran target acquisition, which had a major business success story, which Tim believes impact on his entrepreneurial journey: has been driven by his military credentials.

“I applied the military appreciation process Tim’s advice for veterans wanting to start or planning process as a military officer, to a business isn’t to dissimilar to his own. plan and build my business. Army teaches you how to think, not what to think. It’s a “The military trains you to accept that it step- by- step way to break the problem down isn’t just the way it is. That approach let me and work out how to achieve the goal.” come up with innovative solution to an age old problem, and then trust my instincts Tim’s attention to detail and analytical to implement it. Don’t be afraid to trust foresight compelled him to put plans in yourself. Push through the road block!” place for the transition from military to civilian life very early. A personal five-year benchon.com.au transition plan working towards two linkedin.com/company/benchon-pty-ltd Masters degrees— in management and project management. Qualifications that transcended Tim’s skills beyond his industry and into the entrepreneurial sphere. 11 #SageServingHeroes

Cafe Purple Emergency Australia Danie Ross Sean O'Loughlin Danie Ross served in the 4th female platoon. “I met my best friend of 25 years in the army, and Sean O’Loughlin served in the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian “If there’s a veteran with the skill sets we need, I’ll take them After leaving she opened her business even though she’s still serving, she’s a great help. Regiment. He was deployed to East Timor in 2006 and any day over someone without military experience. They’re Café Purple in the summer of 2018. I have re-established veteran friends in the last Afghanistan in 2009, where he was imbedded with the not afraid to take on responsibility, they have integrity, and two years by reaching out to that community.” Afghan Army, training and mentoring Afghan soldiers. are used to following clear protocols and procedures.” Joining the army in 1985, Danie learned to be An important reference point for his company. organised and disciplined, while keeping her For Danie, this is important when The proof is in Emergency Australia’s success as a beacon integrity in a male dominated profession at a time of re-adjusting to civilian life: of light demonstrating what veterans can achieve after Sean’s business, Emergency Australia, is about training and massive sexism. Using these skills from her training service. With strong foundations and ambitious expansion “You’re secluded in the army and not in ‘real life’ in mentoring. Established in 2012, Emergency Australia is a as a cook in the army, Danie runs her business on plans, Sean’s an entrepreneur who will not be held back: a way, sort of cloistered, which is good while you’re private medical company and registered training organisation her own, with occasional help from her son. created by operationally experienced military professionals, there, but harder when you’re out. So, it’s important “We aim to establish a base in each major city. We’re currently and is a Certified Australian Veteran Owned Business. During her time in the army, Danie brought up her you have access to that support. I didn’t find the in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, providing employment to first son alone and strived to keep working despite transition difficult. I got out in my home state veterans, and want to grow our training and medical services.” becoming a mother. She knew it was important she with family nearby, two children, and a partner. One key focus for Sean is employing Australian ex- kept ‘the fires burning’ for women who couldn’t do People without that support will find it harder.” military personnel to deliver nationally recognised Naturally, Sean has concise advice for any veteran what she was able, as a servicewoman and a mother. training and on-site paramedic services: with dreams of building a business: facebook.com/cafepurplewestburleigh Although Danie takes pride in her practical and instagram.com/cafe.purple “Our main focus is to provide meaningful employment. “They must understand this isn’t a hobby—you independent nature, she recognises the impact We wanted to get contemporary vets together, to need to devote time and effort. Motivation comes of the support from her family and her fellow provide medical support and training, whilst being and goes, it’s having the self-discipline to achieve veteran friends in taking on her new venture: involved in high risk and high tempo events.” your objectives, which makes the difference."

Sean recognises that the military provides emergencyaustralia.com.au a talent pool of individuals whose variety of facebook.com/emergencyaustralia skillsets transfer into the civilian world: 12 #SageServingHeroes Indira Organics Cherie-Ann Borghouts

“My life’s been immensely structured from “Going from engineering to cosmetics an early age and my military experience has may sound like yin and yang, but it’s helped me draw upon stamina, perseverance, not. There are considerable parallels time management and communication particularly in project management." skills—all crucial for small business success!” Cherie-Ann admits it isn’t easy to build a Cherie-Ann Borghouts joined the military business and her patience is often tested, in 1996 via the Australian Defence Force yet she loves what she does. She’s in contact Academy, where she studied engineering and with stockists and potential partners, with was posted to various RAAF and Naval bases resourcefulness key to her success, and still before being deployed to Iraq in 2003 to 2004. regularly engages as an Air Force reservist:

Cherie-Ann then pursued her passion for “Starting a business adds financial stress creativity. Motivated by her son’s diagnosis on the family unit, so I still have some money as anaphylactic to peanuts, her military coming in while I’m growing the business.” instincts and attention to detail enabled her to see opportunity in organic skincare: Cherie-Ann puts her drive down to love of the journey, and the support of her family: “I saw a gap in the market when I couldn’t find an organic skincare brand that met “You need to have the love and drive for my needs, so my husband challenged what’s next. My advice to others who me to create my own. After considerable want to follow the entrepreneurial path research I created products which is ensure you look back, and seek support began my entrepreneurial dream.” from the ADF if you need it. Rest assured there are always people willing to help.” Cherie-Ann gives huge credit to the military for helping her navigate the business world: indiraorganics.com.au facebook.com/IndiraOrganics instagram.com/indiraorganics 13 #SageServingHeroes

L&D Solutions Major Freedom Brad Copelin Cherisa Bellis

An army veteran with 24 years in Infantry and Military I believe after serving our nation, soldiers deserve more Cherisa (CJ) Bellis is a 4th generation military vet, with her Mum “I helped other families put routines into their home with Police, Brad Copelin’s journey into entrepreneurship is recognition and support and I vowed to change it.” and Dad having met in the military and her younger brother discipline and turned this into my business—being organised born out of personal circumstance, frustration and the joining at 16. CJ joined just before her 21st birthday, developed with structure, gives you the freedom to do what you want.” burning desire to do more for military veterans. His physical The proof of Brad’s commitment is there for all to see. Since key administrative skills, and was deployed to Timor multiple The future is undoubtedly bright for Major Freedom, injuries and chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder proved L&D Solutions inception it’s assisted 611 veterans gain 2,652 times amongst the backdrop of becoming a mother. It was with its high customer satisfaction scores and CJ’s to be the driving force for setting up L&D Solutions: qualifications. Brad’s been the Finalist in the Australian clear her family background, mentality, and growing skillset ambition to grow the business worldwide: Small Business Champion Awards three times, received enabled her to handle military life whilst having a child. “The business was established because of the an Australia Day Medallion for veteran welfare support, “I’m really proud I get so many emails from parents and frustration that employers and recruitment agencies as well as donating 5% annually to RSL DefenceCare. It’s this work ethic and passion for helping people which would young women saying I’ve inspired them to become eventually lead CJ to create her business, Major Freedom: more organised, and changed their lives. I’d love had no understanding of my military qualifications, nor Brad is an inspiration. He’s overcome obstacles which Major Freedom to be a household name, in people my experience, including command roles in training, may have stopped many others in their tracks. L&D operational planning, policing, security, and whilst “Major Freedom is a consultancy specialising in understanding that the military can help anyone.” solutions is expanding into new territories like the UK, New deployed on peacekeeping and combat operations.” project management, logistics, and improvement Zealand and Canada, helping veterans transition back programs for organisations and families. It uses CJ is the perfect representation of what into civilian life with the care and support they need. veterans can achieve. She embodies both It was this hard transition back into civilian life which military process to analyse complex problems and develop and implement effective solutions.” the military and the entrepreneurial spirit. enabled Brad to spot a market and seize the opportunity: facebook.com/LDSolutions A combination she feels is built for success. instagram.com/military_rpl “It was then I started to think, if this is happening to CJ’s vision was to create a business which would Twitter: @lds_aus majorfreedom.com.au me as a former Sergeant Major, what are the troops enable her natural abilities and military skills to going through? So many good soldiers leave the flourish. This was key in transitioning back to civilian military with nothing more than a handshake and life, with a twist on playing to her strengths: a Certificate of Service. That is not enough. 14 #SageServingHeroes

