Steve Gaskell: From Army Captain to Business Coach

After 22 years of military service, former Army Captain Steve Gaskell was ready for a new challenge. Having spent much of his adult life serving in the armed forces, his next priority was to build a career that would give him greater control over his time and allow him to be closer to his family.

Through extensive research into franchising, Steve discovered ActionCOACH UK. What followed was a successful transition into business ownership, an award-winning coaching business and the opportunity to help other business owners build companies that give them more freedom.

Planning his next mission

Steve joined the Army in 1985 and spent 22 years building his military career. By the time he left, he had become Regimental Sergeant Major of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment before finishing his service as a commissioned Captain.

Leaving the military was a significant decision. Steve wanted to use the leadership, discipline and organisational skills he had developed during his service, but he also wanted a different lifestyle.

He spent 18 months researching what to do next, exploring different business opportunities and repeatedly returning to the idea of joining ActionCOACH.

“I went to The Franchise Show at ExCeL and met the ActionCOACH team and things fell into place. I left the Army in August 2013 and began training with ActionCOACH in September.

“I had done some really cool courses in the military, attempting SAS selection was by far the hardest, most challenging and best. ActionCOACH training came a close second. It was life changing!”

The transition from military service to running a business was a major change, but Steve quickly recognised that many of the skills he had developed in the Army would be valuable as a business coach.

Establishing himself in the business community

Steve's business quickly became part of the local business community. He took on leadership roles through Business Network International, directing his local chapter, and became Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce committee.

These relationships helped him establish a strong presence locally while building a network of business owners and professionals.

For Steve, franchising offered a practical route into business ownership. He had the independence to run his own business while benefiting from established systems, training and the support of a wider network.

“Being a franchise owner has been a fantastic way to get underway in business and master your own destiny. It has given me the freedom and flexibility to live my life in a truly abundant way with my family, friends and great clients.”

An award-winning business

Steve's hard work and progress were recognised in 2015 when he won the inaugural Nationwide Resettlement Awards Franchisee of the Year award, beating numerous other entrants and two finalists.

The business, which he initially started from home, had grown to the point where he moved into larger offices. These gave him the space to deliver both one-to-one coaching and group sessions.

“The business has just gone from strength to strength. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. It’s been hard work but I am proud of what has been achieved and we have some exciting plans for the future.”

Steve's military background is reflected in the way he approaches business planning and productivity. He has a clear vision for where he wants his business to be and makes a conscious effort to focus on the activities that will make the greatest difference.

“I have a very clear vision of where my business will be in five years. On a daily basis I have one simple rule: always be working on the most valuable and profitable activity at that point in time.”

As the business grew, Steve recognised that he needed to build a team around him. He recruited a Business Manager and a Business Development Manager, giving him more time to concentrate on coaching clients and developing the business.

His longer-term ambition was to grow to a size where he could bring another business coach into the team.

Helping business owners take control

Steve's own experience of wanting greater control over his time has influenced the way he works with clients. Many business owners come to coaching because they are working long hours, carrying too much responsibility and struggling to make time for their families.

One manufacturing client was facing exactly that challenge. With a young family on the way, the owner knew that continuing to run the business in the same way would make the transition to parenthood difficult.

Steve helped the business work towards a structure that did not rely so heavily on the owner being involved in every decision.

“Having no time and being the busiest person in a business is not an unusual initial insight when I first talk to a new client. Indeed, it was the case with a manufacturing company I work with. With the prospect of a young family looming, it was going to be a tough transition to parenthood with the knowledge of having no time.

“Today, with a General Manager appointed and an overseas client coordinator, they now have the time to focus on growing a profitable business and quality family time. What’s really fantastic is the 2016 nomination as finalists for a manufacturing award for its people and skills. They go from strength to strength.”

Steve also enjoys helping owners set ambitious growth targets and seeing the impact those plans have on business performance.

“It can often feel challenging to grow a business, let alone set specific goals regarding turnover. So, when I help a client develop a focused business plan with significant growth aspiration, it’s rewarding to see the bottom line grow on a monthly basis of 30%, on track for massive growth.

“What’s marvellous is along the way, the real passion has been unleashed and the business culture being created is nothing short of inspirational.”

For Steve, the most satisfying results often come when business owners develop the confidence and structure to take their companies further while enjoying the benefits of what they have built.

Helping the next generation develop

Building his own business also created opportunities for Steve's family.

His son, Quinn, joined the company after completing his degree. Steve was able to employ and train him as the Business Development Manager, giving him the opportunity to develop his own professional skills within the business.

“Twelve months on, he has been able to relocate to Sydney with one of our ActionCOACH firms as a BDM and Head of Media.”

It was a particularly rewarding outcome for Steve, who had built a business that could support his own ambitions while also helping his son establish a career.

More time for the people who matter

Although Steve is proud of the business he has built, his original reason for leaving the Army remains one of the most important measures of success.

After 22 years of military service, he wanted to spend more time with his family and avoid missing important moments because of work or deployment.

His business has given him the opportunity to work close to home, take a more active role in family life and build a career around a different set of priorities.

Steve is quick to recognise the part his wife, Sam, played in making that possible.

“It sounds like a cliché but none of this would have been possible without my wife’s unbelievable support. Sam has been my rock, looking after our family during my absence on deployment, always placing her needs second and always there for me and the kids.

“My office is now very close to home and I don’t have to miss out on family events. My son has learned and developed a career thanks to the business and my daughter has plans to follow my footsteps into the armed forces.”

A different kind of career, with a lasting impact

Steve's move from the Army into business coaching gave him the opportunity to apply decades of leadership experience in a new setting.

He has built an award-winning business, developed a team, established himself within his local business community and helped other owners improve the way their companies operate.

His story also highlights something that matters to many people leaving the armed forces: finding a new career where the skills developed during service can continue to make a difference.

For Steve, joining ActionCOACH UK provided a route into business ownership, with the training, systems and wider support to help him make that transition.

Could you take your experience into business coaching?

If you have a background in the military, leadership, management or business, your experience could provide a strong foundation for a career in business coaching.

An ActionCOACH UK franchise gives you the opportunity to build your own business while helping other business owners improve their performance and achieve their goals.

Discover how an ActionCOACH UK franchise could help you build a business with purpose, flexibility and the support of an established coaching community.