S02E23 | Own Place, Own Pace: Side Hustles and the real cost of patrolling Australia’s Northern waters with Navy Boatswain, Stephen Kepper

Veteran Business Community Podcast

🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E23 | Own Place, Own Pace: Side Hustles and the real cost of patrolling Australia’s Northern waters with Navy Boatswain, Stephen Kepper

In this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Stephen Kepper—Navy veteran, former correctional officer, and founder of Dukes Medal Mounting.

Stephen’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose after service. From his first posting on HMAS Stuart to operational deployments in the Gulf and Op Resolute, Stephen faced both the highs of service and the deep challenges of injury and PTSD.

After discharging from the Navy, he transitioned into civilian roles—from correctional officer to council compliance—before taking a leap of faith and building his own business honouring the service of others through precision medal mounting.

We talk about:

• Life in the Navy and lessons from leadership and operations
• The personal impact of service-related injuries and PTSD
• Navigating career transitions after Defence
• Turning a side hustle into a thriving business
• The importance of preserving and respecting military heritage

💡 An inspiring listen for anyone navigating life after service or chasing their own business dreams.

🔗 Connect with Stephen: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091298400488
🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #MilitaryMindsetforBusiness #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #NavyVeteran #DukesMedalMounting #LifeAfterService #VeteranStories #Resilience #Entrepreneurship