Mirragin Aerospace Consulting StevTech Rob Sutton Tristan Steventon

From Australian Army Engineer to Management Consultant “The leap is hard, but I learned it’s about steps. Instead of The possibilities of drone technology are just being realised, Tristan believes that a military perspective has given him an for heavyweights Raytheon and KPMG, Rob Sutton’s trying to get into a completely different industry, I found particularly outside of the military and in commercial businesses. eye for capitalising in business: path into entrepreneurship has been interesting. From it, Tristan Steventon is making the most of this opportunity. Using industries similar to the military in terms of skills needed, “No plan survives contact with the enemy. This ethos came he created Mirragin Aerospace Consulting, which helps his experiences on the battlefield, he has built StevTech, an and from there worked my way into the position I wanted.” in handy at the beginning of my business when I needed to organisations successfully implement drone technologies. agricultural drone business that collects huge quantities of His military skills taught him leadership, discipline, adapt quickly. Things are changing very quickly in Ag-Tech data across the vast spaces of New South Wales in Australia. They identify what problems organisation’s wish to address, planning, and adaptability, which enabled him to and my military background meant I had the agility to meet then design the solution. This includes governance, navigate corporate politics and hierarchy. His corporate Tristan served in the Australian Army for 20 years, the ever-changing needs of the agricultural industry.” organisational structure, training, engineering, and supply experience gave him the foundation to start his climbing through the ranks, exiting as a Major. chain. It might seem like an obvious choice when he left own business, with Mirragin Aerospace Consulting His time as an officer, making crucial, life-changing decisions, His service across multiple regiments included time in the service, but like many veterans, Rob initially struggled. well positioned to go from strength to strength. has served Tristian well in business, and is one of the 2nd Commando Regiment, 1st Commando Regiment, Special reasons why StevTech continues to innovate and grow: “It’s a difficult transition. You lose a sense of Rob’s story is a beacon of light for veteran Forces Training Centre and Special Operations Command. purpose and place. In the military I was someone entrepreneurs. Yet even Rob, with his technical and This gave him skills, tenacity, and knowledge to create “There is a saying that an officer is ‘paid from the neck and then all of a sudden, I wasn’t. In most business acumen, needs advice sometimes. StevTech, whose drones fly low and slow, bringing a uniquely up’. I assumed that the military decision-making skills I industries you start at the bottom—that’s even if rich data set to agricultural growers and agronomists. had were just common sense. In civilian life I can see the “When I was looking to start my own business, my wife you get a response to your job application.” way an officer aligns information is relatively unique. suggested I stop over-analysing everything and just My ability to compile large volumes of data into a usable Rob’s story is familiar, and he had to call upon a core do it. Her advice was do what military personnel do format and then make quick decisions on that data military skill—adaptability. He admits he sufers from best—understand the risks first, then take action.” is what has kept my business on the front foot.” “analysis paralysis,” yet his mindset and adaptability was the mirragin.com.au driving force behind his transition back into civilian life. stevtech.com.au Twitter: @mirragin facebook.com/StevTech linkedin.com/company/mirragin-consulting Twitter: @Stev_Tech 15 #SageServingHeroes Secure Windows Peter Liston & Matthew Moseley

“We are opportunistic people who make The results are impressive. Revenue growth our own chances. We use our military rose from $300k to $3.3M per annum and training to understand risk. We saw staf has grown from two to 25 in 12 months. the opportunity and jumped at it.” They were also awarded the Prime Minister’s Veteran Business of the Year. Peter Liston and Matthew Moseley joined the Australian Regular Army (ARA) in Buoyed by the success of Secure Windows 2006. Both served 11 years, which included they’ve gone a step further, creating Afghanistan tours, and helping quell the YourORA, which helps small businesses unrest during the 2006 East Timor crisis. increase profitability with correct staffing Both products of the Royal Military College, and systems, and veteran employment. It’s Duntroon, it’s almost as if it was meant to be clear their military background’s been key: that both would become entrepreneurs. “Secure Windows taught us to run a They both were savvy enough to successful business and made sure understand the transition back into we got the processes right. YourORA civilian life can be tough, so with true is the future. We’ll keep using military foresight they founded Secure Windows experience to analyse and improve small 18 months before leaving service: businesses, then use virtual assistants to improve business productivity.” By taking part time leave without pay and long service leave, they could build The future is bright for Peter and Matthew, a business and transition seamlessly. yet they know the proof’s in planning:

“We didn’t have a gap or a period to “Plan your transition and use the resources redefine ourselves. It meshed from army to afforded to you in the Military. You don’t business easily. Being in the military is very need to rush. There’s plenty of guidance and defining for many people. We didn’t take support from businesses like ours. If you that on. We leveraged our skills in system need a hand, don't hesitate to get in touch.” development, process design and created a successful business before we left.” securewindows.com.au 16 #SageServingHeroes

Swiss8 Symbiotic Solutions Adrian Sutter Damien McMahon Damien’s experience with conflict meant he could deliver real, It was Adrian Sutter’s life ambition to be in the army, so in One of the biggest achievements along the development Damien McMahon joined the Army at 20 in 1995, and tangible improvements to businesses. He’s now worked with 2006 he got started at just 20 in the infantry, and went on journey has been the partnerships he’s secured. To provide continued the majority of his career as a Commando many organisations including a large New Zealand Public to complete a peacekeeping mission in East Timor. Across this app for free to veterans, Adrian will rely on partners and Officer in Special Forces, serving as a Platoon Hospital, Vale Mining, BHP (BMA), Rio Tinto, and Origin Energy, his six-year career Adrian was on the Special Forces track, donations to drive the funding for Swiss8: Commander in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. helping them improve processes and drive profitability: toured in Afghanistan and left as a Corporal. Sadly, when In 2011 he set up his own business through an army network “Price Waterhouse Coopers want to help us. They’re his sister passed away, Adrian had to leave the military. referral. Seven years later—and now an experienced “It’s rewarding when you can help people get through going to be a strategic partner for the charity, mentoring Management Consulting Professional—Damien has leadership struggles and have difficult conversations So Adrian decided to set up a business to help struggling us as a business and will do accounting pro bono.” utilised the skills and training he learned in the army, to that improve their team’s performance.” veterans. In 2012, Swiss8 became an idea and in 2019 deliver value for his clients. But it wasn’t an easy start: will be a fully launched app. The purpose is to provide a Adrian’s ambitions continue to grow, as each day brings Damien is now looking to employ veterans who holistic model that targets eight key areas of health and him closer to the launch. In the next 12 to 24 months, “For the first 3 to 5 years, I’d walk into client businesses have a desire to transfer their skills. And for this next wellbeing: fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, sleep, minimalism, he’ll be perfecting his business model. And his business and feel I didn’t belong. Trying to adapt to an environment generation of talent, he has some important advice: time management, personal growth, and discipline: dreams don’t stop there. Next, Swiss8 will expand where no one was like me was difficult.” “Sell yourself. Special Ops people spend their whole further, starting with the US where there’s a huge need However, he soon realised his experience had the career discounting everything they do, however in the “I’m proud of the concept and getting this far. We’re for veteran support. For Adrian, the only limitation to potential to deliver huge value for his clients: corporate world, all people do is upsell themselves competing with tech giants who haven’t identified his success is being able to ofer his app for free: and tell stories. You need to be prepared to talk about this problem and solution the way we have.” “Our mantra (in Commandos) was a daily renewable your achievements in a way civilians can relate.” “I’m so glad Swiss8 has taken 5 years to build, because our contract. If you’re not better today than you were product is perfect and something I am very proud of.” yesterday, then there’s no place for you. Trying to linkedin.com/in/dbmcmahon motivate and encourage people in corporate Australia swiss8.org using that methodology often doesn’t work.” 17 #SageServingHeroes

Veteran Mentors Ricky Smith, Matthew French, Glenn Filtness & Troy Methorst

With more than 60 years combined military experience, it’s natural Veteran Mentors has the potential to have a huge Ricky Smith, Matthew French, Glenn Filtness and Troy Methorst global impact. Ricky, Matthew, Glenn and Troy are prime should use their vast experience to teach and nurture younger examples of how the wider civilian community can generations. This led to their flourishing business, Veteran Mentors. benefit from the skills and experience veterans have.

Veteran Mentors teaches youth of Australia—and other kids Yet the team is also realistic about the challenges facing overseas—mental resilience, respect, and courage through tried those transitioning from the military to civilian life. Experience and tested leadership programs. Veteran Mentors also helps parents has told the men more must be done to help: better understand their children through specialised workshops. “The military doesn’t train you how to be a civilian again after Playing to your strengths is a key entrepreneurial training you to be a soldier. It’s about the everyday things: trait, and while these four modest guys wouldn’t label financial, medical; even how to cook a really healthy dinner.” themselves ‘entrepreneurs’, it’s clear their ambition and This has all given the quartet more purpose, expanding drive is having a huge impact on their business: and taking on more veteran mentors: “Since our first program in September 2017 we’ve successfully “We’re having a massive impact: rekindling relationships helped 180 teenagers and their families. Many of these young and helping veterans find purpose again—revitalising people were suffering from depression or anxiety and some were these men and women through so much positivity. It’s a even having suicidal thoughts. It’s a great feeling to know we powerful thing seeing them happy and fulfilled again.” have helped not only those teenagers, but their families as well.” veteranmentors.com.au facebook.com/veteranmentors 18 #SageServingHeroes Spotlight On: Prince's Operation Entrepreneur Canada

The military is not likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think about who would make a good entrepreneur. But behind the brilliant veteran businesses showcased in the Power 50 are stories of brave men and women who have served and continue to give back to their communities as business owners.

In Canada, Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur focus on their customers, and manage risk. While For many military members, the transition to civilian (POE)—a program of Prince’s Trust Canada— it may not be intuitive, a career in the military life can be challenging, especially for those who ofers highly skilled, experienced, and motivated is the perfect training for entrepreneurship. are medically released. Entrepreneurship can be an veterans the education, tools, and resources especially good fit as it has the flexibility to adapt Why? Because a singular focus on the mission, they need to build confidence, develop networks, and accommodate special needs. As with sport discipline, team work, and problem solving are all and start their own successful businesses. and competing in the Invictus Games, I am proud aptitudes military members have in spades. Their our goal of turning skilled veterans into confident We know that transitioning military members have highly developed understanding of risk and ability entrepreneurs is creating a new identify and meaning the skills, discipline, and resilience to succeed as they to create and implement tactics on the fly are the for our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women. find a purpose and a new civilian mission. Many of the very qualities that make successful entrepreneurs. entrepreneurs who have participated in our program Of the 275+ businesses started by POE boot camp describe entrepreneurship as both the hardest and About us graduates since the program’s inception in 2012, some To support veteran entrepreneurs, POE runs most rewarding thing they’ve ever done. They may are ventures that relate directly to military service a #BuyVeteran campaign every November, not begin as experts in market research, business and others are fueled by individual passions. From showcasing its Canadian Veteran Business planning, or digital marketing, but they all come with wilderness guides to online sales of custom-made Directory, which lists hundreds of businesses. many transferrable skills and are motivated to learn. dress shirts; from firearms trainers to gym owners to Canadians who want to support the military Successful entrepreneurs need vision to see real estate agents; from cyber security to bakeries to can find and buy from veteran businesses. and respond to a market need. They need to wood workers, POE graduates are running businesses - Janet McCausland, Head of Programs, develop and deliver on a business plan, in every sector, in communities across Canada. Prince’s Charities Canada Find out more: princesoperationentrepreneur.ca 19 #SageServingHeroes

