Ben Campbell - from combat to construction
Finalist, Saab Australia Rising Star Award 2025
In the high-voltage corridors of Australia’s infrastructure sector, one name is quietly redefining what leadership looks like: Ben Campbell, Finalist for the Saab Australia Rising Star Award at the King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025.
A Veteran of the Australian Army’s 2nd Battalion, Ben served two combat tours before transitioning into civilian life in 2013. What followed was a decade-long climb through the electrical industry, from Trades Assistant to High-Voltage Substation Technician.
But in 2023, with a newborn at home and no external funding, Ben made a bold move: he launched Milspec Energy Solutions, a veteran-owned high-voltage electrical company based in Queensland.
In less than a year, Milspec grew to 12 full-time staff, secured major contracts, and established a fleet and depot. But Ben’s proudest milestone? Employing a fellow young veteran as Milspec’s first electrical apprentice - a moment that reflects his deeper mission: creating meaningful post-service careers for others.
Built on military values of integrity, discipline, and service, Milspec delivers complex infrastructure projects across QLD, NSW, and VIC. The company’s in-house delivery model, veteran-first recruitment strategy, and commitment to social impact set it apart in an industry often driven by volume and margin.
Ben’s leadership is hands-on, values-led, and deeply personal. He’s navigated sacrifice, isolation, and the mental shifts of transitioning from defence to business, all while building a culture of excellence and accountability. His ability to secure Tier 1 contracts within weeks of launching speaks to the trust he’s earned through years of reliable delivery and deep field knowledge.
Milspec isn’t just a business - it’s a platform for impact. From mentoring apprentices to supporting local suppliers, Ben is proving that commercial success and social purpose can go hand in hand.
Find out more: https://www.milspecenergy.com.au
The King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025 Saab Australia Rising Star Award recognises the outstanding efforts of a veteran or Australian Defence Force (ADF) family business owner/operator 35 years old and under.
