FROM SOLE TRADER TO HOLDING GROUP
Neptune Holding Group began in 2017, after the collapse of a major security provider created an unexpected opportunity. Matthew stepped in to take over contracts, while still serving full-time in the Royal Australian Navy.
The early days were far from polished.
“Cashflow was an absolute nightmare early on.”
Matthew was paying staff before paying himself, using personal savings to keep the business afloat and doing whatever was necessary to survive the first critical weeks.
What began as a small operation quickly grew into a multi-company group, providing security, cleaning, training and cybersecurity services across the Northern Territory.
MILITARY DISCIPLINE MEETS COMMERCIAL REALITY
After joining the Navy in 2005, Matthew spent 20 years in military service. That experience shaped how Neptune would eventually operate.
The vision was clear: recruit people, train them properly, deploy them into the workforce, and continually upskill them throughout their careers. A structured lifecycle model inspired directly by military leadership.
However, while leadership principles translated well, business complexity quickly caught up.
“I felt like I fell into business.”
Cashflow challenges, rapid growth and increasing responsibility meant Matthew knew he needed support to build something sustainable.
KNOWING WHEN TO GET HELP
Matthew has always believed in surrounding himself with people smarter than him. He explored different coaching options over several years before finally joining The Entourage in 2024, after attending a live event in Darwin.
“The moment I met them in person, I was in.”
What followed was not just business support, but something deeper.
“The community is everything.”
From his first retreat, Matthew found himself surrounded by experienced founders and leaders who welcomed him in and challenged him to raise the standard of both his business and himself.
SYSTEMS, SPEED AND EXECUTION
One of the biggest shifts after joining The Entourage was how quickly ideas moved into action.
“We have an idea, we execute.”
Instead of overthinking or delaying decisions, Matthew and his team built momentum through speed, structure and clear execution. This allowed Neptune to not only scale revenue, but also raise standards across the security industry in the Territory.
The group has since introduced new safety initiatives, invested in innovation, expanded its office footprint and continued evolving its service offering.
REAL RESULTS, REAL SCALE
Since joining The Entourage:
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Revenue has doubled
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Neptune Holding Group has become an eight-figure business
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The team has expanded significantly
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New office space has been established
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Profits have been reinvested into people, technology and innovation
But for Matthew, the biggest result wasn’t financial.
“The biggest takeaway for me is the person I’ve become.”
LEADING FROM A STRONGER PLACE
2024 was a difficult year personally. Through the support of The Entourage community and coaching environment, Matthew was able to rebuild his health, mindset and leadership capacity.
“Health comes first with everything.”
That shift changed how he shows up in business, leadership and life. With his transition out of the Navy in early 2026, Matthew is now preparing to step into Neptune full-time, bringing renewed energy and clarity into the next phase of growth.
PURPOSE BEYOND PROFIT
One of the most meaningful outcomes for Matthew has been creating employment pathways for veterans transitioning out of Defence.
“Being able to give veterans a purpose has been one of the most rewarding things for me.”
Neptune continues to build opportunities for former service members while strengthening community safety across the regions it serves.
LOOKING AHEAD
With Matthew stepping into the business full-time, the focus is now on:
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Strategic leadership
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Continued personal development
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Scaling the group with strong systems and people
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Building a business that does not rely on him day-to-day
“There are better ways to grow a business without being tied to it 24/7.”
THE LEGACY
Matthew’s goal is simple.
“If the community feels safer because we’re around, that’s the legacy I want to leave.”
