Young Professional of the Year Nominee: Jason Schreifels, Blue42 Agency
The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce's Young Professional of the Year award will recognize an employee or business owner that is under the age of 40 as of May 31, 2019, and
- serves as a role model for young other young professionals both personally and professionally
- is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in his/her business or profession
- volunteers through organizations within the area that work to improve the community
Nominator Statement:
“Jason, being only 39 years old and having worked so hard to successfully provide a multitude of services to the people and communities surrounding him is something of great admiration.
Blue42 Agency started by providing web-based services to local mom and pop shops to now having opportunities to work with a variety of larger corporations such as the NFL Network, Fiocchi Ammunition, Cabela’s, Clam Outdoors, and Alumacraft Boats. Jason has quickly grown Blue42 in the past 3 years, from having a year-over-year growth rate of 228% and going from 3 to 6 employees in 2017, to employing 14 individuals in 2018 with a 237% YOY growth rate. In 2019, Blue42 had a growth rate of 226% YOY and we now have 31 Blue42 employees.
Jason goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service to our clients to help them grow and in return, they become his biggest supporters. He donates his time, energy, and resources in any and every way he possibly can, not only to his clients but also to non-profit organizations such as Second Harvest Heartland and the local Chambers of Commerce.
His work ethic and personal dedication to the growth and success of Blue42 is something that inspires and motivates all of his employees and peers. Jason is very much worthy of receiving this award, to acknowledge his hard work and to recognize him for all that he has achieved as an honorable leader in the business community.” — Michelle Zbacnik
Tell us about working with this young leader.
“Jason understands his own strengths and weaknesses and surrounds himself with those who have complementary strengths. He makes himself accessible, which with over 30 employees is pretty awesome. He is there to support his staff and helps them create success.” — Mark Fischer
Describe this young leader in one word.
Innovator
What impact do you believe this young leader will leave on the community?
He provides the example to others of expressing gratitude for all of the good stuff that we have and are making happen. He works with many local nonprofits including Pinky Swear Foundation, Firefighters for Healing, and local chambers.
What do you think this award will mean for this young leader’s future?
It would mean the world to him to know that his employees value him enough to make this nomination.
Questions for Nominee:
Why do you think you were nominated?
In all honesty, I am honored to be nominated for this award and I am humbled by the recognition. I strive to always put forth my best foot each and every day and make sure that my team knows that they are appreciated for all that they do and that they can come to me any time with any concerns or suggestions.
What is your greatest strength?
I appreciate being a part of a team that is strong and strives to do their best each and every day. I look at this as a strength because you truly are only as strong as the team around you and thanks to my team, I'm able to be the leader I am today. Ultimately, the strength of my team putting me in the position I am today is the biggest contributor to the success of Blue42.
What inspires you professionally?
I have a passion for people and problem-solving situations to help them through whatever obstacles that they may face. To see people smile and achieve their goals is absolutely elating and brings me great satisfaction. I struggle, almost, to find the words to even describe the feeling I have when I see people succeed.
On behalf of all of us at ERACC, congratulations to Jason on his nomination for 2020 Young Professional of the Year!
