Difference Maker:
Jason Watkins
Jason Watkins has been a difference-maker for as long as memory serves. Immediately upon graduating from Quincy Notre Dame, Jason agreed to sacrifice everything and enlisted in the Army. It was during his basic training that the unspeakable events of September 11th, 2001, occurred. Jason left for Iraq in April of 2003 to do what he had set out to do: defend freedom. Now, it is safe to say that in 2001, Jason set the tone for how he would continue to live the rest of his life.
Fast-forward 23 years. Jason is husband to Emily and father to Austin (11), Chandler (9), and Margaret (5). He has owned his own business consulting firm, Strategic Management Consulting, since 2023. Jason assists businesses of all kinds, but he specializes in helping fellow veterans advance their careers and better their personal lives. Jason can also be found teaching at Quincy University as an adjunct professor.
Needless to say, serving in Iraq created lifelong challenges that Jason was not immune to. As difficult as the years following his deployment were, he will happily sit down and share his story with anyone who asks. Jason’s family never ceases to be amazed at his strength and resilience. His ability to use his story to help others is beautiful.
Outside of work, Jason is working on a Doctorate of Education through Western Illinois University. His focus in these studies is the four pillars of success: God, Self, Family, and Work (in that order). Jason plans to graduate in 2026 and use his studies to help businesses and individuals further themselves professionally and personally.
Don’t be fooled by his busy workload; most days of the week, you will find Jason serving in other ways. One area of service his family is particularly proud of is his work at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Quincy. Jason connected immediately with this group upon returning from overseas. He credits the VFW for giving him a safe space and helping him adjust upon his return to the civilian world. He spends much of his time at the VFW wearing many hats. He spearheads many fundraising activities and events. Funds raised by the VFW support Veterans from all walks of life in our community. This includes anything from supporting the Great River Honor Flight to sending comfort items to the military serving overseas.
Two years ago, Jason joined a group of ladies and gentlemen who decided more needed to be done in Adams County to support Veterans. Over the past two years, they established the Veterans Assistance Commission of Adams County (VACAC), for which he remains on the board. The VACAC helps meet veterans’ long-term and short-term needs. This includes anything from helping file claims with the VA to helping Veterans ensure they have food on the table and a roof over their heads.
More recently, Jason has been involved in starting the American Warrior group through the local ACA. This group meets the second Tuesday of every month and is open to Veterans and First Responders. These community members meet to discuss challenges in business and personal life.
Jason and his family have been proud members of the Lutheran Church of St John since 2013. Over the years, Jason has served in many capacities at the church. He is proud of its mission, which is to overflow God’s Grace into the community around us.
Though he spends so much time helping others, Jason is a devoted husband and father. Despite his endless supply of corny “Dad Jokes,” his family is so proud of him. He can often be found at a School Program or in the stands at a wrestling tournament. His family is beyond proud of him, and he likes to “brag” about all he does in the community. He doesn’t always see how incredible a difference-maker he is and prefers to let the recognition go to someone else. Those around him realize how incredible he is and what he means to us.
Submitted by Emily Watkins