Meet Jason McClaren | Managing Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason McClaren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Go Heroes is a Texas based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Firefighters and Veterans to provide first responders and veterans with resources to aid in career changes or reintegration into the civilian sector. Coupled with leadership development and other opportunities, we utilize our stakeholders skills and the incident command model to host events that raise funds for our programs and various partner charities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Go Heroes sets itself apart in the nonprofit world with its dual mission. Go Heroes is not only a veteran-focused enterprise that assists veterans and first responders in searching out a career but we also provide support to other non-profits through the skills these veterans and our team has developed. Thousands of US military veterans, many returning home after fighting a decade of war, find a renewed mission while using their skills with Go Heroes. For many veterans, this continued service provides the elements of Purpose, Community and Self-Worth that often are difficult to find after taking off the uniform. For some veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other difficulties during the transition from military to civilian life, finding purpose though service has literally saved their life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite spots in the Dallas area is the George W. Bush Presidential Center. I was proud to be part of the team that helped manage the construction of the facility and have been several times since it has opened. I think it is a great “hidden gem” on the SMU campus. It has some great patriotic elements that really resonate with me and I like to take people there and see how they connect with them also. The whole area up by SMU has great restaurants and things to see on and off campus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I grew up as the oldest of three boys to a single mom. It wasn’t until I joined the military that I knew what true leadership was and was supported by several leaders while I was active duty. After my brother Payton passed away from a tragic car accident I had to quickly separate to help my mother recover. With only 20 days to out process I was now “unemployed” and had no plan. Thanks to more mentors and the support of my leaders I was able to found Go Heroes and I also work full time for a healthcare system in North Texas.

Website: www.goheroes.org
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heroes-in-action
Twitter: twitter.com/leadershipvets

Image Credits
Peter Howard Photography