Angel Arts Ferme Isle Saint-Jean Farm Angela Ayre Gabriel Mercier Angela Ayre joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Army As a business owner, she draws on skills that have Gabriel Mercier joined the Navy in February 2006 as a Gabriel remembers this advice to keep pushing on. Reserves in 2001 at just 17. In May 2015 she was medically helped her own and operate Angel Arts: Marine Engineer System Operator. In 2009 Gabriel changed “We were really proud of how well we were able to adapt discharged, two months shy of 14 years of service. After disciplines and graduated from the Canadaian Clearance “Being disciplined, focusing on the planning, having a to all of the situations that have been thrown at us as starting out as a medic, Angela finished her career in diver course, followed by the Technician Course in 2013. goal and getting it done. These skills help me in this ever- a test – we just opened a different door each time.” Finance for Brigade Pay Services in Vancouver, as a Corporal. When his wife was expecting their first child, Gabriel changing industry. The military instills the right mindset decided he did not want to be away from his family and Since its inception in 2015, the farm has been awarded Angela launched Angel Arts shortly after her discharge. to continue learning, so I don’t become stagnant.” retired from the Navy in 2015 as a Leading Seaman. three major awards; Ignition fund 2016, 2nd place at the The business provides mobile hair and makeup services, In the future, Angela is looking to undertake more Royal Agricultural Fair 2017 for their ‘Patrick Mercier’ helping people feel good about themselves and serving Ferme Isle Saint-Jean Farm is a family run business schooling in the hair and beauty industry to keep cheese and Prix des Dragons for the French speaking new the community in a creative capacity. One of Angela’s operated by Gabriel Mercier and his wife. Before retiring her skills current and learn new techniques: business with the “Best Chance to Succeed in 2018”. biggest achievements is the Top Student Award in from the Navy, Gabriel researched his career options hair and art design, and runner up hairdresser—all “Building clientele and offering weddings or and found that his passion for cheese-making combined Gabriel will now concentrate on the processing of milk without ever working in a salon environment. event hair and makeup services is what I would with his wife’s family farm could be the perfect recipe and the marketing and distribution of their cheese and like to be able to provide year around.” for a new business. The farm now specialises in turning yoghurt products. The first step is to build their own facility Reflecting on her transition from service to the business sheep’s milk into fine cheeses and traditional yoghurt. with an aging room so that they no longer have to rent. world, Angela shares what has been her biggest challenge: angelarts.ca facebook.com/angelaayre33 Nine years of service helped Gabriel set up his business isjfarm.com “For me it was the unknown. Not having a solid with the right work ethic to make it a success. His facebook.com/rusticosheep routine that I was so used to in the military was attention to detail is also critical, Gabriel is taking instagram.com/islesaintjean quite challenging. I’m still learning now and because an average cheese and making it exceptional. I love my work so much it’s sometimes hard to say no. I struggle to ensure work life balance.” His father-in-law said, “As long as you eat three times a day and smile once in a while, everything will be alright.” 20 #SageServingHeroes

CrossFit Statis LeeWayMarine Bruno Guevremont Jamie Sangster The Canadian Armed Forces was Bruno Guevremont’s Being the only Canadian Forces member to disarm a Jamie Sangster served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 20 years He’s built LeeWay Marine into a great success: life for 15 years. Until 2014 his tribe lived, struggled, suicide vest on a live bomber was one of Bruno’s most as a marine systems engineering officer and naval architect. “Our company’s built on the principle that knowledge cried, and laughed together. Bruno served two notable achievements from his time in service. Transitioning He has extensive sea experience aboard Canadian warships. drives success. We’re exceptionally trained and Afghanistan tours before being released from service into business, the same skills of leadership, discipline After serving, Jamie continued his career in technical and uniquely qualified to find solutions. I’m so proud to for PTSD as Corporal and Leading Seaman. and perseverance have led to many successes: operational leadership roles. Now, he’s CEO of LeeWay watch employed veterans I served with prosper. You He trained in many disciplines: as Weapons Specialist, “I’ve built something on my terms, that I have control Marine, the leading marine services company in Atlantic risk a lot, yet there’s so much to accomplish too.” Paratrooper, Navy Diver and as a Canadian Counter over, that I’m responsible for, and can apply my skills Canada. They operate vessels to support all ocean-going Jamie credits his approach to leadership as Improvised Explosive Disposal Team member. to. In turn, I’ve created a community, helped local sectors: hydrographic and geophysical survey, ocean having a pivotal impact in leading members of people, and maybe even people around the world.” technology, and ocean research and naval defence. The team his team not from a Navy background: After discovering CrossFit and becoming hooked, is a powerful combination of innovation and execution. Bruno immersed himself in the culture and community. The future is bright for Bruno. He has ambitions for the “You need to work on adapting, blending in. It’s not always In 2013, he took his passion for helping clients business to keep growing and be a leading example of how His transition was tough at the start: about being a veteran. Figure out how to work with find their spark and began CrossFit Statis. businesses can provide services for those sufering from “There’s a loneliness you feel. You transition as someone, different people and experiences, and remember you mental illness. These ambitions are not out of reach for Bruno: Bruno has five employees and two ambassadors who then you are nobody. I felt like a completely new human haven’t seen, experienced it all. Keep open minded.” provide fitness, nutrition and specialty training. His “We were voted the best fitness facility in our being. I joined at 17; it was my life for 20 years. That literally And his mentor is very close to home: gym is diferent because it’s a safe environment for community behind a Big Box Gym, and we are changes in two minutes. I felt like a flag waving in the wind.” people sufering from PTSD and mental illness. sought after by first responders and military for “My dad was a labourer all his life. He found ways to support the welcoming environment we provide.” his family. I now proudly work alongside him. He’s the ultimate The advice he was given when exploring the corporate world: problem solver. He’s so quiet about what he does. And, really, brunoguevremont.com “Never give up. You’ve already tackled the he’s been mentoring me my whole life—he just doesn’t know it.” hardest job by setting up your business.” leewaymarine.ca Twitter: @leewaymarine 21 #SageServingHeroes Pirate Adventures Brock Harrison “My wish for veterans leaving service “There are a million things you need to relatively healthy is they find something do when you’re running a business, and in life that’s rewarding. To others, I you need to figure it all out at once—that would hope they’re well taken care of, was probably my biggest challenge.” with the correct help and attention.” On transitioning into the business world Brock Harrison served in the Royal Canadian as a leader, Brock knows that the good Navy from 1993 until 2014 as a MARS times come with responsibility: officer. He started at the Royal Military College at 20 and retired as a Lieutenant “It really is a double-edged sword. Commander, after two deployments. On the one hand, I get to be the boss, make the decisions. The flipside is In 2014, Brock purchased Pirate Adventures, that it’s all on me to take the risk.” leading the way for his 16 employees ever since. An interactive pirate-theatre On reflection, Brock’s biggest achievement company, it operates in a real pirate ship is successfully getting through the initial on historic Rideau Canal. The primary phase of running Pirate Adventures. focus is children’s entertainment for Thinking ahead to the next few years, families, yet the business also runs Brock and his team are excited to expand corporate team building and adult trips. the business by looking deeper into new features, like ofering a sunset cruise. Purchasing a business rather than creating and investing in a startup was an option pirateadventuresottawa.com introduced to Brock by a friend from the military. He’s thankful for this insight as purchased businesses tend to have a higher success rate in the first five years. That said, purchasing a pre-owned business has its challenges—one of the hardest being thrown right into the deep end: 22 #SageServingHeroes

Qwick Wick Urban Gourmet Company Casey Wall Tracey Dean Casey Wall joined the military in 1999, at 19. In “In a family business, it’s often hard to maintain From 1999 to 2014 Tracey Dean served in the In the army, Tracey was made Corporal before the typical 2004 he joined the Canadian Special Forces your sanity. In the military you have rank structure; Logistics Branch of the Canadian Army. Throughout three years—a huge personal milestone. She carried this Command as medical technician, eventually everyone understands their role. Developing that type 15 years of service, Tracey was deployed in Bosnia, momentum into her new life and has achieved nearly one transitioning out at the rank of Warrant Officer. of system in a family business can be challenging.” Afghanistan and the Libya conflict. On her retirement, million in sales in under four years. In the small town of she left the army with the rank of Sergeant. Pembroke, Ontario, the business is making big impressions. In 2012 he graduated from the University of Nebraska and Qwick Wick has set about making a name for itself. Casey was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he received took part in a discussion panel at the 2017 Invictus Games Just six months after retiring, Tracey opened her business, “We were invited to meet with HRH Prince the Chief of Defence Staf Commendation for emergency Toronto, where he presented Qwick Wick fire starters to The Urban Gourmet Co., an Ultra-Premium Olive Oil and Charles during his visit for our 150th anniversary. lifesaving treatment to two severely injured parachutists. HRH Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. The team have also Balsamic Tasting Room, which caters to ultimate ‘foodies’ We talked about The Urban Gourmet Co. and competed in Start Up Canada’s “Pitch on the Hill.” looking for niche products whilst minding their health. presented him with some of our products.” After service, Casey and his brothers rebuilt Qwick Wick, a second-generation family business, Casey believes his military life helped him adapt, overcome, Tracey wouldn’t have been as confident in setting up her The business has also been recognised by the City after it literally burnt to the ground in 2016. and work as a team. In the future, Casey wants to help others: business without the advice of her business mentor: of Pembroke Mayor and named an influencer for the regrowth of new businesses opening up downtown. Qwick Wick manufactures the “World’s Best Fire Starter” “I would like to grow my business to have the ability to hire “I learnt to have a business plan and refer to it often. from recycled wax and wood chips. Each fire starter burns other veterans who might be looking for a sense of purpose Your business may change as you grow but reviewing Tracey envisions her business continuing to grow. One for 30 minutes and is guaranteed to start any campfire, or even just looking to join a new tribe and drink coffee.” your plan is like a guide and keeps you on track. hurdle she hadn’t originally planned for was relocating Veterans are not deflated when things don’t go her family, as she supports her husband, a Warrant wood stove or fireplace without kindling or messy paper: qwickwick.com exactly to plan first time around. We pick ourselves Officer. She explains: "Although we have been posted instagram.com/qwickwick "Our main goal is to grow our small business, up without much dwelling and move to Plan B.” out of the area, my business is staying in Pembroke." at the same time maintaining our core values Twitter: @Qwickwick of family, community, and environment.” facebook.com/Oilsandvins instagram.com/theurbangourmetco Swapping a military family, for a real one is not without obstacles: 23 #SageServingHeroes Reticle Steve Day

