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Given his knowledge and leadership experience, Bethmann should have had an easy transition when he was medically retired in 2019, but that was not the case. Bethmann initially took a role in logistics sales, but with no clear mission or sense of purpose, he felt unfulfilled. at's what led him into the recruiting world, where he learned about SkillBridge, a Department of Defense internship program that enables transitioning service members to work at civilian companies for between 90 and 180 days while still receiving their military pay. It was the perfect program for bridging the gap in terms of a candidate's ramp-up time, and Bethmann created Redeployment specifically with SkillBridge in mind. Indeed, he had several contracts lined up, but the timing could not have been worse — Bethmann launched the company in March of 2020, right at the onset of the pandemic. Once again, Bethmann was forced to pivot, this time into boutique biotech recruiting, where he learned that successful placements depended less on his own scientific knowledge than understanding the needs and culture of his clients. "Some of these jobs are so specific, there may be only 250 people in the world who fit that bill," he says. "What I needed to do was find the right fit for my client and their mission." Bethmann's success in the biotech arena gave him a platform to relaunch Redeployment in 2021. His first client was Calidi Biotherapeutics, under the leadership of Rancho Santa Fe resident Allan Camaisa, where he recruited personnel up to the chief financial officer before Calidi went public in 2023. By 2024, Redeployment expanded into defense startups, a sector Bethmann believes is especially well suited to transitioning service members, who are accustomed to fast-paced environments and multiple responsibilities. "ere is a lot of investment money going into defense startups right now," says Bethmann, the father of two young children with a third on the way. He points to companies like Seasats, a local startup developing autonomous drone boats, where he recently placed a candidate. In addition to recruiting, Bethmann coaches transitioning service members and veterans, and helps them connect to new industries through targeted networking events. "Transitioning military personnel are constantly approached by companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Lockheed, and Northrop Grumman," Bethmann says. "I get to introduce them to a community they may never even have thought about."redeployment.us Bethmann proposed a new position to his superior officers: financial advisor to midshipmen, a role that proved so successful it is now permanent. After completing his initial service commitment in 2013, Bethmann remained in the Navy, eventually serving with SEAL Team 7 in San Diego. Soon thereafter, however, he received a medical disqualification and was reassigned to a helicopter squadron on Coronado — another unexpected turn that ultimately shaped his future. On Coronado, Bethmann earned the call sign "Red," in reference to the character in the Shawshank Redemption who could get people whatever they needed. Thomas Bethmann and Ryan Bethmann @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE JUNE 2026 53 Thomas Bethmann and Ryan Bethmann