Veteran Business Community Podcast

🕊️ Turning unimaginable loss into a reason to keep helping others.E128 | Greg Jenkins - a courageous story of never giving up the search and fight for his mum who was killed as a victim of crime in Malaysia. (p.s. Veteran business owner as well)Greg Jenkins served in the Royal Australian Air Force for 26 years, beginning as an Airfield Defence Guard before moving into human intelligence and reaching the rank of Flight Sergeant. His career included deployments to Timor-Leste, Qatar, Afghanistan and Iraq, but his most difficult fight began while he was still serving.In December 2017, Greg’s mum, Anna, disappeared during a visit to Malaysia. Faced with delays, unanswered questions and a lack of support, Greg made nearly 80 trips to Malaysia to search for her and pursue justice. He now uses that experience to support other Australian families affected by crimes overseas while advocating for stronger recognition and assistance through the Victims of Crime framework.Greg also shares how purpose shaped his two veteran-owned businesses. Outpost Advocacy provides ethical, capped-fee advocacy and ongoing support for veterans, while Frannkly Roasted—named after his parents, Frank and Anna—helps fund support for veterans, first responders and victims of crime. A deeply personal conversation about service, persistence and creating something positive from unimaginable loss.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://outpostadvocacy.com/👉 https://frannklyroasted.com.au/🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #OutpostAdvocacy #FrannklyRoasted #VeteranAdvocacy #VictimsOfCrime #RAAFVeteran #Persistence #CommunitySupport #StillServing

🎯 Training that holds up when the pressure is on.E127 | Mick Lee – Nucleus Evolution: What Do the Army and Federal Police Have in Common? Training at the Core of Their Values. How Mick Took This Experience to Create a Specialist Training Company in WA.Mick Lee is an Australian Army veteran who served in the Royal Australian Regiment before spending 10 years in federal law enforcement. Working within the Australian Federal Police’s School of Law Enforcement Intelligence, he helped design and deliver specialist training in Australia and overseas before moving into learning and development consultancy.In this episode, Mick explains how Nucleus Evolution helps organisations build practical training that delivers lasting results. Its neuroscience-informed Calm, Safe, Excellence framework draws on the muscle memory developed through military and law-enforcement training, helping people remain capable when pressure rises instead of forgetting what they learned months earlier.Mick also shares lessons from performing stand-up comedy at veteran events and why holding an audience’s attention is just as important in a training room. He encourages veteran business owners not to limit themselves to the Defence sector, but to take their skills into industries facing the same challenges. A practical conversation about workplace learning, performance under pressure and building a business around measurable outcomes.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.nucleusevolution.com.au🌐 Meet Mick at the Veteran-Owned Pavilion:👉 Land Forces 2026 | 6–8 October | Perth🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #NucleusEvolution #LearningAndDevelopment #WorkplaceTraining #PerformanceUnderPressure #AustralianArmy #LawEnforcement #LandForces2026 #StillServing

💡 Simplifying technology to solve real business problems.E126 | Rick Van Driel - GNR8 & Symphony - veteran founded software solutions to empower content creation and support complex sales solutions.Rick van Driel joined the Australian Army at 17, beginning in the Survey Corps before transferring to RAEME as technology entered the workplace. After leaving Defence, he built a 27-year career across IT, consulting and sales—working on major projects, running businesses and selling complex, multimillion-dollar solutions.After leaving the corporate world, Rick founded Team Solutions Group and developed Symphony, a platform designed to help organisations navigate complex sales involving multiple stakeholders, long decision cycles and tenders. It helps sales teams better understand their customers, build decision confidence and spend more time having meaningful conversations.Rick also created GNR8, a marketing automation platform that helps small and medium businesses research audiences, find leads and create branded content for LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. A practical conversation about using technology to reduce repetitive work, simplify complexity and give business owners more time to focus on their customers, families and the outcomes that matter.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://teamsolutionsgroup.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #TeamSolutionsGroup #GNR8 #Symphony #SalesTechnology #MarketingAutomation #ComplexSales #ArtificialIntelligence #RAEME #StillServing

