About Jason
My professional path is unique and sets me apart from other project managers. As a child, I worked alongside my father and grandfather as they undertook a variety of construction and fabrication projects. I grew comfortable on job sites and began understanding the challenges of solving unique and unanticipated problems. I watched my father design custom tools and products to make his work more efficient. When my father and grandfather remodeled the homes of family or friends or rebuilt a piece of heavy equipment, I stood by, observed, and absorbed the lessons of their approach and process. This training ignited my interest in solving problems and figuring out how things worked. These interests and passions led me to a project management career and continue to motivate me as I undertake new and compelling projects that require unique and innovative solutions.
During my time in the USN, I received the following distinctions and certifications.
National Defense Service Medal
Battle “E” Award
Good Conduct Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x2)
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Armed Forces Medal
Yellow Shirt (Plane Captain) Qualified
Hazmat Qualified
Various Ground Equipment Certifications
APU Operation Certifications
Various certifications to support whatever work needed to be done
After the Navy, I was hired by SFE Global as a Field Technician in the Civil Construction Industry, specifically in Wastewater and Stormwater. Within a year, I was promoted to Project Manager and, within three years, to Operations Manager for all U.S. Operations.
To succeed in these positions, I immersed myself in every detail of the industry and became an expert in both the execution and management of SFE’s systems. I developed supporting documentation and established operating, safety, and training standards that continue to be used by SFE Global. After seven years with the company, I pursued a degree in Civil Engineering.
Next, I wanted to leverage my extensive experience and knowledge with a return to project management. Despite not knowing much about public art, I began working with renowned public artist Gordon Huether. I was hired for the newly minted position of Project Manager during a period of significant growth and change at GHS. The studio was about to partner with the Salt Lake City Department of Aviation (SLCDA) on a multi-million and multi-year airport construction and Gordon needed a project manager who could guide the studio through this outstanding opportunity. My experience in construction and fabrication, in addition to my proven success working with public agencies, preparing complex contracts, and managing large, multidimensional teams, made me the ideal candidate.
Working in public art was a completely unexpected direction for me. The surprises and challenges of the studio were compounded by the fact that I was completely defining the role as I went along. As I had in previous jobs, I assessed and codified every aspect of the organization, building procedures and templates, analyzing workflow and production calendars, sourcing materials, and forging relationships with suppliers and collaborators.
I managed every stage of the project, including our in-house fabrication shop and digital design team, all client communications, documentation of all aspects of the business and projects, on-site leadership, and participation in every installation. At one point, I managed 34 art commissions and day-to-day studio operations and strategized with the leadership team to grow Gordon’s studio.
In 2019, we adjusted my role from managing all studio operations to focusing primarily on Gordon’s work at the Salt Lake Airport. I became a consultant to the studio and was able to focus on the work in Salt Lake City while working independently.
My transition to consultant has established a smooth and sustainable pathway to success for the studio. I manage and am responsible for every aspect of Gordon’s continued collaboration with the SLCDA. As we approach completing the last of the 36 task orders for SLCDA, I look forward to working with Gordon on future grand-scale installations. I am equally pleased to begin consulting with other public artists and industries in a project managerial capacity and bring the significant experience I have acquired to the table.
Today, I leverage my 20+ years of project management experience and long-standing relationships with industry partners worldwide to ensure the success of every project I partner on. I offer a wide range of consulting services and fulfill a wide variety of client needs by providing an analytic systems approach, establishing procedural and documentation standards, and providing metrics for improvement. I provide creative solutions to infinite challenges and guarantee success, especially when the project demands an innovative approach.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy exercising my experience by volunteering with non-profit organizations. I have developed a deep community with other veterans since my discharge and have developed connections to different veteran organizations, who all work to support each other and the communities in which they are based. These volunteer opportunities align with deepening my community and supporting the recreation activities I enjoy, such as surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, spearfishing, etc.
After working for several years in construction, I enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001. I received extensive training and opportunities that strengthened my interest and knowledge of construction and fabrication. After basic training and A-School, I was assigned to VP-26 in NAS Brunswick as an Aviation Electrician, where I advanced my knowledge of aircraft electrical systems and mechanics. After two deployments, including reconnaissance and conflict support, the aircraft I had trained on was getting phased out. I took this as an opportunity for an early honorable discharge and returned to civilian life.
Volunteer Organizations
Veteran Surf Alliance
Not only am I a member of the Veteran Surf Alliance, based in Santa Cruz, CA, but I also volunteer with the organization as the Merchandise Director.
The Veteran Surf Alliance's mission is to create fellowship and community among veterans through surfing, easing the transition between military service and civilian living. The VSA accomplishes this by teaching, coaching, and mentoring veterans to surf and be respected members of their communities, providing access to surfboards, vital equipment, routine meetups, and platforms by which to connect and support each other. The VSA provides the same type of camaraderie found while serving in the military.
Veteran MTB
Veteran MTB is a developing 501C non-profit organization based in Santa Cruz, CA, that provides community to veterans through the recreational sport of mountain biking. VMTB provides equipment and coaching to veterans at monthly events, as well as “one-off” opportunities as needs arise.
I am one of the original members of this organization, offering support to the founder Purple Heart Recipient, Nate Escoto, while the organization structure is going through development stages. Currently, VMTB is offering demo-grade equipment to veterans at all meetups, as well as skills coaching and guiding through the extensive trail systems located in Santa Cruz County. This organization's goal is to provide quality equipment (adaptive where necessary) to its members free of charge, opportunities for veterans to test whether MTB is the right sport for them, and group trips to deepen the bond within the community. VMTB offers support in hopes of decreasing the veteran suicide rate of 22 per day.