“It’s important to understand that value Steve’s proud to own a business with high lies not just in the plan, but in the journey. client satisfaction and retention rates: It’s understanding the right business conditions and acknowledging everyone “Every client is satisfied with our service, you meet, from clients to partners, and everyone comes back to us. We have an equally important vote.” offer something really special and put 100% effort into everything.” Steve Day, a senior officer in the Canadian Army, spent most of his career in the Canadian Steve’s plan for Reticle is to aggressively scale Special Operations Forces (CANSOF). He the business to service the growing security played a key role leading his unit from the needs across multiple sectors. Whilst he’s 9/11 mission through the end of Canada’s moving forward in the corporate world, he 2011 commitment in Afghanistan. also takes the time to reflect on his service:

Steve’s fellow soldiers were his family. “I hope everyone understands that Yet the military didn’t define Steve as a their service is appreciated. Have person. He’d been to university and had faith in your personal abilities. It’s a a career before he joined at 25, so he misconception that skills from the knew he’d have a career afterwards. military can only be applied there.” reticle.ca Noting how the defence industries in several Twitter: @reticleventures countries are often led by retired senior linkedin.com/company/reticleventures level military officers, Steve envisioned a business to fill that gap in Canada:

“Canada produces world-class warriors and strategic thinkers. We’re driven for profit and out of a sense of duty and desire to enable Canadians to prosper.”

From this, Reticle was born. The business ofers strategic risk management, training and tailored solutions. Reticle facilitates and enables organisations to navigate today's highly ambiguous, networked, and complex global environment. 24 #SageServingHeroes

Spotlight On: X-Forces

Armed forces personnel make great entrepreneurs given the right support, guidance, and tools. That’s why over the last 5 years, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) have supported 1,300 entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, and helped thousands more through training, events, and mentoring provisions.

These are the critical early steps we Support comes in many ways from the formal “I have a business mentor who is amazing! He keeps know make all the diference. to the informal. Building a business community me business focused and is working with me to help around you; gaining knowledge and peer-to-peer grow my business further. XFE’s support throughout It all starts with a business plan. community support both online and offline is my journey has been awesome.” Having a road map and a clear sense of direction available through organisations, like ours, that - Nicola Jane, Reflexology by Nicola Jane, of the business idea is imperative to understand support businesses start up and scale up. reflexologybynicolajane.co.uk the life span of the business, it’s financial capacity, Mentoring is especially critical for any startup. The market potential, and funding requirements. X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) is an award-winning purpose of a mentor is to guide their mentees through Community Interest company that nurtures Your business plan and planning stages should cover the difficult decisions that every business encounters. entrepreneurial ambition in the UK military community, the following: the cost of setting up the business; the A mentor’s already experienced the complications and are the official delivery partner to the governments anticipated trend in sales growth; the time before the that arise from starting a business and can ofer Start Up loans scheme and the Careers Transition business breaks-even, and the cashflow. A business first-hand ccountsa of dealing with these situations. Partnership (MOD). XFE have supported over 1,300 plan is essential when you wish to raise finance, as it will entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, and give you the information to make informed decisions. What should you be looking for in a mentor? helped thousands more through training, events, You need a mentor with fresh industry insights, Where do you start? and mentoring provisions. X-Forces.com access to relevant knowledge, and skills and Even before the business planning, there’s industry contacts to share expertise and act as - Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and another initial step: discovering the good, bad, a sounding board. This is what our XFE business CEO, X-Forces Enterprise and the ugly of running your own business. owners had to say about their experiences: Identifying the realities of business allows you #XFSuccess to make a well-informed choice about whether "It’s great to know there’s someone at the end of a x-forces.com pursuing self-employment is right for you. phone who you can call and who genuinely wants to help you and see your business succeed.” -Tom Fox, Thoughtify, thoughtify.co.uk

How do you ask for support? 25 #SageServingHeroes

AAA Caring Caretaker Ltd ABK Accounting Services Limited Richard Tucker Nigel Grayson-Thorne Between 1976 and 1996, Richard Tucker served as a Royal Air Now, AAA Caring Caretaker Ltd. is an award-winning At 23, Nigel Grayson-Thorne joined the 3rd Battalion predominantly manual bookkeeping systems, so we Force Mechanical Transport Driver. A veteran of the First Gulf company, recognised locally and regionally as Employer of of the Cheshire Regiment in the Territorial Army. After implemented a network version of Sage 50 using the War, he obtained a Foundation Degree in Transport & Logistics, the Year and Best Employer, with Richard himself awarded 3 years, he left to start his own business, incorporated Sales Order, Purchase Order and Stock modules. In the having entered the RAF with no qualifications, then served across an MBE. The team are also signatories of the Armed as ABK Accounting Services Limited, in 2015. company’s history it had never achieved a discrepant free multiple locations and left as a Non-Commissioned Officer. Forces Covenant and have been awarded a ‘Silver Award’ LC presentation. We overhauled the process and put in “I needed to start from scratch, with no real investments. It for their support of the Armed Forces community. place a procedure manual to ensure a 100% success rate. In 2015, Richard launched AAA Caring Caretaker took willpower and tenacity. My business plan was essential; This had significant positive impact on the company’s Ltd. It was initially set up to support AAA Property The ethos of the company and team is based on acknowledging it was all about putting it in black and white, finding my cash flow, and in turn paid off the parent company debt.” North East Ltd which, with a growing portfolio of each other’s individual strengths and weaknesses. This has USP, understanding my customers and the competition.” properties, required frequent remedial work: gained recognition with the award of Disability Committed Nigel’s future is driven by a determination to succeed: ABK draws on over 20 years’ experience in meeting clients and the North East Equality Awards for 2016 and 2017. “We saw as landlords ourselves in the student market, that accounting and business needs. It specialises in Sage “You need to believe in yourself. If you get knocked it was increasingly hard to find reliable and multipurpose In the future, Richard hopes his company will work with both Accounts and payroll systems, with services including down, then get back up. You’ll see doors close but go tradesmen who had the capability to take on the multitude of existing and prospective clients to ensure his businesses Bookkeeping, Credit Control, Payroll and VAT through with your instincts. That’s why I will carry on growing our tasks that come with managing portfolios. We soon realised will reach a million pound turnover, enabling a return on to Management Accounts, Year End Accounts, Self- client base and expanding the business through high that this issue was not unique to us but widely experienced.” current and future investment, whilst continuing to hire Assessment Returns and Corporation Tax Returns. quality accounting services driven by IT solutions.” and develop his team to reach their full potential. To meet this need, Richard’s business provides cleaning Nigel proudly reflects on a client story that shows abkuk.com services to several commercial clients; including daily aaacaringcaretaker.co.uk ABK getting behind the numbers to provide accurate Twitter: @AbkAccounting cleaning of large office spaces and multi-occupancy sites. Twitter: @AAA_CCaretaker and timely solutions when it was needed most: linkedin.com/in/nigelgraysonthorne The team also ofers cleaning services and packages in “I assisted a client to turn around a poorly performing residential settings, including handyman services. group company that was significantly indebted to the parent company. The business was using 26 #SageServingHeroes British Babies Willow Hearne

“Maintain a positive outlook, be “Many printing companies assumed I was consistent every day, and know treating my business like a hobby, that I was you’re going to be constantly gaining ‘just a mum wanting to make baby clothes’.” knowledge—whatever the outcome.” Yet being part of the military Willow Hearne's husband is a Major in the 1st community helped her greatly: Battalion (Vikings), Royal Anglian Regiment. “Every part of the military community helps. As a military spouse, she wanted to start X-Forces provided great advice on how her own business, quickly learning to be to build the right business plan and the confident and expect the unexpected. fundamentals of cash flow management. And in military wives networking groups I In spring 2017, Willow launched British meet people who have built businesses and Babies, which make premium baby and understand the nuances of this way of life.” toddler clothing; designed and manufactured with organic materials in Britain. There’s no stopping Willow now: “Our babygrows are our most successful Their mission: produce gender-neutral clothing, product, so I want to add more prints. I using 100% natural colours and cotton. The am also looking to supply wholesale to designs feature UK native animal art and independent retailers around the UK. It’s all all the models are Armed Forces babies. about continued growth, whilst maintaining our high customer satisfaction.” Being a mum of three children and juggling multiple re-postings—whilst her husband was britishbabies.co.uk away—hasn’t stopped Willow. Between 2017 and instagram.com/british_babies_uk 2018, orders on her website increased by 28%, facebook.com/britishbabiesuk with Etsy revenue up 17% and visitors 29%.

