About Jordan
Helping people lead with purpose—starting right where they are.
The Spark at COLA
When I was in high school, I joined a program called the Central Ohio Leadership Academy, or COLA. I didn’t know it at the time, but that week would change the direction of my life.
COLA wasn’t about titles or résumés. It was about people — about understanding yourself, learning to listen, and realizing that leadership isn’t something you wait to grow into someday. It’s something you live out today, right where you are.
That week opened my eyes. I met mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. I saw how quickly things change when people with different stories stop competing and start creating together. COLA taught me that no matter how old you are, you are not a leader of tomorrow. You are a Leader of Today.
I left with a deep conviction that leadership isn’t limited to the people who already have influence — it belongs to those who choose to care.
That’s the heart of where everything began.
From a Spark to a Movement
After graduating from COLA in 2018, I couldn’t shake that feeling — that there needed to be more spaces like it. Spaces where young people could build confidence, grow their ideas, and feel supported as they worked to make their communities better.
That dream eventually became Leaders of Today. What started small — a few students, a few mentors, and a lot of heart — has grown into a nonprofit that equips high school leaders across Central Ohio with tools, opportunities, and community to create lasting impact.
We’ve hosted conferences, run summer programs, and given out micro-grants to help students launch projects that bring people together. But more than anything, we’ve seen lives change — not because of me or our team, but because young people were given the chance to lead, serve, and believe in themselves.
That’s what keeps me going: knowing that leadership, when done well, multiplies. It grows in others. It’s a ripple effect that can last for generations.
Lessons from the Runway
Alongside this work, I’ve built a career in airport operations, where I’ve been fortunate to serve in multiple roles.
I started out in Airfield Maintenance (AFM), where leadership looked like teamwork in motion — plowing runways through winter storms, repairing pavement, and fixing runway lights. It was hands-on and deeply rewarding. Those early days taught me the value of preparation, precision, and staying calm under pressure.
As I grew, I transitioned into Airport Operations, where I began conducting Part 139 inspections, coordinating with air traffic control, and ensuring compliance with FAA and airport regulations. In both AFM and operations, I’ve learned that real leadership happens in the quiet hours — sometimes at 3 A.M., sometimes in unpredictable weather — when your team is counting on you to think clearly, stay steady, and get the job done.
Those experiences shaped how I see leadership: not as being in charge, but as being dependable. Whether I’m managing an airfield inspection, leading a team through a snow event, or guiding students through a Leaders of Today program, the principle is the same — people come first, and how you treat them matters most.
Grounded in Faith
Through all of it, my faith in Jesus has kept me centered. He is the reason I lead, the reason I serve, and the reason I have hope when things don’t go as planned.
I believe Jesus doesn’t just give us passions — He gives us purpose. And purpose is meant to be lived out in service to others. Faith in Him isn’t something I practice on Sundays; it’s the foundation of how I live and lead every day.
It shapes how I treat my coworkers on the airfield, how I encourage students through Leaders of Today, and how I write about leadership and growth. Jesus reminds me that success isn’t about recognition — it’s about obedience. It’s about using whatever platform or opportunity you’ve been given to reflect His love, even in quiet, unseen ways.
There have been plenty of moments when I’ve questioned whether I was ready for what God was asking me to do — starting a nonprofit, speaking to a crowd, or carrying the weight of responsibility. But over and over, Jesus has reminded me that you don’t have to be fully ready to be called — you just have to be willing.
That truth shapes everything I do. I’ve learned that when we lead with humility, keep Jesus at the center, and trust Him with the outcome, He does more with our effort than we ever could on our own. Jesus gives meaning to the work, peace in the chaos, and strength when the path forward isn’t clear.
The Best part of Life
One of the greatest gifts God has given me is my wife, Sadie. She’s my constant encourager, my sounding board, and the person who reminds me to slow down and enjoy the life we’re building together.
Sadie has a heart for people and a joy that fills every room she walks into. She’s the kind of person who makes you feel seen, and she challenges me daily to lead with more kindness and patience. Whether we’re hosting friends, serving in our community, or just catching our breath after a long week, she reminds me that leadership starts at home — in how we love, listen, and care for the people closest to us.
Our marriage isn’t just part of my story; it’s one of the most meaningful ways I’ve learned what servant leadership really looks like. Sadie’s faith, humor, and steadiness make me a better man, and I thank Jesus every day for bringing her into my life.
Life Outside the Work
When I’m not writing, speaking, or working on the airfield, you’ll probably find me playing pickleball, swimming, running, collecting bourbon, or serving in my community. I love finding ways to connect with people — whether through a shared laugh, a deep conversation, or a project that helps someone else grow.
I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t just happen on a stage or in a meeting room. It happens in everyday moments — when you choose to care, when you listen well, when you serve first.
So wherever you are on your journey — whether you’re leading a classroom, a business, or just trying to lead yourself well — I hope my story reminds you that leadership isn’t about position. It’s about purpose.
You don’t have to wait to make an impact.
You can start right where you are — today.