⚓ From the Navy to financial planning with purpose.E125 | Wayne Bemet – National Service Financial: How Does a Navy Lad Deploy in a Wedgetail and End Up Starting a Leading Veteran-Focused Financial Planning Business? It’s a Top Yarn.Wayne Bemet served in the ADF for 20 years, building a Navy career that eventually took him into fighter control and an unusual joint-service role aboard the RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail. After five operational deployments, Wayne’s career ended through medical discharge—forcing him to consider what life, work and financial security would look like for him and his family beyond service.Drawing on that personal experience, Wayne founded National Service Financial to help veterans navigate the financial side of transition, including DVA compensation, military superannuation, insurance and long-term planning. His team has now supported more than 2,000 veterans and pioneered a dedicated Financial Transition Program designed to help ADF members prepare before they walk out the gate for the final time.Wayne also shares how a serious health scare prompted him to reconsider his workload and redefine his role within the business. Today, he is expanding his impact through the Military Money YouTube channel, media advocacy and mentoring athletes—drawing on the strong similarities he sees between elite sport and military service. A top yarn about service, transition, purpose and building a business from lived experience.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.nationalservicefinancial.com.au/🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #NationalServiceFinancial #MilitaryMoney #FinancialPlanning #FinancialTransition #ADFTransition #RoyalAustralianNavy #VeteranSupport #StillServing

🏗️ Building a business—and a legacy that lasts.E124 | Stuart Organ – Total Fit Outs Perth: Building a Business Focused on Life and LegacyStuart Organ left school at 12 and experienced an unstable childhood before joining the Royal Corps of Transport at 17. The British Army gave him the structure, accountability and discipline that changed the direction of his life—qualities he has carried into business, family and everything he has built since.After leaving the Army for love, Stuart moved from driving and labouring into carpentry, contract management and commercial construction. He later relocated to Perth with his wife and three children, eventually establishing his own building business and joining Total Fit Outs. Today, he leads a growing team delivering commercial fit-outs across retail, hospitality, health, wellness and office spaces, supported by design, estimating and joinery capabilities.In this episode, Stuart shares the value of choosing the right franchise, surrounding yourself with good people and building complementary services around a core business. He also explains why success is no longer about chasing the highest revenue—it is about selecting the right clients, protecting time with family and creating an asset that can support his wife, children and five granddaughters. An honest conversation about hard work, calculated growth and building a life and legacy beyond the income.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.totalfitouts.com.au/🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #TotalFitOuts #CommercialFitOuts #Construction #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #FamilyBusiness #Legacy #BritishArmy #StillServing

🎯 Turning clicks into customers!E123 | Paul Medina – ClickSquad: From the Marine Corps to Meta Ads and PPC Specialist—an American’s Journey to MelbournePaul Medina is a United States Marine Corps veteran who enlisted shortly after 9/11 and served two deployments in Iraq. As an infantryman, he took part in the initial 2003 invasion and the Battle of Najaf in 2004, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After completing his service, Paul began the challenging transition from military life into sales and business.His digital marketing journey began while helping his father’s event-hire business replace hundreds of daily outbound faxes with Google Ads. After seeing the immediate impact of inbound leads, Paul developed his skills across paid advertising, affiliate marketing and Meta before moving to Melbourne and establishing ClickSquad.In this episode, Paul explains how businesses can better understand their true return on advertising, avoid misleading platform data and track conversions that genuinely matter. A practical conversation about Google Ads, Meta Ads, SEO and why generating leads is only the beginning—the right follow-up and sales process are what turn them into customers.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://clicksquad.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #ClickSquad #DigitalMarketing #GoogleAds #MetaAds #PPC #SEO #LeadGeneration #USMC #StillServing

