Today marks Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.
This solemn occasion honours the sacrifice and service of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, as well as the contributions and struggles of all who have served their nations.
As we remember their service and dedication, it’s also a time to celebrate and support our Australian veterans who have launched successful businesses. These entrepreneurs bring with them the same spirit of service, discipline, and dedication that they exhibited during their military careers.
Today, we bring you the stories of sixteen ex-defence individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the business world.
Swoop.Aero by Eric Peck ex RAAF pilot
Eric Peck, a former RAAF pilot, has taken his expertise in aviation to new heights by founding Swoop.Aero. This innovative company is changing the way we think about transportation by developing a network of autonomous electric air vehicles that can be used for medical deliveries and passenger transport.
Peck’s experience and skills gained during his time in the military have been instrumental in the success of Swoop.Aero, and it’s exciting to see how his contributions to the aviation industry are making a positive impact on society.
Aero PM by founder Emily Frizell
Emily Frizell is the founder and CEO of Aero PM, a company that specializes in project management and consultancy services for the aviation industry. She was awarded Female Defence Leader of the Year in 2020.
Emily has built Aero PM into a leading firm that provides high-quality project management services to aviation companies around the world.
Quasar Satellite Technologies by ex RAAF Phil Ridley
Phil Ridley, a former RAAF member, has taken his experience in aerospace and founded Quasar Satellite Technologies. As the CEO of the company, Ridley is driving innovation in the space industry by developing new technologies to improve satellite communication systems.
Quasar Satellite Technologies’ groundbreaking solutions can potentially transform how we communicate globally. Ridley’s military background and expertise have been critical to the success of the company, and it’s exciting to see how his contributions are changing the face of the space industry.
Soldier.ly by Chris Rhyss Edwards
Soldier.ly, founded by Chris Rhyss Edwards, is a tech company that specializes in developing advanced solutions to help military and law enforcement personnel in the field. Chris is an ex-Australian Army Intelligence Officer who served for nearly 10 years, including multiple deployments overseas.
Soldier.ly’s products include body-worn cameras, situational awareness software, and mobile applications designed to enhance safety and security in the field.
AMSL Aero by former Australian Army officer Andrew Moore
AMSL Aero is a cutting-edge aerospace company that is changing the game in the aviation industry. Founded by former Australian Army officer Andrew Moore, AMSL Aero has developed an advanced electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can be used for a range of applications, including emergency response, search and rescue, and transportation.
Moore’s experience in the military has been invaluable in developing this innovative technology, and his dedication to positively impacting society is reflected in the company’s mission.
Chironix by Daniel Milford
Chironix is a robotics company founded by Daniel Milford, a mechanical engineer with a background in robotics and automation. The company specialises in developing autonomous robots and intelligent systems for a variety of industries, including mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Chironix’s robots are designed to increase efficiency and safety in these industries while also reducing costs and improving overall productivity. Milford’s expertise in robotics and automation has helped Chironix become a leading player in the field of autonomous robotics.
TacMed Australia by former Special Forces Medic Jeremy Holder
TacMed Australia was founded by Jeremy Holder, a former Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) Medic. The company is a leading supplier of specialised medical equipment and training to military and law enforcement agencies. TacMed Australia offers a range of products, including medical kits, trauma gear, personal protective equipment, and expert tactical medicine training to ensure the best possible outcomes in high-pressure situations.
Ironside Recruitment by former CPL vehicle mechanic Glen Ferrarotto
Ironside Recruitment was founded by Glen Ferrarotto, a former Australian Army officer who saw the need to bridge the gap between military personnel and civilian employers. Ironside Recruitment specialises in placing veterans into civilian roles and has extensive experience in military recruitment. Glen’s military background has given him a unique understanding of the skills and attributes that veterans can bring to the workforce.
BenchOn by former military man Tim Walmsley
BenchOn was founded by Tim Walmsley, a former Royal Australian Air Force officer who served for over 8 years in various roles, including project management and procurement. BenchOn is a platform that connects businesses with skilled professionals on-demand, allowing employers to access a pool of pre-vetted talent while providing freelancers and contractors with access to a wide range of job opportunities. Tim’s experience in the military has enabled him to develop a platform that solves the complex staffing issues faced by many businesses.
True North Images by Ex-Navy Photographer Bonny Gassner
True North Images is a photography company founded by Bonny Gassner, who served in the Navy for over 20 years as a photographer. After retiring from the Navy, Gassner started her own photography business, focusing on capturing images of nature, wildlife, and landscapes in Canada’s remote northern regions. True North Images’ work has been featured in several publications, and Gassner has won multiple awards for her photography. Through her photography, Gassner aims to showcase the beauty of Canada’s wilderness and inspire others to appreciate and protect it.
Penten by Co-Founder Ben Whitham
Penten is a cybersecurity company founded by Co-Founder and GM of AppliedAI, Ben Whitham. The company specialises in developing advanced cybersecurity solutions for government and defence agencies, with a focus on mobile security, wireless security, and secure collaboration tools. Penten’s innovative solutions have been recognized with multiple awards, and the company has been named one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies. As the Co-Founder and GM of AppliedAI, Whitham brings expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning to Penten’s work.
WithYouWithMe by veteran Tom Moore
WithYouWithMe was founded by Tom Moore, a former Australian Army Special Forces officer, to assist veterans in finding suitable careers after leaving the military.
The platform offers a range of services such as skills assessment, job matching, training, and career coaching, all aimed at ensuring a smooth and fulfilling transition into civilian life.
Cogito Group by Richard Brown
Cogito Group is a cybersecurity company founded by Richard Brown, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the field. The company provides a range of cybersecurity services, including security consulting, penetration testing, and incident response. Cogito Group has worked with clients in industries ranging from government and defence to finance and healthcare. Brown is an active member of the cybersecurity community and has spoken at conferences and written articles on cybersecurity issues.
Omega Dev Group by veteran Blair Hickey
Omega Dev Group is a software development company founded by Blair Hickey with a ten-year plus career in the Australian Army. Hickey started the company with the goal of providing high-quality software development services to businesses in a variety of industries. Omega Dev Group specializes in custom software development, mobile app development, and web development, and has worked with clients ranging from small startups to large corporations. Hickey’s military experience has instilled in him a sense of discipline and attention to detail, which he brings to his work at Omega Dev Group.
CEA Technologies by Ian Croser and David Gaul
CEA Technologies is an Australian-based defence company that specializes in the development and production of advanced radar systems for military and civilian applications. The company was founded in 1983 by Ian Croser and David Gaul and has since established itself as a leading provider of radar solutions worldwide.
Ian Croser and David Gaul are both highly respected engineers in the field of radar technology.
Australian Warfighters Coffee by military veteran Greg Jansen
Australian Warfighters Coffee, founded by Greg Jansen, aims to support veterans and their families through various initiatives. Greg served in the Royal Australian Navy for over 20 years and was inspired to create premium coffee blends based on his experiences serving alongside military personnel. Australian Warfighters Coffee is committed to providing high-quality coffee products while also supporting veteran causes.
Lest we forget
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