Caroline Chapdelaine on Buying a Carve Out in Defense Manufacturing

The Durable Small Business Series brings together a curated community of small business owners, investors, and operators from across Utah.

Our events focus on meaningful conversations and quality programming — from speaker series and fireside chats to hands-on workshops.

Today’s event features a Fireside Chat with Caroline Chapdelaine on Buying a Carve Out in Defense Manufacturing

Caroline is the CEO and Co-Founder of Northstar Photonics and her small business journey is anything but typical — she’s gone from serving in military intelligence to leading a cutting-edge defense manufacturing company.

With experience at defense giants like Northrop Grumman and L3 Harris, Caroline carved out Northstar Photonics from an established firm and hasn’t looked back. She’ll share what it takes to navigate the high-stakes world of defense contracting, from acquiring specialized equipment to mastering government regulations and overcoming financial hurdles.

If you're curious about bold career transitions or building a business in a niche market, this conversation promises real-world insights on resilience, strategy, and the power of strong partnerships.

Host or Publisher Durable