From the Ground Up: The Podcast for Entrepreneurs

What if you fell off a cliff in Congo? What if you needed an organ to save your life? These are the real-world problems solved by businesses built on precision logistics and flawless execution. Don Jones built multiple life-saving businesses in emergency medical transport and organ transportation, creating companies where perfect execution was non-negotiable and logistics were hyper-complex. His story demonstrates how determination, operational excellence, and mission-driven culture can create remarkable businesses that save lives daily. His company, NORA (Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance), grew from just 12 employees and six vehicles to over 1,100 employees and 325 vehicles nationwide. The business model was revolutionary. They would maintain dedicated vehicles exclusively for organ transport, ensuring immediate availability, unlike competitors who might divert resources (IE Ambulances) to other emergency calls.  Jones also built a specialized workforce, hiring former EMS personnel with at least five years of experience. These mission-driven professionals, often retired first responders looking for meaningful second careers, became stewards of the "gift of life." In this episode, you'll hear Don's story: ➡️ From lifeguard to aviation dispatcher to air ambulance entrepreneur ➡️ Built a global fixed-wing ambulance business handling complex international medical evacuations ➡️ Created NORA (Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance) with nothing but a 90-day plan ➡️ Grew NORA from 12 employees to 1,100 and from 6 vehicles to 325 nationwide ➡️ Recruited former first responders who brought mission-driven commitment to organ transport ➡️ Managed 70,000 transports annually, starting each day with an empty calendar ➡️ Navigated multiple business exits, including a thorough process with 40 written offers ➡️ Established the Amber Leigh Jones Family Foundation to support adults with special needs ➡️ Attributes success to sports, growing up in tough circumstances, and determined work ethic ➡️ Demonstrates that entrepreneurship requires being "all in" and working when others are not His career is proof that entrepreneurship starts with identifying market opportunities. Then to build, it must include execution, resilience, and building mission-driven teams that can perform under extraordinary pressure. In businesses where failure wasn't an option, Don Jones built systems that saved Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...