🎖️ From big ambition comes lasting legacy.E122 | Rod Henderson - Australian Peacekeepers - A soldier's career and a national monument to military personnel killed in training. From big ambition comes big legacy.Rod Henderson served in the Australian Army for 22 years, beginning as a paratrooper with 3 RAR before becoming a Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter crewman. His service included deployments to East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with domestic counter-terrorism and disaster-response operations.In this episode, Rod shares his journey from medical separation to finding renewed purpose through the Australian War Memorial, writing his memoir Stop Screaming, I’m Scared Too, and becoming CEO of the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans’ Association. He discusses the importance of recognising every form of service and ensuring Australia’s peacekeepers receive the advocacy and recognition they deserve.Rod also introduces the ambitious Australian Military Training Memorial—a proposed national monument on Anzac Parade honouring ADF personnel who lost their lives during training. A powerful conversation about service, purpose and creating a lasting place of recognition for those who left for training but never came home.🌐 Learn more and support the association:👉 https://www.peacekeepers.asn.au📖 Get a signed copy of Rod’s memoir:👉 https://www.rodhendersonauthor.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #AustralianVeterans #AustralianPeacekeepers #APPVA #MilitaryService #VeteranAdvocacy #AustralianMilitaryTrainingMemorial #StillServing

📊 Commercial strength is a capability too.E121 | Dan Exeter – ERA Group: Driving Commercial Success into Defence Industry. How a Lifetime of Corporate and Military Experience Gives Dan the Insights into Defence Industry Success.Dan Exeter is a British Army Afghanistan veteran and Fellow Chartered Accountant who deployed on Operation Herrick 7 with the Household Cavalry Regiment. After moving to Australia, he held senior finance roles across organisations including realestate.com.au, Jetstar Airways, Cleanaway, G4S, Healthscope and the Department of Defence before joining ERA Group.In this episode, Dan explores why technical capability alone is not enough to succeed in Defence industry. Businesses must also navigate long procurement cycles, compliance requirements and mounting overheads while remaining profitable, resilient and ready to invest in future capability.Drawing on his experience as both a reconnaissance soldier and finance leader, Dan explains why businesses must carefully examine where value is being created—and where it may be leaking away. A practical conversation about improving profit and cash flow, reducing management burden and building a commercially stronger Defence business.🌐 Learn more:👉 eragroup.com 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #DefenceIndustry #CommercialReadiness #BusinessProfitability #CashFlow #ERAGROUP #VeteranEntrepreneurship #StillServing

🥽 Step inside the future of learning!E120 | Dr Sandra Gallagher – Eureka Learning Network: How VR and gamification are changing the way we learnDr Sandra Gallagher is an Army Reserve veteran, educator and Founder of Eureka Learning Network and ELN Game Studio. After leaving school in Year 10, Sandra went on to build a career across TAFE, university, correctional education and learning design, eventually completing her doctorate. She is also the winner of the 2026 VBC Technology, Software and Innovation Award.In this episode, Sandra explains how virtual reality and gamification can make education more practical, interactive and engaging. Through TradyCraft, her virtual engineering workshop, students can practise workplace safety, use simulated tools and complete hands-on tasks in a safe environment where mistakes become part of the learning process.Sandra also discusses why learning should focus on practical application rather than simply reading textbooks or earning qualifications. A fascinating conversation about immersive training, building confidence through simulation and how technology is creating new ways for people to develop real-world skills.🌐 Learn more:👉elngamestudio.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #EurekaLearningNetwork #VirtualReality #Gamification #ImmersiveLearning #EducationTechnology #Innovation #ArmyReserve #StillServing

