After 16 years in the RAF, Tim Peakman made a bold move—he walked away from the structure of military life to build a business on his own terms. Today, he runs a one-person online business, enjoys location freedom, and spends his time snowboarding in Banff while still making a living.

In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, Tim breaks down exactly how he made the transition from the military to entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever thought about leaving service, starting your own thing, or creating a business that fits your lifestyle instead of the other way around—this episode is for you.

Tim shares:

• Why he didn’t follow the typical “ex-PTI fitness business” route
• How he started making money online before even leaving the RAF
• The biggest mistakes veterans make when transitioning to self-employment
• Why planning your exit years in advance makes all the difference
• The myth of “build it and they will come” – and what to do instead
• How he created a business that lets him work from anywhere (and why you can too!)
• This episode is packed with practical advice for veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone wanting more control over their future.

Key Takeaways

• Start Before You Leave – Tim didn’t wait until his RAF career ended before figuring out what was next. He built his business while still serving, ensuring a smoother transition.
• Don’t Just “Jump and Hope” – Many veterans believe they need to quit first and figure things out later. Tim’s approach? Plan. Test. Transition. The best move is to build on the side first.
• You Don’t Have to Follow the Crowd – Tim was a PTI in the RAF, but he didn’t start a fitness business. Instead, he played to his strengths and found a model that worked for his long-term goals.
• Your business around lifestyle, time freedom, and travel, instead of getting stuck in a 9-to-5 trap disguised as entrepreneurship.
• Making Money Online is a Skill – Not a Luck Game – Whether it’s selling products, coaching, or content creation, you need to learn the game before expecting results. Tim shares the real process behind successful online businesses.

Soundbites

"I wanted freedom, not just a different boss. That meant building a business that worked for my life—not the other way around."

"If you’re still in service, start NOW. The best transition is a gradual one, not a sudden leap into the unknown."

"Build it and they will come? Bollocks. You need a plan, an audience, and a strategy."

"Your time in the military gave you more business skills than you realise. It’s just about learning how to use them differently."

"Don’t wait for permission to start your next mission. No one’s coming to save you—you have to build it yourself."

Connect with Tim:

Website: www.timpeakman.com

YouTube: @TimPeakman

Business Workshop: www.timpeakman.com/workshop

Mentorship: Available through Heropreneurs for veterans transitioning into business

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