With his background of over 20 years in the Marine Corps, Jon Katz knows that as a leader, you’re always dealing with the unexpected, uncertainty and something referred to in the military as the fog of war.
“When adversity arises and you’re in the middle of a situation, you’re trying to find clarity in the fog of war, sorting out what is important and what is unimportant, prioritizing and staying focused on the mission and objectives at hand,” he said. “You just never know what lies over the next hill, and the lesson for me this year was that the business world, in many instances, is no different than the battlefield.”
In times of adversity, Katz said his leadership ethos as the president and chief executive officer of Bestwork Industries for the Blind Inc. is to stay the high road. “Remain calm, be professional, be flexible, maintain a positive attitude and keep your sense of humor,” he said.
Bestwork Industries for the Blind Inc. is a private not-for-profit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are blind by providing training and employment opportunities in a supportive work environment. The organization has a vision to transform from a self-sustaining manufacturing agency to a full-service social enterprise.
Under Katz’s leadership, the organization went from one line of business to four in less than three years, creating three new lines from scratch, which provided growth opportunities for people who are blind and additional revenue streams to support the organization.
Since he was named a Titan 100 last year, Katz said he has also focused on building high-performing teams and creating an environment of success that includes positive leadership. “It is our responsibility to focus on the needs of others before our own – both in and out of the workplace,” he said. “Leaders should also have a sense of purpose outside of the workplace, to include volunteerism, mentorship and contributing to the greater good.”
Because of his background and experience, Katz said he is committed to teaching, mentoring and guiding. He mentors other executives and chief executive officers who have the potential to become future titans. More recently, he took part in the first cohort of ACCSES NJ Executive Development Program. Katz serves as chair of the operations committee for the National Association for the Employment of People who are Blind and served on the executive committee for the William P. Carey of Business at Arizona State University, assisting in their Public Partnership Initiative.
“The true measure of impact is when you see people using the tools you have given them,” said Katz. “Then, there’s the direct, tangible impact of witnessing their growth firsthand.”