🫡 A tribute to Australia’s reservistsS03E45 | Peter Liston – My Tribute to the Reserves: Why Your Service Matters and Your Business Is Important to VBCIn Part 3 of Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem, VBC Co-Founder Peter Liston recognises the people who have served across the Army, Navy or Air Force in a reserve capacity. Whether you served briefly, never deployed or don’t identify strongly with the word “veteran”, your service still matters—and you are an important part of the Veteran Business Community.Pete explores the valuable combination of military service and civilian experience that reservists bring to business. From engineering and construction to finance, logistics, technology and professional services, reservists contribute skills and capabilities developed across both their military and civilian careers.Pete also speaks to current ADF members considering transition, sharing how Reserve service can help them maintain their connection, contribute to the nation and provide stability while establishing a business. Above all, this episode carries a clear message: if you served, you belong—and VBC is here to support your business journey.🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #ADFReserves #ArmyReserve #NavyReserve #AirForceReserve #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneurship #StillServing

💳 From the high seas to helping businesses get paid!S03E43 | Lorne Thurgar – Loot Pay: Tired of paying high fees for electronic payments or need a new way to do POS on the run? Former Navy and Australian Federal copper Lorne explains how.Lorne Thurgar joined the Royal Australian Navy at 16, serving as a meteorologist and navigator’s yeoman aboard HMAS Canberra and HMAS Success. He later spent almost 20 years with the Australian Federal Police, with roles and deployments spanning fraud, intelligence, undercover operations, Cyprus, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.In this episode, Lorne shares how he moved into business and built Loot Pay, helping businesses manage electronic payments, EFTPOS, ATMs and point-of-sale solutions. He explains how mobile operators and tradies can turn a compatible phone into a payment terminal, send secure payment links and take deposits while meeting customers on the road.Lorne also discusses the fees hidden within electronic transactions, the importance of reliable support and how a simple payment health check can identify potential savings. A practical conversation for any business accepting electronic payments and looking to improve costs, cash flow and the way customers pay.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://lootpay.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #LootPay #PaymentSolutions #EFTPOS #MobilePayments #CashFlow #RoyalAustralianNavy #StillServing

🇦🇺 Why veteran enterprise matters to AustraliaS03E43 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 2: The Big Picture. Why Veteran Enterprise Matters – Peter ListonIn Part 2 of the series, VBC Co-Founder Peter Liston looks at the long history of veteran entrepreneurship in Australia and how skills developed through service have helped veterans build businesses, create jobs and contribute to the national economy.Pete explains why veteran enterprise is about more than Defence industry. Veteran-owned businesses operate across almost every sector, and their success can create further employment and opportunities for other veterans. He also discusses the need for veteran businesses to be recognised for their capability, quality and commercial value—not as recipients of a handout.The episode explores VBC’s work to increase demand through government and corporate procurement, verification and the Buy Veteran movement. Pete also shares VBC’s goal of creating $1 billion in recurring revenue opportunities for Australia’s veteran business community by 2029—and challenges veteran business owners to support the movement by buying from one another.🌐 Find and support veteran-owned businesses:👉 https://business.veteranbc.com🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #VeteranEnterprise #BuyVeteran #VeteranOwned #Procurement #AustralianBusiness #StillServing

🚀 Where defence innovation meets investment!S03E42 | Steve Baxter – TAK HACK 26 and Reveille 26: Two key events for investors and innovators run by Beaten Zone Venture CapitalSteve Baxter is an Australian Army veteran, entrepreneur, investor and the Founder of Beaten Zone Venture Capital—an early-stage investment firm supporting Australian companies building sovereign defence capability and helping them enter the US market.In this episode, Steve introduces two upcoming events designed to strengthen Australia’s defence innovation and investment ecosystem.💡 TAK HACK 26 is a three-day hackathon bringing together technical specialists, operators and people interested in defence technology. Participants form teams, develop ideas and build practical solutions using the Tactical Awareness Kit platform. It’s an opportunity to collaborate, test ideas and meet potential future teammates.📅 14–16 August 2026📍 The Precinct, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane💰 Reveille 26 is a one-day conference created to help investors and capital allocators better understand the opportunities within Australia’s defence sector. It brings together Australian and international investors, successful defence businesses and industry leaders to explore how capital can support innovation, sovereign capability and commercial growth.📅 9 September 2026📍 Sofitel Gold CoastSteve also shares insights into entering the US defence market, why Australian defence businesses remain underrepresented among investors, and the importance of combining commercial success with a genuine commitment to Australia’s national capability.A timely conversation for innovators, founders and investors looking to better understand Australia’s growing defence technology sector.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://beatenzone.vc👉 https://reveille2026.com🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #BeatenZoneVC #TACHack26 #Reveille26 #DefenceInnovation #DefenceIndustry #VentureCapital #SovereignCapability #AustralianInnovation

