Founder's Story: Meet Jay
How did Devices come together? What prompted you to join the founding team?
On March 16th, I got a message from Tom stating “Hey Jay, I have a small idea that has snowballed into a great idea. I need your help.” This led to a phone call where he started unloading stats about how many students in Detroit didn’t have access to laptops or internet, how they were going to be left behind, and how he was calling all his customers to see if they could pitch in to help address the problem.
My mind immediately went to how this crisis that, through no fault of their own, could without help stunt millions of students' potential forever. This struck a chord close to home for me; at 16, I was in a similar situation when my single mom was diagnosed with aggressive cancer for the second time. Our small town community leaned in to support me with homes to stay in, emotional support, and teachers spending their lunch and spare time helping me prep for college. This enabled me to continue my education, creating a completely different future for me than I would ever have without their help. Now, because of their help, I found myself in a position where I had the skills and connections to help be that lifeboat for others.
How did the team and roles evolve?
I’ve spent my career in a variety of sales positions, mainly managing technology evaluations and implementations. Through this, I’ve developed a broad network of business professionals, technology providers, and professional services organizations. As a result, I’ve naturally fallen into the role of developing our corporate partnerships to drive donations of capital and in-kind software and services that streamline our operations.
Why is education important to you?
I grew up in a small lumber town as a first generation college student. My mother first instilled in me the importance of education, my amazing high school english teacher Ms Frediani honed me into a student who could get into a top university, and my degree from UCSD provided me with access to a career that provides me with purpose, a quality life, and the ability to help my family and others.
What has been the most exciting part of the project for you personally so far?
Calling up my old high school English teacher (Susan Frediani, whose help far above and beyond what her job called for got me where I am) and being able to help her get connected to the students who, just like me, she has dedicated her life to educating and improving their future.
What is something we wouldn’t know about you?
My biggest fear in life is a wedding dance floor. I have about 50 different strategies on how to avoid them, ranging from long bathroom breaks to taking it upon myself to look after the oldest grandparent who is a part of the wedding party.
