Authenticity and Small Business Success: A Team Member's Journey

As a former Boatswain’s Mate in the US Navy, Stephen got used to working with his hands. By the time he transitioned into civilian life, he had steered his way through 17 countries in his 6 years of active duty. It’s been nearly a decade since then, and Stephen credits the military as his gateway to a great future.

“I think [the military] is a great experience right out of high school, to learn how to develop and plan for your life,” he said. “Joining the military gave me resources like tuition assistance at the time, and the GI Bill afterwards.”

These resources enabled Stephen to earn both a B.S. and an M.S. in Health Promotion, which he now uses to coordinate wellness programs and initiatives across Navy Federal Credit Union. In honor of Pride Month, we sat down with Stephen to talk about how authenticity and support in the workplace goes a long way—and how having that support has allowed him to pursue his small business passions. 

Stephen’s time in the military taught him an important lesson that has stayed with him through his civilian career: having your leadership’s support makes all the difference. “Having good leadership or bad leadership can really dictate where you’re going to go in life,” he shared. “My leader legitimately cares about my performance, my development and my wellness. . . you don’t find many employers that care about your home life as well as your professional life.”

A culture of support

Stephen and his teammates are the recipients of solid support not only in the form of caring leaders, but also in the benefits they get from Navy Federal. They're designed to put employees' wellbeing first—from adoption assistance, discounts on childcare, comprehensive insurance plans and more—the organization walks the walk when it comes to investing in its people. “I’m very grateful every day for the leadership I have. Not everybody has that,” Stephen said. As a devoted husband and father of four little boys, he never takes this support for granted.

The unwavering encouragement from his leadership, along with the freedom to be true to himself, is why Stephen never plans to leave Navy Federal. “I have been in a lot of places in my life where I have felt judged,” he said. “I have never felt that way here.”

“BEING ABLE TO BE TRUTHFUL AND HONEST WITH YOUR TEAM AND YOUR LEADERSHIP PLAYS A LARGE PART IN YOUR AUTHENTICITY AT WORK.”

We don’t just want team members like Stephen to live their best lives at work. We want them to have the time and space they need to pursue their passions at home, too. For Stephen, being able to indulge in his creative side and market his creations is as delightful as the first bite of a sugar cookie.

From hobby to side gig

When Stephen first started baking cookies, he never expected to turn his hobby into a business. But thanks to encouragement from his family, an edible printer and lots of free time during the pandemic, he’s now the proud owner and baker-in-chief of The Dapper Diamond. The most impressive part of it all? He’s entirely self-taught.

“I have really taught myself everything, from making the cookies to the icing, the different consistencies, and decorating,” he said.

No one’s happier to have a cookie chef on their team than his teammates at work. He’s baked sugar cookies for many Navy Federal events, including town halls, leadership summits and more. Along with the personal support he’s received from his team, Navy Federal is committed to providing tools and resources for small business owners like Stephen. From checking and savings accounts to credit cards and loans, our Business Solutions team offers competitive products to help small business owners thrive.

“Navy Federal supports me a lot. Not only is my business account here, but the employees themselves keep [my business] really busy,” he shared.

Stephen did it—and you can, too

In addition to Navy Federal’s resources, Stephen also found his local Small Business Development Center vital for his bakery’s success, and he encourages aspiring small business owners to take advantage of their local centers. “They really pointed me in the right direction on how to file for my LLC, if I needed insurance, and they gave me a free budget template. They will stand by your side,” he said.

His biggest piece of advice, however, is to just do it. 

“I didn’t have any [business] objectives or anything like that,” he said. “I’ve just enjoyed baking for a really long time.” This is how most small businesses start—with a simple idea that’s fueled by dedication and enthusiasm.

As of right now, The Dapper Diamond offers custom cookies and seasonal batches available for preorder. He’s open to exploring other niches someday, and since he already has a business license, the sky is the limit. Whether he chooses to expand his bakery or venture into catering, The Dapper Diamond will continue to shine.

If you’re a Veteran like Stephen who’s interested in starting your own business, you’re far from alone—according to a 2025 LinkedIn analysis,, there are over 1.6 million Veteran-owned businesses in the US. We want to help you get started on your small business journey, with exclusive resources for Veteran-owned businesses, from business training programs to franchise opportunities.

Putting the unity in community

Unity is essential to our communities—it binds us all together. During Pride Month, supporting one another looks like heightened celebrations, business success and meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and support. As a Servicemember, Stephen was united with his fellow sailors every time they worked together to navigate the seas. He feels that kind of connection with his leadership at Navy Federal every time they check on his development or ask how his family is doing. As a small business owner, he also feels connected to his community every time someone places an order.

Being supported by the people in his life has allowed Stephen to truly blossom. He’s currently pursuing an M.B.A. and recently celebrated the adoption of his children. “Being able to get married and adopt [my] children has been such a blessing,” he shared. “Having these rights and being who we are is really important.”

True community is more than supporting one another—it’s about fostering mutual respect and understanding. Throughout his career, Stephen has learned that putting aside differences is what allows communities to flourish.

“You don’t have to agree with our lifestyles, but you don’t have to put it down either,” Stephen said. “I don’t think it [applies to] just our community, it’s life in general. We don’t walk the same path, and we don’t have to. Just because we don’t always see eye-to-eye on things doesn’t mean we have to hate each other.”

“PRIDE MONTH TO ME. . . IS BEING YOURSELF AND HAVING THE RIGHT TO DO SO.”

Navy Federal helps foster the wellbeing and success of team members and the communities we serve. People like Stephen make Navy Federal a better place to work and the world a better place to live. We deeply admire him as a Veteran and small business owner, but his compassion, creativity and kindness make him someone we’re proud to call a teammate—and family.