🔐 From the engine room to the boardroom!S03E41 | Luke Irwin – Aegis Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity and maximising your media profile—how to get it right.Luke Irwin is a Royal Australian Navy veteran and the Founder and Principal Consultant of Aegis Cybersecurity, bringing more than 25 years of experience across technology, cybersecurity, governance and operational resilience.Luke spent seven years in the Navy, initially serving as a Marine Technician aboard HMAS Sydney. His service included deployments to Timor in 1999 and the Persian Gulf in 2001, before moving into an IT-focused role supporting the Navy’s warship maintenance database platform.In this episode, Luke shares how his military experience shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving and staying calm during a crisis. He also explores how businesses can make cybersecurity a practical commercial priority, while discussing the value of building a strong and credible media profile.Luke also reflects honestly on his transition into civilian workplaces—from learning a completely different style of communication to applying military discipline without expecting everyone else to think like a sailor.A practical conversation about cybersecurity, leadership, communication and turning service experience into a successful business beyond Defence.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.aegiscyber.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #Cybersecurity #AegisCybersecurity #BusinessResilience #RiskManagement #Leadership #RoyalAustralianNavy #StillServing

🎙️ This time, Pete’s on the other side of the mic.S03E40 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 1: Pete Liston’s WhyAfter more than 115 episodes featuring guest speakers, VBC Co-Founder Pete Liston takes the microphone solo for the first episode in a new series exploring VBC’s strategy—and why building a strong veteran business ecosystem matters.Pete shares his honest journey from growing up in Katoomba and joining the Australian Army at 30, through to transitioning from service and finding his way into business. He reflects on the ventures that succeeded, the ones that didn’t, and the lessons that ultimately shaped the Veteran Business Community.At the heart of Pete’s story is a clear belief: veterans deserve the opportunity to take control of their future, build successful businesses and create lasting wealth. With the skills and experience gained through service, veterans are well placed to become exceptional business owners—but Australia needs the right ecosystem to help them succeed.That ecosystem didn’t exist, so Pete and the VBC team are setting out to build it.This is Part 1 of the journey, with Pete sharing the experiences behind his commitment to veteran enterprise and what drives VBC’s work today.🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneurship #BusinessEcosystem #MilitaryTransition #AustralianVeterans #StillServing

✈️ Ready for Take-off!S03E39 | Paul Brackley – Jet Flight Simulators: Creating a business that runs without you to build an asset and passive income.Paul Brackley joined the RAAF at just 17, serving for six years before moving into the Melbourne Fire Brigade and eventually building and owning businesses throughout his working career.Now semi-retired, Paul is involved in Jet Flight Simulators, which has expanded from Melbourne into Adelaide and Brisbane. In this episode, Paul shares how the business gives people the opportunity to experience flying for themselves—whether for entertainment or as the first step towards a career as a pilot.Paul also discusses building a business that can operate without relying on its owner every day, creating a valuable asset and a source of passive income. A great listen for veterans, aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in aviation or building a more sustainable business.🌐 Learn more: 👉 https://jetflightsimulatoradelaide.com.au/🌐 Join the VBC Community: 👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #Aviation #FlightSimulator #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PassiveIncome #RAAF #PilotCareer