The highs have not been without their challenges, as Willow has found breaking into the male dominated world of fabric printing tough: 27 #SageServingHeroes

Awareness Response Training Ex-militarycareers.com Adam Meyer James Lawrence social media presence and highly engaged audience, Adam Meyer served for 10 years as a Merlin Helicopter He’s also been asked to represent the Armed Forces James Lawrence joined the army at 16. He served in the Princess who are preparing to leave or have left the Armed Forces. Pilot and Combat Ready Training Captain. This included Veteran community as an X-Forces Ambassador, of Wales Royal Regiment as a private soldier, completing tours of They know that they can ensure their clients have the four tours of Afghanistan, with one in Task Force Helmand and has been nominated for New Service Leaver of Iraq & Northern Ireland. In 2014, he launched Ex-MilitaryCareers. best pool of relevant talent for their business needs. HQ, as the Brigade Commanders’ Aviation Advisor. the Year at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards. com, after it grew into a social media success. The service connects businesses looking to hire ex-military personnel Adam has also faced challenges along the way: In 2016 Adam set up Awareness Response Training (ART), with veterans seeking employment & training programmes: James and his team have won plaudits for the work they a Social Enterprise to give back to society by increasing are undertaking for the military community. In 2015, they “Cashflow is a major challenge. You can have a great situational awareness and emergency first response. were invited to Buckingham Palace for a reception hosted product, but ultimately you need to pay the bills. If you “Our core aim is to help ease the transition and resettlement by Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Cambridge & “Be it a moped theft, a corrosive substance assault don’t have backing, then it becomes extremely difficult process from the Forces to Civvy Street. We were recently HRH The Duke of Sussex in recognition of their support for or a major incident, having the right knowledge to grow. I’ve had to do three part time jobs to pay the bills awarded Social Enterprise status and are here to support those who have served the country. They are also regularly increases the chances of avoiding or enduring these whilst working on Awareness Response Training.” individuals on their journey to establishing a civilian career.” invited to attend government-led veteran discussions, events. It’s clear, no-nonsense, government-released Looking ahead, Adam is busy building a corporate client base The service was built using industry leading technology, providing insight into veteran employment sustainability. information, combined with top tips and anecdotes and would like to deliver sessions to the public, alongside so James and his team of four can guarantee the most from military and emergency services experience.” opening regional franchise hubs in major UK cities. efective online recruitment solution for its members: Twitter: @ExMilCareers Adam’s proudest achievements include ensuring linkedin.com/company/ex-military-careers His biggest advice for fellow veterans? “We are passionate about serving this community and gaining ART operates as a Social Enterprise: the trust needed to guide them in their choices through “Just do it. It will never turn out the way you envisage, “I firmly believe in ethical capitalism and feel that Social transition and resettlement. Through our learning partners but that’s okay. Take as much advice as you can and Enterprises & CICs represent a better approach to business.” we can provide courses for bespoke learning and retraining. do not get too attached to your own original idea. Be open, flexible, and willing to do whatever it takes.”

artaware.co.uk/art

We also offer dvicea and support on housing and welfare. We’re here for veterans, every step of the way.”

The team at Ex-Military Careers are proud of their strong 28 #SageServingHeroes Heroes Drinks Company

Chris Gillan

“My time in service gave me core skills and His advice is simple: experience required for business, helping me negotiate deals and connect with “If you have an idea, share your vision. If you need individuals at all business levels. My company finance, demonstrate you have a worthwhile competes with big players in the alcohol business. A good business plan helps. Be flexible.” industry, so I need to be tenacious.” Chris believes his success is down Chris Gillan joined the Royal Air Force Police to being honest with himself: at 22, serving from 2001-2010, with tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, including a one-year “Don’t be shy to evaluate your weaknesses. secondment to the SAS, and left as a Corporal. I had no experience in alcohol or sales. I networked and sought individuals Now a business owner, Chris believes in giving with these skillsets to fill the gap.” back to the world he left behind. In 2012, he formed Now, after securing national distribution for Heroes Drinks Company. Their mission: tackle Heroes Vodka and launching Lord Trenchard veteran unemployment and support military Gin, Chris plans to secure funding for his charities with residual income from company sales. distillery, with veterans at its heart.

A registered social enterprise, the eight-strong “We’ll build new revenue streams— team donates 20% of profits to charity, using the offering warehousing, guided tours, and remaining funds for business development, and an on-site shop. Best of all, we’ll create creating jobs and work placement programmes for more jobs for injured veterans, bringing veterans with physical and psychological injuries. in-house jobs currently outsourced.”

Success has been staggering. As the world’s heroesdrinks.com first not-for-profit alcohol company, the Twitter: @HeroesDrinks team secured the largest deal of its kind for a new Scottish product rollout, listing with over 350 ASDA UK stores. They’ve also supported over 200 charity events. 29 #SageServingHeroes

Hannaman Material Handling Limited Olivia & Pearl Steve Downey Olivia Smith Steve Downey joined the Army at 16 in 1981, as an Apprentice grown to become a major local competitor, recently As a military spouse, Olivia struggled to find her own and championing other enterprising military Vehicle Mechanic in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical listed as one of the fastest growing in the industry. place and purpose when constantly on the move. spouses - and chosen by The British Fashion Council Engineers. He served nearly 25 years, reaching Staf Success has been boosted by advice Steve received: She wanted to start her own business, but fear of the to participate in London Fashion Week. Sergeant. Thanks to a management buy-in, Steve has been unknown stopped her. She dug deep and realised; Currently focused on establishing her brand, developing “I was advised to remain focused on achieving my goal for leading Hannaman, a company with over 40 years history, the product and customer base in key European markets, the business, irrespective of what obstacles are in front of “you just need to take a leap of faith and go for it”. since 2014. Steve’s mission is to develop Hannaman into a full she is also looking to grow in Asia, USA and the Middle me. I have certainly experienced this, be it staff or financial 360 materials handling solutions provider that extensively She founded Olivia & Pearl in December 2016 and started East. She plans to pitch for further investment to issues or just identifying solutions to keep the path clear, covers all aspects of sales, hire, service, and repair: trading a year later. A lifelong pearl devotee, she’d struggled support this journey, develop her ecommerce presence so that the direction of the business never gets derailed.” to find quality, modern and well marketed pearls at an and potentially open a flagship shop in London. “Customer service comes before anything else. We all want With investment in equipment and staf, the plan is afordable price. Olivia & Pearl is addressing this; building the business to continually meet or exceed expectations, Her advice for others? to double the size of the business, with profit targets on emerging trends and reinventing a style icon. providing a complete ‘one stop shop’ solution.” set at £5m to £6m by 2023. Steve always looks back “By sourcing directly from suppliers, maximising “No one will ever be as passionate about your business Steve is also developing his team of 24, and operational on his time with the forces to shape his leadership: ecommerce and direct to consumer channels, I offer the as you – get on top of your suppliers and ensure you get procedures and service support, so that Hannaman highest quality pearls and gemstones set in sterling silver, the best from them. And, be adaptable. You need your becomes a leading UK material handling provider. “Being focused on delivery in service, particularly during gold vermeil and solid gold at an affordable price.” business plan, but things will change. Be open to quickly The hard work is paying of. Steve and the team have operation tours, has stood me in good stead with the adapting your business to the bumps in the road.” doubled the size of the business (£1.2m to £2.4m) and way I now aspire to deliver service to my customers.” With the global pearl market estimated to reach £10.7bn by oliviaandpearl.com increased staf numbers within 5 years. Hannaman has 2020, Olivia is keen to gain a slice of the market share. hannaman.co.uk instagram.com/oliviaandpearl Twitter: @HannamanMHLtd She has won ‘Start-Up of the Year’ from UK government facebook.com/oliviaandpearl facebook.com/HannamanMaterialHandling backed Start-Up Loans Company, been appointed Twitter: @oliviaandpearl an X-Forces ambassador – supporting 30 #SageServingHeroes

Optimise Webdesign Ltd Oswell Penda Pharmaceuticals Sanga Quamina Marcus Judd & Clare Chesworth Sanga Quamina, founder of Optimise Webdesign, “I wanted to help entrepreneurs improve their sales Marcus Judd joined the Army in 1985 as a 16-year- Marcus also believes that his early Army days have encouraged dreamt of being an entrepreneur since he was a child. through web design and digital marketing for an old Junior Leader with the 1st Battalion Queen’s his entrepreneurism. He has great plans for OPP’s future: affordable price. I started studying digital marketing Lancashire Regiment, and left in 1991. On his journey to achieving this, he joined the Royal “We will grow through providing outstanding customer and searched for designers I could rely on.” Navy at 25 as a Logistics Seaman and then transferred Marcus then went to university before working in service, creating customer loyalty. We continue to establish to the Royal Airforce as a Senior Aircraftsman. Optimise Webdesign has been busy building wound care in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2018, evidence through medical case studies to strengthen In the process of launching his first businesses, websites with marketing foremost in mind. This is he set up Oswell Penda Pharmaceuticals (OPP). our relationships with healthcare professionals.” helping Sanga’s customers receive higher conversion Sanga found it hard to find good web developers he OPP is a growing company that aids with the treatment Finally, Marcus encouraged Clare, his life partner, rates. Sanga has also developed a business plan could rely on. He worked with companies that knew and prevention of infected wounds with medical grade mother to his two daughters and head of to expand services to Trinidad and Tobago: little about digital marketing, which impacted on his honey dressings. Antimicrobial, these dressings allow negotiations, to help him with the business: businesses, due to a lack of converting leads: “In the next two years I would like to hire a health care professionals to treat wounds at any stage. “I heard Clare negotiate the price of products for her project and business manager to help me target “I had to settle for cheaper alternatives. They’re OPP’s product range is being evaluated within the NHS business whilst on the phone to her supplier. I asked larger businesses. I would also like to add more cheap for a reason! I had to have my website and has already been listed onto the UK drug tarif. Marcus her what difference did this make to the business? Her services for first time entrepreneurs, such as redone twice and it still wasn’t up to scratch.” and his partner Clare grew the business, without outside answer—survival, growth, and good business. I found business planning and research services.” He made it his mission to make sure that entrepreneurs finance, from an embryonic idea to product launch. this inspirational and have such admiration for Clare.” optimisewebdesign.com could work with web experts who are well-versed, Marcus says: opp-uk.com not only in creating afordable websites, but to Twitter: @OswellPenda “There will be times when you question your ability, turn potential leads into paying customers. LinkedIn.com/company/Oswell Penda Pharma stamina and if this is all too much! The Army taught me Sanga started Optimise Webdesign in early 2017. He to never give up and believe in achieving. Establishing leads the business, with a team of 15 trusted web the correct foundation for the success is vital.” designers, developers and a business manager. 31 #SageServingHeroes

