Next Mission: Work, Purpose & Community
Quarterly Veterans Business Happy Hour
📅 May 19th | 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs
Join us for our quarterly gathering designed to bring veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses, and military-connected professionals together to engage, connect, share insight, and build meaningful relationships.
Our Q2 event features Judson Kauffmann. From Navy SEAL Sniper to international entrepreneur, Judson Kauffman has earned the wisdom that frames his approach to finding fulfillment in life. Judson has learned the secrets of success, leading teams and himself to the pinnacle of performance. He delivers deeply emotional insights that change how people invest their time. By becoming intimate with death, he has created a beautiful relationship with life and helps others do the same.
Our Goal:
Austin and the surrounding areas have an incredible military-connected ecosystem — we are excited to offer yet another opportunity to network in the Hill Country!
Timing:
6:00–6:30 PM – Arrival + Happy Hour
6:30–6:50 PM – Event Speaker: Judson Kauffmann
6:50–8:00 PM – Networking & Connection
Speaker Background:
Judson Kauffmann
Judson Kauffman served in the US Navy as an Intelligence Analyst, a Search and Rescue Swimmer for a Marine Corps amphibious unit, and a Navy SEAL sniper, navigator, and team leader. On active duty, Judson executed over 200 missions, received multiple combat awards for valor, and earned three meritorious promotions.
After his honorable discharge from the military, he enrolled at Belmont University, earning his undergraduate degree in business and a regular spot on the dean’s list.
After finishing his degree, he married his wife, Renèe, before working for a Nashville-based consumer product start-up. After getting a taste for entrepreneurship, Judson launched a consulting firm, Exbellum, in 2012. Exbellum provided hands-on advisory and coaching services to help companies solve human capital challenges. Clients included Johnson & Johnson, Seagate, Pinterest, Scott’s, and others. He and his cofounder later sold this company in 2017.
That same year, Judson earned his MBA from the McCombs School at the University of Texas. During this program, he co-founded Desert Door Distillery, where he currently serves as the chairman of the board of directors. Desert Door has become one of the most successful spirits brands in Texas history and holds a special place in his heart. Desert Door has been named the #1 craft distillery in the nation twice, and their spirits have won multiple awards.
After getting the distillery off the ground with his co-founders, Judson started his third company, Terradepth, an ocean exploration and data-as-a-service company. Judson guided the company through two financing rounds and built an impressive team. His work with Terradepth earned Judson the Future Legend award from the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
In 2022, Judson shifted his focus to helping others on their own journey of fulfillment. He is an ICF-certified Transformational Coach, a kundalini yoga practitioner, and trained in transcendental meditation. He has delivered over 100 keynote speeches and has logged over 2,000 hours of coaching.
Judson spends his time with his family, out in nature, hunting, fishing, writing, playing music, and enjoying life’s many wonders. He volunteers for and supports several non-profits, including The EVRYMAN Foundation, Wild Spirits Wild Places, St. Louise House, and serves on the board of directors for The Wittliff Collections.