🔥 Built for the Fireground!S03E38 | Mike Taylor - Fair Air Fire Masks. Classic business conundrums - see problem, fix it. How a practical observation led the the development of a world class solution.Mike Taylor is an Australian Army Reserve veteran, former Infantry officer and the inventor of the Fair Air fire mask—a reusable respirator designed to provide greater comfort and protection in demanding, smoke-filled environments.In this episode, Mike shares the practical observation that inspired Fair Air Masks, the problems he identified with existing respiratory protection and how he set about creating a better solution. Today, Fair Air masks are used by nearly 1,000 brigades across Australia, as well as users in New Zealand, Canada, Brunei, the United States, South Africa and Afghanistan.Mike also discusses the persistence required to turn an idea into a world-class product, and how the masks are now helping not only firefighters but also farmers, builders, tradespeople and others working in dusty or hazardous environments.A fascinating conversation about innovation, problem-solving and building a practical solution that protects people when it matters most.🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.fairairmasks.com/🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #FairAirMasks #FirefighterSafety #RespiratoryProtection #AustralianInnovation #BushfireSafety #ArmyVeteran #StillServing

New Pod DropS03E37 | Zian Meredith and Chris Phillis - MarchOut. Plenty of support getting you into the military - but what happens when you get out?? Why we need MarchOut to bridge the gap between two worldsChris and Zian have each transitioned from military service in different ways, but they share a common mission today: ensuring veterans don't have to navigate life after Defence alone. Through MarchOut, they're helping bridge one of the biggest gaps in the veteran journey by connecting transitioning service members with the support, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed beyond the uniform.In this episode, Chris and Zian discuss why Defence invests so much in preparing people to serve, yet many veterans still find transitioning out to be one of the hardest missions they'll face. They share lessons from their own military careers and transitions, why asking for help is a strength, and the importance of building a community that supports veterans long after they leave service. Zian also explains why veterans need to back themselves more in business, while Chris reflects on the military mindset of never stepping outside the wire without the right preparation, equipment, and team. If you're preparing to transition, have already left Defence, or want to support those making the move into civilian life, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.🌐 Learn more about MarchOut:https://marchout.com.au/🌐 Join the VBC Community:https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #MarchOut #ADFTransition #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Veterans #Business #CareerTransition #Community #StillServing

New Pod Drop!S03E36 | Karl Schwantes - Serial entrepreneur - artilleryman - master of customer experience. Listen to Karl's journey from Xennox Diamonds to Reputable to The Curated Circle. Karl Schwantes has built a career around understanding what customers really value and helping businesses stand out in increasingly competitive markets. A former artilleryman, Karl transitioned from military service into entrepreneurship, building and scaling multiple successful ventures including Xennox Diamonds, Reputable, and The Curated Circle. Along the way, he developed a reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and helping business owners turn trust, reputation, and relationships into sustainable growth.In this episode, Karl shares his journey from the Army to business ownership, the lessons learned through both successes and setbacks, and why customer experience remains one of the most powerful competitive advantages available to any business. We discuss the importance of reputation in the digital age, how businesses can leverage reviews and social proof to attract ideal clients, and why authentic relationships continue to outperform traditional marketing tactics. Karl also explains the mission behind Reputable and The Curated Circle, and how helping others succeed has become a core part of his own business philosophy.🌐 Learn more:• Xennox Diamonds: https://www.xennoxdiamonds.com.au/ • Reputable: https://reputable.global/• The Curated Circle: https://thecuratedcircle.com/🌐 Join the VBC Community:https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #Entrepreneurship #CustomerExperience #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Marketing #ReputationManagement #SmallBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness #KarlSchwantes #Reputable #TheCuratedCircle