Pro-Noctis RecruitME Phil Kelly & Phil Quirk Howard Rudder & Chris Buck Phil Kelly served in the Royal Air Force as a Physical There have also been lessons to learn: Howard Rudder and Chris Buck set up RecruitME in 2015, As a veteran-owned business, Howard and Chris Training Instructor and Adventurous Training Instructor. an award-winning search business, ofering permanent understand the positive legacy their military “The hardest challenge was also one of the biggest His business partner, Phil Quirk served initially as a Royal multi-sector recruitment across the East Midlands. experience left them with. Howard explains: lessons. We overcommitted to two projects. Both Marine and then as a Royal Air Force Physical Training projects stalled. The loss of a pipeline meant we had Both joined the forces at 18. Howard served in “We have a strong team ethos in the business Instructor and Adventurous Training Instructor. to work extra hard to generate new leads. The lesson the Royal Navy as a Seaman Officer, leaving as a where we encourage friendly competition—as in In early 2014, they launched Pro-Noctis Ltd. Their mission: was, until pen meets paper, nothing is guaranteed.” Lieutenant. Chris served in the Army, part of the Royal the Forces—whilst working as a team. We lead as help clients increase and leverage their human performance. Logistics Corps, and left as a Corporal (NCO). mentors and succeed by developing our people.” The team are now aiming to become leaders in their Their client base includes Olympic gold medallists, high field through innovation and excellence in execution. Their vision was to create a powerful recruitment experience Over the next three years they’ll continue to grow performing sports teams, and FTSE 50 companies. Over the next two years they’ll develop apps to underpin for clients, candidates, and employees. They did this the headcount of RecruitME, whilst providing an Communication has been key: and support their live training and consultancy. by taking a specialist approach and promoting open, even better service to customers. They also plan honest, and ethical values throughout the business. to grow the “Me” brand, introducing new divisions “Marketing is vital. You could be the best in the world, They have four words to help other veterans: around training, HR consultancy, and payroll. but if you can’t communicate, you’ll fail. So many The duo—and their team of eight—have won local “Research. Plan. Execute. Review. Those terms will resonate opportunities have matured because of our desire business awards and recognised as Silver Award Their advice for other veterans? with those in the Forces. If you miss one step out you’ll to build strong professional relationships.” benefactors of the UK’s Armed Forces Covenant. Growth fail. Have confidence you can have a career outside of “Ensure you have enough funding. Go into business has increased by over 100% year on year, allowing them The company is now a team of eight and has the military. Your skills just have to be repackaged.” with a partner to share the load. Strive to be the best to hire 5 new employees, all from the local community: attracted financial support from the city, thanks to and have a strong vision. Oh, and never give up!” pro-noctis.com constant growth. This includes winning contracts “Our client base has increased significantly, and we facebook.com/pronoctis recruitmeuk.com with global banking institutions in the first full year. have won several Preferred Supplier List contracts with Twitter:@pronoctis Twitter: @recruitme_ The team also finished third in the Best New Business leading local, multi-national, and global businesses.” facebook.com/recruitmegrantham category at the UK Business Awards 2016. linkedin.com/company/recruitme_1 [email protected] 32 #SageServingHeroes

Taylored Games The Ale House Adam Taylor Lee Cook For a decade, Adam Taylor served in the Royal stock and not applying your own taste to Lee Cook joined the Royal Marines aged 19, yet was medically The Ale house is now looking to expand its food range and Engineers as a combat engineer, electrician, and buying stock—that was a big one.” discharged due to an accident during basic training. bring the cost of beer down by opening a combined brewery and distillery. Lee’s also looking at a proposal to combine the bomb disposal engineer. On leaving, he completed The results are paying of: On leaving, Lee needed to think diferently: a Master’s degree in electronics engineering. wedding and gin industry; ofering couples the opportunity to “We have a large playing space and games library. We’re “You go from being surrounded by your friends, all blend their own bespoke flavour of gin for their special day. Now he’s working with wife Rachel to run a games shop in the always on hand to give suggestions, help with rules and speaking the same language of the armed forces to While being voted Liverpool Bar Person of the Year and heart of their town. Trading since April 2018, they sell board offer support. Individuals can always find people to play talking a foreign language that’s one of civilians. Once making the CAMRA good beer guide, Lee is most proud and card games, miniatures and collectables, alongside a with, and they find it a great place to make friends.” you lose your forces family the silence can be deafening. of the impact The Ale House has had on his community. bespoke service with recommendations and demonstrations. It can be difficult for people to understand you.” Many customers have thanked the couple for opening “We’ve played a big part in bringing residents together Between the couple receiving the keys, to opening the a safe space to socialise with likeminded people Lee wanted to serve his local community: to form a legal constitutional body, looking at ways to doors to their first customers, it was just over one month: and enjoy their hobbies, which was lacking locally. “I couldn’t find a pub in my local community where they sold improve our community with green spaces. For this, In just three months of trading, they’ve generated “We transformed a derelict betting shop. Apart from the sort of beer I wanted to drink or the food I wanted to eat.” we were quoted by the World Health Organisation almost £18,000 and over 60 people have joined. a flooring contractor, all the work was completed by as a community taking charge of its environment. In 2016 he opened The Ale House, his very own us—with the skills I learnt as a Royal Engineer.” “Now, we are going to start a Community Interest Company, We’re a little pub, achieving great things.” pub. Sitting between two national chain pubs, the so we can provide more support to people from disadvantaged But of course, new skills were needed too: pub appeals to a wide range of people—especially thealehouse.pub communities and those with Special Educational Needs. those who want to try new food and drink. “I am fairly good at maths, but it’s different We’re also going to start a crowdfunder campaign, so doing all the accounting ourselves! We ran out we can complete the full refurbishment of the shop.” of money before we finished the refurbishment. Everything is a learning experience; balancing tayloredgames.com instagram.com/tayloredgames facebook.com/tayloredgames Twitter: @tayloredgamesuk 33 #SageServingHeroes

Thoughtify TradeBox Tom Fox Stephen Bales Tom Fox served nine years with the elite Royal Tom and his Thoughtify team now deliver training Stephen Bales joined the Royal Navy in 1987 at 16, every day, understand where the business has Green Jackets. An anti-tank and battlefield across the UK, and Tom’s an ambassador for charities then left in 1994 as a Leading Seaman (Radar)— been, where it currently is, and where it’s going. engineering specialist, his tours included two in SSAFA and Combat Stress. His hardest challenge has one the youngest, at 19, to achieve this rank. Every day my accounts get done, which allows me Northern Ireland. In 2002 he took up a contract with been going from being unwell to saying this to himself: to have up-to-date analysis of the business.” In 2003, Stephen set up Tradebox, which provides the US Department of Defense, providing close “I’m going to do this and see it through. It was order management and stock control software for UK Although a small team, Stephen’s proud Tradebox provides protection to U.S government officials in Iraq. a struggle to build up the self-confidence businesses selling online, and leads a team of eight. unparalleled customer service, reflected in exemplary reviews: On his return Tom carved out a career in to plan out the business, yet it’s been “I liked the idea of reaping the benefits from my own “Tradebox is the UK’s number one accounts financial services with Lloyds, Barclays massively rewarding and educational, and endeavour. I have never worked so hard since I became integration solution for online retailers. We were and later moved into the IT sector: it’s certainly helped me rebuild my life.” my own boss; I have been the teaboy and the MD! The first voted winners of the ‘Reader’s Choice Award’ in “I focused all my energy on my career, to keep Tom’s future is all about growth: five years were the hardest, getting momentum going.” the UK’s leading ecommerce publication.” distracted. Soon cracks began to show. I went “I’d like to employ trainers from business and HM Tradebox allows retailers to connect their online channels, Next for Tradebox is to evolve their desktop solution from a high stress, high activity environment into Forces backgrounds who’ve suffered from mental like eBay and Amazon, to a single software solution where into a cloud-based solution and Stephen believes another high stress, target driven environment.” illness themselves. They’d be ideally suited for they can control online orders and coordinate stock levels. ‘heady days’ are in front of him and his team: Tom was diagnosed with PTSD and now uses his working with business to help them build their One of the main selling points is to provide integration “I am so proud and pleased where the company is. I experience to help others. After retraining as a Mental workplace mental health plan and implement with Sage, which removes the burden of data entry. treat my team well, with respect and dignity. To me Health First Aid Instructor he set up Thoughtify Ltd procedures for managing work-related stress.” Stephen’s simple success tips: that’s the leadership I learnt in the Royal Navy.” in 2018, wanting to destigmatise mental illness and thoughtify.co.uk encourage early diagnosis in the business community: “When you are working with partners you need tradebox.co.uk Twitter: @ThoughtifyLtd to be upfront and establish clear roles and Twitter: @Tradebox_Ltd “I ran my idea past several business owners and facebook.com/ThoughtifyLtd responsibilities. Check your finances facebook.com/Tradebox-Limited-244536185570110 mental health professionals I respected. You uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.tradebox.uk.com don’t want to invest time, money, and effort into a business no one wants. Successful people will often be happy to give you advice.” file:///Users/jordan.brown/Downloads/WhiteHorseCleaning_160818-330.jpg file:///Users/jordan.brown/Downloads/WhiteHorseCleaning_160818-319.jpg

