I grew up in a military family, married a Naval officer, and raised two boys in the military.
After 20 years of active-duty service and two tours in Vietnam, my father retired in California and opened a small music store where I oftentimes worked after school and on the weekends. I watched him share his love of music with other Vietnam veterans over the years. While I didn’t fully understand it then, I know now that sharing that love of music became a profound healing process for my father and those veterans he connected with in that little store. For me, I fell in love with the process – from ordering inventory, stocking shelves, and meeting customers. I was hooked.
Fast forward and I’m a small business owner in Washington, D.C. standing in line at a Hallmark store when I turn around and notice this tall, handsome man behind me. One year later I sold my small business, packed up my bags, and like my mother before me, assumed the role of a military spouse. I had no idea what a Navy SEAL was at the time, this was pre 9/11, but I learned quickly that the life and career options for military spouses like myself were minimal. Instead of giving up on my entrepreneurial dreams, I launched a nonprofit organization that helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses successfully launch and grow small businesses around the globe. The Rosie Network – inspired by the WWII icon, Rosie the Riveter – offers at no cost, our national award-winning and college-accredited training program called Service2CEO. We run cohorts year-round and serve approximately 5,000 military-connected members each year.
Sadly, my husband passed away three years ago having served over 30 years in the Navy and retiring as an Admiral. When I started this endeavor, I’ll never forget what he told me: “Stephanie, everyone needs a Purpose in life. Helping others find theirs is a true gift.”
I like to think Tom and my father would be proud.
About STEPHANIE BROWN
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
As a military kid, my siblings and I moved every 2 to 3 years. The upside was we experienced living overseas and other cultures. Being the ‘new’ kid in school time and time again was not always fun, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. You develop a sense of confidence in yourself and the ability to adapt to any environment. I see the same in both of my sons. They also recognize that freedom isn’t free and that those who serve our country in uniform deserve the very best we have to offer as a nation and a people.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the CEO and Founder of The Rosie Network and CEO and Co-Founder of the U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce (the only chamber of its kind). As a serial entrepreneur, I love meeting others who have a passion for creating something bigger than themselves.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
First, my advice to those considering entrepreneurship or already business owners is to Define what Success means to you and you alone. Resist comparing yourself and your business to others on social media, you are unique. 2. Do not go it alone. Entrepreneurship can be lonely and frustrating, but there is strength in numbers. Find and join a network that you can bring value to and that empowers you on this journey. 3. Listen and Learn. Don’t walk into a meeting or networking event thinking only of what you can gain, but focus on what you can give. Trust me, there is no greater value than helping others, it comes back to you 10 fold. Lastly, Build a Great Team. A Team is not limited to employees, it can mean mentors/advisors and advocates. Find people who will be honest with you, not just tell you what you want to hear. Be humble and thank those who support you OFTEN. You don’t have to take their advice, but you should show your gratitude for their time and efforts.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself handing over the reins to someone younger, smarter, and filled with vision! Perhaps I’ll write a book!
STEPHANIE BROWN & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
When I’m in Coronado, I love visiting McP’s Irish Pub & Grill, founded by a ret. Navy SEAL.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We bought our home in Alpine in 2008 and other than our Navy orders to Germany, I’ve lived and worked here since then.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Now this is a hard question! From leaders in the military community to the veteran and military family small business owners in San Diego, there are too many to list just one.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love Bubba’s Smokehouse in La Jolla (veteran-owned) and Janet’s here in Alpine!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love saddling up and riding through the beautiful hills of Alpine! When I have guests, we spend the day at Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Both are true gifts to our community!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Serena Williams. Don’t tell her, I’m not a big tennis fan, but she launched Serena Ventures and is investing in start-ups! We need more people like her who realize that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and community.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My family and friends think I’m weird, but I love all things zombie apocalypse, from World War Z to The Walking Dead. Maybe it’s because being an entrepreneur can feel like everyone is out to EAT you! But I think it has to do with teaming up with others to overcome the odds. Strange, I know.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m fascinated by the idea of surviving in the wild. Do I have what it takes? Do you?
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Living a meaningful life. After all, no one takes a suitcase with them when they leave this world.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
As a person of faith, my Lord and Savior. As a human being, my two beautiful sons. As an entrepreneur, my team and those we serve. Every Day.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
At the risk of sounding self-serving, The Rosie Network! We help our military spouses and veterans find their Purpose through Entrepreneurship.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you don’t love and accept yourself, no one else will.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
The beautiful ‘mountain’ town of Alpine.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
I am a country girl at heart and Alpine is truly unique. The people are friendly and I love the pine trees and what I refer to as our forests of giant boulders.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
My ideal weekend consists of me, my horse, and the open trails!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Webster defines HOME as a place one resides. To me, Home represents family, memories, and traditions, not a place. Military families move every two to three years, we learn the meaning of HOME is more than four walls and a roof. It’s about Love.