Fresh Drop!S03E35 | Michelle Creevey - Purpose Procurement. Tendering and RFQ's - it's always a big effort - so get the basics right to empower your success.Michelle Creevey is the Founder and CEO of Purpose Procurement and a procurement leader with nearly two decades of experience across defence, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technology. In this episode, Michelle shares practical insights into tenders, RFQs, supplier relationships, and why so many businesses make the mistake of rushing submissions without fully understanding what the customer is actually asking for.Drawing on her experience at Boeing Defence Australia and now through Purpose Procurement, Michelle explains how businesses can improve their chances of success by getting the fundamentals right, building strong relationships, and creating value beyond simply submitting a bid. A must-listen for any business looking to win more work and navigate procurement with greater confidence.🌐 Learn more:👉 purposeprocurement.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #Procurement #Tendering #RFQ #BusinessGrowth #SupplyChain #DefenceIndustry #SovereignCapability #Leadership

New Pod Drop! S03E34 | James Moody - Shire Pool Care. The power of businesses that actually 'do things' - don't underestimate how successful practical businesses can be.James Moody served in the Australian Army from 2010 to 2024, spending time with 6RAR, the School of Infantry, and 2RAR (Amphibious), where he was promoted to Sergeant in 2020. Following operational service in Afghanistan and deployments across the Indo-Pacific region, James made the difficult decision to leave Defence, prioritising his health, family, and a desire to build something of his own. What followed was a journey of uncertainty, self-discovery, and ultimately the creation of Shire Pool Care.In this episode, James shares the realities of transitioning from military service, why he deliberately chose a practical trade-based business instead of a defence-adjacent career, and how military planning, systems, and discipline have helped him build a growing business from the ground up. He discusses the importance of identifying genuine customer needs, embracing hard work, being willing to start again from the bottom, and why veterans should never underestimate the opportunities available in service-based businesses. This is a valuable conversation about family, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of simply saying yes and finding a solution.🌐 Learn more:👉 shirepoolcare.com 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwnership #Transition #Leadership #SmallBusiness #TradesBusiness #ServiceBusiness #ShirePoolCare

S03E33 | VetCon26 - Veteran Business Conference and Awards Night - Why you need to be thereRebecca Plant is a Performance and Accountability Partner, co-author of the international bestselling book Lead-the-Ship, founder of The Business League, and the MC for VetCon26. In this episode, Rebecca joins Pete to unpack everything attendees can expect from VetCon26 and why the event has quickly become one of the most anticipated gatherings on the veteran business calendar.Together, they discuss the purpose behind VetCon26, the calibre of speakers, the networking opportunities, the Veteran Business Awards, and why bringing veterans, business owners, leaders, and supporters into the same room creates opportunities that simply can't be replicated online. Rebecca shares her perspective on what makes events like VetCon so powerful, the value of building genuine relationships, and why investing time in your personal and professional network can be one of the best business decisions you make. If you're considering attending VetCon26, this episode provides an insider's look at what's in store and exactly why you need to be there.🎟️ Get your VetCon26 tickets:👉 veteranbc.com/vetcon26🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VetCon26 #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Leadership #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Community #VeteranBusinessAwards #Entrepreneurship

Fresh Drop!S03E32 | Dr Alexis Badger - With Me With You - life as an Army Doctor and why veteran medicine is so important now more than everDr Alexis Badger is a Specialist General Practitioner and former Australian Army Medical Officer with more than 12 years of experience supporting serving members and veterans across both Defence and civilian healthcare settings. In this episode, Alexis shares her journey through military medicine, the realities of caring for veterans, and why honest, direct communication is critical in a healthcare system that can often feel confusing and overwhelming. She speaks openly about helping veterans better understand the DVA system, access the support they’re entitled to, and regain confidence in managing their health and wellbeing.The conversation also explores Alexis’ broader mission of service through With You Kenya, the international charity she founded to improve education, health, and community wellbeing in rural Kenya. From leadership lessons learned in the Army to advocating for patient-centred care and better outcomes for veterans, this episode is packed with practical insights, genuine conversation, and an important reminder that good care starts with good communication.🌐 Learn more about With Me With You: withmewithyou.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranHealthcare #VeteranSupport #ADF #MilitaryMedicine #DVA #Leadership #ArmyDoctor #Transition #MentalHealth #WithMeWithYou