34 #SageServingHeroes White Horse Cleaning Lee Harris-Hamer “At the end of the day, we clean toilets, As a business owner, he but I wouldn’t change it for the world. knows what’s at stake: My business is to turn rubbish into something amazing. Go with the “I get told no every day. So, my advice flow, ride the highs and lows. If your is don’t dwell on it, be resilient. I business is run well, anyone can do wake up thinking about the families this. Just be true to yourself.” my business will feed, and it can overwhelm me. But, the highs are Lee Harris-Hamer joined the Royal always better than the lows.” Artillery in 2009. He carried out two tours of Afghanistan, leaving with the rank of Across the next two years he wants Lance Bombardier. After 8 years served, to double his team and expand by Lee was medically discharged in 2016. 25%, to a turnover of £750,000. His commitment to the Armed Forces Shortly after, Lee launched White continues to drive his business. Horse Cleaning Services. In its first month the business delivered 2,000 “We will launch a new business cleaning hours. In their first year, the selling and supporting cleaning team—which quickly grew to 25—were franchises through the military finalists at the Hambleton Business spouse network, allowing them to Awards, followed by making the finals own their own business, which works of the Federation of Small Businesses around the challenges of supporting award for Triumph Over Adversity. a loved one who is still serving.” whitehorsecleaningservices.co.uk That said, Lee believes his biggest facebook.com/ achievement is building his businesses whitehorsecleaningservices whilst battling mental health challenges and transitioning from the Forces. Afectionately dubbed the ‘Sergeant Major’ of White Horse, Lee draws on his life in service as his business grows. 35 #SageServingHeroes

Wildcard Strength & Conditioning James Przbek James Przbek is passionate about fitness. He joined “Civilians are very different people! You need to the Royal Marines Commandos in 2004 and completed change your outlook. My expectations of people the world’s toughest military training to earn the had to change if I wanted to get things done. coveted Green Beret. Over 10 years in service he You can’t always rely on others if you want to completed 3 tours of Afghanistan, specialising in make it happen. But, don’t be afraid of risk. Back Heavy Weapons-Anti tanks, and left as a Corporal. yourself. What’s the worst that could happen?”

In service, James trained in diferent environments James and his fellow former Royal Marine, business, and and experimented with various regimes coaching partner Alex are turning their gym into to ensure he maintained his fitness. It was a community. James says: during this time he discovered CrossFit. “We have grown to over 150 members in under a Since 2017, he’s been owner and head coach year, and we hope to expand with sister facilities" of Wildcard Strength & Conditioning: His advice for other service leavers? “Our team of four specialise in strength and Don’t fear the change: conditioning training aimed at all levels and “I was used to a monthly military wage, and never experience of fitness. We help people reach their had to worry about being homeless or bills. It’s a big health goals providing ‘real’ training, while at the risk, making ends meet. But if it’s yours, you work same time building a supportive community.” hard to make it work—it’s your responsibility. I am Starting up his business, James needed my own boss. I do my own hours. It’s a good feeling to adjust how he worked: after being told everything in the military."

wildcardsc.com Instagram: @wildcardsc 36 #SageServingHeroes

Spotlight On: Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes USA is the leading veteran service organization fighting underemployment and unemployment among veterans in the United States. They not only provide free career services for those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces, they also work to bridge the gap between these men and women, and the employers who want to hire them.

From small businesses to Fortune 100s, Hire Heroes USA takes veteran and military spouse job seekers. Hire Heroes USA a personalized approach to each employer, learning first about also holds Virtual Career Fairs on a regular basis throughout their specific needs for veteran recruitment. If they need help the year to connect job seekers with dozens of employers building or improving an internal veteran hiring program, want to who want to find skilled and qualified talent. better educate their internal staf on military culture and retaining Another way employers can engage a large pool of potential top veteran talent, or seek reliable resources to connect them candidates is through targeted emails to the job-seeking military, directly with veteran job seekers, Hire Heroes has the means veterans and military spouses who utilize Hire Heroes USA’s free career and the tools to help organizations achieve those goals. services. Employers simply supply the criteria they’re looking for, like The services available include online training videos, as well as education, certifications, or security clearance level, if applicable. virtual and in-person workshops individually tailored to meet each Hire Heroes USA’s approach to veteran employer’s needs. Organizations can even select which training employment is holistic— and it works. topics are covered. The goal of the presentations: educate recruiters, hiring managers, human resources personnel, and other decision- makers on best practices for hiring and retaining veteran talent, while About us cultivating a deeper and more informed understanding of military Hire Heroes assist thousands of transitioning military members, veterans veterans and the value they bring to employers, large and small. and military spouses into new careers in the civilian workforce every year. In addition to the workshops, Hire Heroes USA also ofers valuable Learn more about how they do it and the employers they resources recruiters can utilize to connect directly with job-seeking work with by visiting them online at hireheroesusa.org veterans. It starts with an exclusive job board that features thousands of monthly job opportunities monthly available only to military, 37 #SageServingHeroes

Combat Flip Flops GoodUnited Matthew Griffin Nick Black Matthew ‘Grif’ Griffin joined the army in 2001 and Looking to the future, their plans are big: Nick Black was a Captain for 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, at the. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps: completed three tours of Afghanistan and one in Iraq. 173rd Airborne Bridge Combat Team—awarded two Bronze “We plan to grow into a dominant online footwear “We had to do land navigation: you get a map, go into a Stars and a Commendation Medal for Valor. Nick then He co-founded Combat Flip Flops in 2009 with fellow and clothing brand, ensure growth for entrepreneurs forest and find pieces of paper nailed to trees. The first went to business school and found it hugely beneficial: Ranger, Donald Lee. The company makes fashion and in war zones, and become the largest funder year I did this, I would get the map, run full speed into the lifestyle products in conflict or post-conflict zones— of women’s education in Afghanistan.” “I went to business school after returning, and was woods and spend hours haphazardly finding the pieces of creating jobs and promoting security. Profits fund women’s completely different between my first and second year paper, finding them all after 4 or 5 hours. The next time, my Combat Flip Flops major achievements include education in Afghanistan, and the organisation aims because of the time it takes to adjust. I wish every veteran instructor told me to be the last to leave once I received the funding over 500 girls for one school year through Aid to provide a peaceful alternative to armed conflict. the time to take a knee, a breath and relax. I don’t know any map, so instead of leaving in 5 minutes, I left in 30 and went Afghanistan for Education, and funding the clearance veteran who’s gone straight into a job and have it go well.” into the woods with a plan. That time it only took 2 hours. Setting up the business didn’t come easy: of 10,000 square meters of Laos landmines. Matthew Spend all your time on customer discovery, then build the is on the HillVets 100—a list of the top 100 veterans in In 2015 he launched GoodUnited, which helps “As soon as we started filling orders, Obama announced the business model out of that—don’t do it any other way.” America, and Real Leaders Top 100 Global Visionaries. nonprofits tap the unlimited potential of Facebook end of the war in Afghanistan, which caused our facilities to fundraising. Their powerful, yet simple managed Looking to the future, GoodUnited is going to empower shut down. When we were able to get flip flops produced, As Matthew says: service increases donors, donations, emails captured, nonprofits to make every donor feel appreciated—as Nick they were unusable. We were hitting walls left and right.” “If you start to realise that business is people, you’ll be and the likelihood that fundraiser doing it again. says, They ended up having to ship a container of raw materials much more successful in your transition to civilian life. Nick uses his skills developed in the service in business. He from China to Matthew’s house and created a ‘guerrilla flip flop Start with people first and the profit will come.” “you don’t need to be a millionaire to feel recalls a specific business-related experience from his time factory’ in his garage. Matthew says his best piece of advice connected with doing good.” combatflipflops.com was that it takes a community to build up a business. With the Twitter: @combatflipflops goodunited.io help of friends, family, and other local veterans they produced facebook.com/combatflipflops facebook.com/goodunitedorg their first successful run of 4,000 pairs. linkedin.com/company/goodunited 38 #SageServingHeroes ProctorFree

Mike Murphy

“There are lots of programs and Mike believes his time in the army gave initiatives out there to support him the ability to accept new challenges: veterans, yet it’s very complicated to navigate the landscape sometimes. If “Things are constantly changing and you want to support veterans, don’t that’s ok. You’re not always going to be just hire them, buy from them.” comfortable but, in the military, you’re put in very uncomfortable settings, Mike Murphy served as an Army Sergeant which helps prepare you for things.” and worked as a Department of Defense Contractor, deploying to the Middle East. Mike believes that military honed He worked as an Intelligence Analyst skills are absolutely translatable focused on the Forensic and Biometric to the civilian world, yet it’s not side of the larger Counter-IED and always obvious to veterans: Biometrics Enabled Intelligence cycle. “I think, initially, a lot of veterans lack After gaining experience in military confidence to say, ‘I’ve done really and civilian work, he decided to set complicated things, been responsible up ProctorFree in 2013, an online for lots of equipment and human life’ Proctoring and Invigilation service that and consider how that relates to the benefits professors and students alike, corporate world because it does relate. making examination time more flexible It’s just the terms are different.” and enabling online examination to proctorfree.com have that stamp of authenticity: linkedin.com/in/genericmurphy

