Title: Founder
Company: Jump Ahead L3C
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Education: Coursework, Ferris State University, 2016-2017;
Coursework in Business Management, Grand Rapids Community College, 2013-2015
Career History: President Of Operations, Urban Youth Summer Basketball League, 2019-Present;
Founder, Vice President, Jump Ahead L3C, 2018-Present;
Chief Executive Officer, Rose’s Astroid Co. LLC 2018-Present
Brand Ambassador, Kannaway, 2018-Present;
Brand Affiliate, Nu Skin Enterprises, 2018-Present;
Sponsored Athlete, Brand Ambassador, Unchained Muscle, 2018-Present;
Brand Affiliate, Elegant Kings, 2018-Present;
Independent Business Owner, Vasayo, 2018-Present;
Marketing Executive, Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, 2018-Present;
Crew Member, STEEPLETOWN NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES INC, 2018-Present;
Independent Fundraising Representative, Neighbor’s Cookies, 2017-Present;
Sales and Marketing Specialist, Uncommon Consulting, 2020
Dee Jones, Founder of Jump Ahead L3C, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of social impact.
Mr. Jones became involved in the organization because he is passionate about helping others, particularly the underserved in the community. He began working as a crew member for Steepletown Neighborhood Services, a non-profit organization until he was offered the apprenticeship program in the LEAD Program. In 2018, he received a grant for $10,000 in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, which he used to launch Jump Ahead L3C, a hybrid for-profit and nonprofit organization. The mission of the organization is aimed at aiding youth, young adults, and adults to give them workforce development training and job training. He started the company in 2018 and became incorporated in 2019. Since launching the initiative, his most notable achievements include recognition from Forbes Magazine in 2020 and earning the Community Hustle of the Year Award from Respect the Hustle. Furthermore, Mr. Jones’ co-authored book, “Winner’s Mindset: Peak Performance Strategies for Success,” debuted as one of the best-selling books on Amazon in five different categories on the first day of its release.
Mr. Jones is excited about the growth he sees for his company in the next five years. He endeavors to expand his community centers and help underserved people receive workplace training and development. Mr. Jones is well prepared for this work and has received the certifications for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workspace and Global Emerging Trends and Retail Management from the University of South Florida to support his goals. Additionally, he holds a certification in Public Advocacy 101 Racial Equity in Public Policy Session and State Budget Advocacy. Mr. Jones is also actively involved as the President of Operations for the Urban Youth Summer Basketball League, as Chief Executive Officer of Rose’s Asteroid Co. LLC, as a brand ambassador for Kannaway and Unchained Muscle, as a brand affiliate for Elegant Kinds, as an independent business owner for Vasayo, as a marketing executive for Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, Neighbor’s Cookies, and Steepletown Neighborhood Services.
