As I search for the right words to describe our company journey, I continually come back to the idea we are a company of stories. Yes, stories.

These stories embody our belief in the JGMS way. Our way of treating our colleagues, our clients, and our partners with respect. Showing grace when we fail each other and joy when we exceed expectations and garner success. It’s also the way we have the hard conversations and share the tender moments.

When you think of JGMS, I would hope that we demonstrate to the world that you can do well and do good, all at the same time. Of course, we are proud of our business success. Still, we recognize that this is only one component of who we are.

We are equally proud that we have made significant impacts in the communities in which we live and work. Our community stewardship and servant leadership are oftentimes the first thing people of think of when they hear of JGMS. To me, this is how it should be. I summarize it this way.

• Never being perfect, but always striving for excellence

• Caring enough, loving enough to do our best through deliberate acts of kindness. Yes, deliberate kindness.

• Assuming the answer is yes when it comes to caring for our JGMS family

• Creating employment opportunities for family and friends. Becoming family and friends with those we employ.

• At times, just willing ourselves (and everyone around us) to push harder, be better, love more, learn more, be so passionate it hurts.

There is no doubt that JGMS hires the best and brightest talent around. JGMS has created an environment of excellence. We always push ourselves to realize what we are capable of accomplishing with discipline, hard work, and a sense of purpose directed toward a single objective.

However, talent is not enough. When you come to work for JGMS, there better be a soul that comes with all that talent. Because, in the end, the soul makes us unique. It gives us the ability to empathize. To care. To put others before ourselves. It keeps us humble. It reminds us to care for each other as humans, above all else.

I have had the joy, honor, and privilege of working alongside many talented, and compassionate, JGMSers over the last 21 years. To my JGMS family - a lot of people say they live a blessed life. I can prove it. Being enriched everyday with optimism, drive, joviality, gratitude, and love. I have so many people in my life that matter to me and to whom I matter. Thank you for being in my circle. You matter deeply to me.

We have pushed each other to be better and do better. Jim Collins said it best, when he was quoted saying:

“Do meaningful work with people you love.”

Here at JGMS, we do. It’s because of this I am confident that our legacy will endure.

Sincerely,