Latest episode out!S03E31 | Glenn Keys - Aspen Medical - Arte et Marte! From test pilot on rotary wing and F18, through to starting the global leader in deployable health care - Aspen Medical. An amazing Australian #stillserving through his business, leadership and Project Independence.From flying rotary wing aircraft and F18s in the Australian Defence Force to founding one of the world’s leading deployable healthcare companies, Glenn Keys AO has built a life around service, leadership, and impact.As Founder of Aspen Medical, Glenn has grown the organisation from a startup in 2003 into a globally respected healthcare provider operating across 21 countries, delivering innovative medical solutions in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.But this conversation goes far beyond business success.Glenn shares insights from his military career, the lessons learned leading high-performing teams under pressure, and why social purpose has always been central to Aspen Medical’s mission. We also dive into Project Independence, the charity Glenn founded to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve home ownership, along with his continued support of veterans through Invictus Australia and the Invictus Games Foundation.This is an episode about leadership, purpose, service beyond the uniform, and building organisations that genuinely make a difference.🎧 Listen to the full episode:👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media 🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.aspenmedical.com/🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #AspenMedical #Leadership #ArteEtMarte #StillServing #VeteranLeadership #Healthcare #Entrepreneurship #Invictus #ProjectIndependence

New Episode Drop!Phil Dembon - British Navy veteran now passionate North Queenslander. From Manchester to Mareeba and the Cairns VBC regional chapter starting upFrom the Royal Navy to regional North Queensland, Phil Dembon’s journey spans countries, careers, and a lifelong return to service through community.Born in England, Phil joined the Royal Navy in 1972 and served until 1985. After relocating to Australia in 1986, he built a diverse career across the NSW Prison Service, private security, and eventually ran his own security business in Darwin. Along the way, his work expanded into counselling, massage training, and financial education, helping people navigate debt and rebuild stability.Today, Phil focuses on helping everyday Australians understand digital assets in a clear, practical, and scam-aware way. In a space often driven by hype and confusion, his approach is grounded in education first — slowing things down, highlighting risks, and helping people make informed decisions before they invest.In this episode, Phil also shares his personal journey of rediscovering connection to the veteran community through VBC, and his role in helping grow the Cairns regional chapter in Far North Queensland.This is a conversation about reinvention, lived experience, and why education and community matter more than ever.🎧 Listen to the full episode: 👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media 🌐 Join the VBC Community: 👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranTransition #Community #DigitalAssets #FinancialEducation #MilitaryToCivilian #NorthQueensland

Latest episode out!S03E29 | Andrew Macdonald - From Army Officer to building global brands. Scaling Ringers Western, expanding into the US, and what it really takes to growWhat does it actually take to turn an idea into a globally recognised brand?In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Macdonald — entrepreneur, operator, and former Army Officer — whose career spans military leadership and high-level commercial execution across apparel, footwear, and wellness.As Founder and former CEO of Ringers Western, Andrew took a startup concept and scaled it into a leading apparel brand, growing to 130+ staff, 350+ wholesale accounts globally, and a valuation exceeding $60M.He now leads Genuins USA, driving North American expansion for a $400M+ global footwear business, and is also Co-Founder & CEO of ALIVIA Wellness, a performance-focused health brand built for scale in the digital space.This conversation cuts into the reality of building and scaling businesses — from brand positioning and distribution to leadership, discipline, and commercial decision-making under pressure.🎧 Listen to the full episode: 👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media🌐 Join the VBC Community: 👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BrandBuilding #Scaling #BusinessGrowth