Jake Bents

Background

About Jake Bents

Strong leadership is responsible for building the teams that create the foundation. As a team builder and engagement specialist, I have found that goals are best met when fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Success is best achieved through open dialogue and the diverse perspectives of clients and colleagues. This approach enhances morale and contributes to innovative problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and system development. Recognizing the needs and efforts of my teams and colleagues has helped to ensure expectations are met if not exceeded. I approach my work like a seasoned coach/father. Our success is built by nurturing others. Having the fortune to stand on the shoulders of giants, I have learned to encourage drive and commitment in others while reinforcing pride in their contribution and helping them to continually raise their personal bar. With a dual degree in Computer Information/Management from Northwood University I entered the world of IT. In 2001 I left the corporate world to build a real estate business through education-based sales and housing development with a focus on building science and sustainable technologies. After a 5-year break to pursue other opportunities in social services and sustainability, I am back to helping people with their housing needs and continuing my education in the Sustainable Management graduate program through the University of Wisconsin system. Paving the way for a more promising future requires the strongest levels of leadership. Leadership at this level is built on a foundation of lifting up those around you and understanding you have a shared ownership of their contribution to the net output. True leadership requires confident humility. To contribute to a better world you must have an innate desire to fully understand the matters at hand. Assumption-based leadership is not true leadership. Admitting ignorance is a necessity. Ignoring your own ignorance is not an option. “Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” -Ben Franklin