“If you improve the delivery of education, you positively impact society. We ensure education is delivered successfully and with integrity, by providing identity management and virtual proctoring solutions for a wide range of clients in the higher education and commercial testing space.” 39 #SageServingHeroes Rhumbix

Drew DeWalt & Zach Scheel “Even though this is the first business either of Drew’s advice to veterans: us started or built, we’ve gotten over enough “Be confident the experience you have hurdles to strengthen our confidence and from your time in the service is valuable and know we’re going to continue to succeed.” transferable to the private sector. Don’t limit your options to only the most well-worn Drew DeWalt is a former US Navy nuclear career paths like a government job. Every submarine officer who ended active duty opportunity is available to you, so lean on the in 2010 as a Lieutenant. Zach Scheel growing population of veterans in the full served as a US Navy Seabee combat array of careers. You have to adjust to a new engineer officer, completing active duty environment. But you also have to be confident service as a Lieutenant in 2011. in and use the incredibly valuable military Rhumbix, founded in 2013, builds software for experience and skills to your advantage.” the construction industry, enabling owners, Drew says, general contractors, and subcontractors to collect, analyse and act upon field “Rhumbix will continue to push the envelope information in a timely, accurate manner. on construction data analysis and labor productivity, and use it to find more ways to The business helps construction projects empower craft workers to be and do their best significantly improve production and work.” productivity through better data and shared intelligence. They have 40 employees, including rhumbix.com three veterans, and US customers include Twitter: @rhumbix eight of the top 25 general contractors and nine of the top 25 subcontractors.

Drew says one of the hardest challenges was securing funding. Most VCs try to pattern- match with other successful investments, and at the time five years ago there weren’t many veterans starting tech companies; even fewer who had done so successfully. 40 #SageServingHeroes Spiffy

Karl Murphy

“The military gives you very "People is the biggest challenge we unique training that’s highly face. It’s the thing I think about. Most valued if you can articulate it.” people don’t come and go for money, they come and go for other reasons.” Karl Murphy served in the 82nd Airborne division as an infantry officer Karl believes the biggest for 5 years, including an eight-month lesson he took from his military tour of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. After training was accountability: 6 years in the army and working in sales, Karl co-founded Spify in 2014. “When someone with a military background says they’re going to get Spify has been built to redefine something done, they get it done.” the car washing experience with an on-demand app-based system: And whilst this is a great skillset to “I’m proud of where Spiffy is today. take into running your own business, We have 85 trucks, 150 employees, he has advice for any veteran looking operate nationwide. We’re four to go down the same path: years into the business and I “Find a way to translate your skillset think we’re just beginning.” from your military training to the civilian world. The military gives Karl believes Spify wasn’t just about you training that’s highly valued if creating technology, it’s about you can articulate it. Veterans need focussing on the customer: to understand they have a special “Start with the customer and skill set that’s highly valued.” problem and work your way back. Lots of people get enamoured with getspiffy.com some piece of cool technology, but Twitter: @getspiffy will someone pay you for it?” instagram.com/getspiffy

Disrupting an industry with technology is still fundamentally about people. And this is what Karl sees as his biggest challenge with growing the business:

“Recruiting, training and retaining great 41 #SageServingHeroes

StreetShares Vemo Education Brendon Dibella Tonio DeSorrento Brendon Dibella joined the U.S. Naval Academy Looking ahead, Brendon says they have big plans: Tonio DeSorrento entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 While Vemo Education is only three years old, the company at 18 to become a midshipman and left with the at age 18. He served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps with a is growing rapidly and is the leading edtech company “We want to provide the benefits of StreetShares rank of Lieutenant after five years active duty. He terminal rank of captain. After exiting the military, he obtained in the ISA and income-based financing category. in both lending and investing to thousands more joined StreetShares as an early investor in 2015, his law degree at Georgetown University and practiced members. Along the way, we’ll add products with Looking back, Tonio says the Marine Corps taught him how and became a full-time employee soon after. law for seven years before co-founding Vemo Education. the goal of lowering costs, increasing speed, and to adjust and excel in whatever environment he found himself A social lending platform, StreetShares is run by veterans never diminishing transparency in what we do.” Vemo Education is a mission-driven educational technology in and also showed him the kind of leader he wanted to be. for veterans, with nearly 60,000 members. They provide company focused on expanding educational access for He believes that his military background has been As for the future, Tonio says he plans to: loans, lines of credit, and contract financing to small all Americans. Vemo Education partners directly with invaluable to his current role, enabling him to understand business owners as well as government contractors colleges, universities, and other educational providers to and build trust with veterans. He also believes many “Continue to help colleges and universities better nationwide. They also ofer Veteran Business Bonds design, implement, and maintain income share agreement veterans don’t know enough about industries and understand how income-based financing can be used for members to earn 5% interest over 12 months. (ISA) programs to help increase educational opportunity functions within industries, leading them to be for institutional purposes, like access, retention, and and reduce financial barriers to economic mobility. StreetShares is already an award-winning business, overwhelmed when arriving back in civilian life: completion, and help them build custom programs to taking home the Professional Service Innovator An ISA is a contract between a student and their school in expand educational opportunity and economic mobility. “There needs to be an intermediary who helps translate of the Year prize at the Greater Washington which a student receives education funding in exchange We’re going to build a world where opportunity isn’t the military experience into the business identity. Innovation Awards in 2017, and recognized as a for a fixed percentage of their postgraduate income over defined by family income or zip code, but by potential.” We need someone who offers training and other certified company by Virginia Values Veterans. a defined number of years. ISAs align the interests of services to help veterans when they’re really trying vemo.com schools and students by linking the cost of education Co-founders Mark L. Rockefeller and Mickey Konson to hit the ground running in their business career.” Twitter: @VemoEd with student outcomes after their graduation. won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 streetshares.com Award in Financial Services, for the Mid-Atlantic region. twitter.com/streetshares 42 #SageServingHeroes TFX Capital Management Brandon Shelton

“Be patient and don’t hide your military He says one of the most difficult things in the background or try to change who transition to the business world was going from you are. Use it as an advantage when an incubated environment with a shared purpose leading in the marketplace.” or mission, to an individual business contributor role, where teamwork isn’t always present. TFX Capital’s Founder & Managing Partner, Brandon Shelton, served as an Army Brandon advises any aspiring veteran to officer from 1998 to 2006. After stints on be exposed to corporate processes and Wall Street, a boutique strategy consulting business operations at a larger firm first. Then firm, and a multi-billion-dollar distribution develop domain expertise and networks in the business, he founded TFX in 2015. market they’re trying to start their business. Then resurrect the power of a mission or A veteran-led venture capital firm, TFX focuses shared purpose, form a team, and focus on on investing in high performing veteran founders execution in order to beat the competition. leading early stage technology (B2B SaaS) and technology-enabled businesses. TFX utilizes For TFX Capital, they plan to continue supporting its ‘Task Force’ of experts, enablers, advisors, veteran founders, their investors, and the and supporters to accelerate success. national veteran entrepreneurial ecosystem. One of the best pieces of advice Brandon tfxcap.com received was to find a way to articulate the Twitter: @TFXShelton value of his military training, leadership roles, and experiences in the business world. This included beginning with the end in mind—focusing on what success looked like—and working back to present day.

“The training and leadership experiences you get in your early 20s is incredible. You have a mission, a purpose, and learn both practical and soft skills of managing people. If you can translate that into the commercial sector, it’s invaluable.” 43 #SageServingHeroes Invictus Games Sydney 2018 The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and servicewomen, both active duty and veteran. The Games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and celebrate the crucial role played by family members and friends.

And yet, the Invictus Games are more than Education Health and wellbeing a sporting event—they capture hearts, Key to creating meaningful positive change is In addition to highlighting the mental health change lives, and challenge perceptions. educating the nation about the sacrifice of service challenges faced by active and veteran defence and the impact it has on those who serve. The service personnel, the Games will promote While Australians appreciate the role played by Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project available support networks and drive awareness the military, there’s less of an understanding of the is the first of its kind in Australia, and will give about how these can be overcome by active challenges faced by ex-defence force personnel as they NSW public school students in years 5 to 12 a participation in sports and other group activities. transition back to civilian life, and a lack of awareness unique opportunity to learn about the impact of of their unique knowledge, skills and experience. We believe having a positive and lasting impact service, resilience, and the importance of looking on the lives of defence personnel, veterans Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar after your mental health and wellbeing. and their loved ones beyond October 2018 is Land Rover will provide an opportunity to build Employment as important as staging a successful event. lasting impact for the defence community through The Games will help shift attitudes around employing raising awareness of programs and services This holistic approach will help support defence veterans, by showcasing the unique skills and values across the areas of adaptive sport, education, personnel and veterans with their transition of our veterans within the Australian community and employment, and health and wellbeing. experience and create a climate in which they, and creating conversations that celebrate their abilities. their families and friends, are valued, respected and receive support long into the future. What will we do? Find out more: Adaptive sport Sport has long been regarded as a powerful invictusgames2018.org mechanism for healing the mind, body and spirit. twitter.com/invictussydney It gives wounded, injured and ill defence personnel #IG2018 and veterans a renewed sense of purpose and #MakeYourMarkDownUnder achievement. The Games encourage greater Facebook.com/invictusSydney participation by highlighting the benefits of being #GameOnDownUnder active and staying connected with friends and family. ©2018 The Sage Group plc or its licensors. Sage, Sage logos, Sage product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of The Sage Group plc or its licensors. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. NA/WF 183498.