James Vanderwier

Background

About James Vanderwier

A passion for learning, leadership and business done right. •• Business is my passion. I had my first job at 14 and first business at 17. I’ve always loved learning, but never was a driven “classroom” student. Instead, I learned from my mistakes and from the mistakes of others. This approach culminated into the businessman I am today: efficient, accountable, quick, practical and above all – honest. I sold my first business at 21 and quickly learned my biggest business lessons – a good contract is essential and “trust but verify.” I lost everything, but married my girlfriend of 3 years and joined the Army – which led us to Huntsville. After the Army, my wife and I started our first business together – F1 Solutions. Here we are today, 25 years later with a multimillion-dollar technology service business and 33 employees. I can troubleshoot, solve and improve almost any process while teaching people the “Why”. I’m focused on growing new leaders so the organization can thrive and improve on the 3 pillars of business success: customer satisfaction, employee happiness and the business’ financial health. Our teenage daughter has over 30 stamps in her passport – when not working, we’re traveling. We love to find and explore new places in the world. Active, adventure vacations force us to step away for the rest, reflection and fun they provide. Core Strengths - Responsibility, Relator, Strategic, Arranger, Learner: I’m an innovative, agile thinker who uses strategy to move ideas and services beyond the familiar and obvious. I create alternative, critical paths to avoid pitfalls and potential failures, often seeing what others don’t. Good at reducing complex processes down to their core components and connections, engaging stakeholders to improve those systems. My work relationships are built on trust, clear communication and shared commitment. People know I take full responsibility for what I say I’ll do, working hard to make sure “deliverables” are prioritized, scheduled and completed – on time and as promised. I take an “ownership” approach to everything I do and am quick to delegate. I work hard to get the right people, in the right seats, on the bus while creating flexible approaches to move complex problems toward clean and efficient solutions. I’m good at motivating for “buy-in” and empowering people. As a transactional learner, I have a natural ability to absorb information quickly and unpack the “how’s and why’s” of any given situation. I’m a fact driven, hands-on learner who brings an open mind and a curious attitude to any project.