Current role
Founder
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Qwestrum — Career Profile (Example journey)
Tom Hargreaves
Founder | Social Impact | Manchester, United Kingdom
Current roleFounder
EducationRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst (2004)
Short bio
I served two tours in Afghanistan. Coming home was harder than going. Now I help other veterans find purpose through construction trade skills.
Biography
The army gave me discipline and teamwork. Leaving it gave me a crisis. Building Veterans Build UK out of that crisis was how I found my second mission.
Career milestones
Infantry Soldier & Sergeant2004 - 2014
British Army — First Job
Context
I joined at 18 with no plan other than to get out of a difficult home situation. The army gave me structure, brotherhood, and purpose.
Challenges
Two tours left me with PTSD that I did not acknowledge for years.
Learnings
Strength is not the absence of struggle. Getting help is the harder act.
Outcome
Left service with leadership skills, discipline, and a mental health crisis that forced growth.
Advice
Your military skills are more transferable than you think. Learn to translate them.
Skills
Leadership, Logistics, Team Coordination, Crisis Decision-Making
Founder2016 - 2019
Veterans Build UK — Startup Launch
Context
After two years of struggling with civilian life, I started running informal building workshops for veterans in my garage. Word spread fast.
Challenges
Had no idea how to register a charity, write grants, or manage a board.
Learnings
Mission-driven people will teach you what you do not know if you are honest about needing help.
Outcome
Secured first government contract and registered as a Community Interest Company.
Advice
Start before you are ready. The doing is the learning.
Skills
Grant Writing, Programme Management, Partnership Development, Public Speaking
Biography-focused profile
Tom Hargreaves
Founder | Social Impact | Manchester, United Kingdom
Social Enterprise Founder
Business & Entrepreneurship | 20 years experience
Education
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (2004)
Short bio
I served two tours in Afghanistan. Coming home was harder than going. Now I help other veterans find purpose through construction trade skills.
Biography
The army gave me discipline and teamwork. Leaving it gave me a crisis. Building Veterans Build UK out of that crisis was how I found my second mission.
Journey overview
2004 - 2014 | Infantry Soldier & Sergeant
Duration: 10 years
I joined at 18 with no plan other than to get out of a difficult home situation. The army gave me structure, brotherhood, and purpose.
2016 - 2019 | Founder
Duration: 3 years
After two years of struggling with civilian life, I started running informal building workshops for veterans in my garage. Word spread fast.