In a matter of months, Jason Barnhouse sold a business he co-owned, opened a manufacturer’s first retail site, and adopted Ethiopian twins.
He has no plans to slow down, but his mission is not to just earn notches on his belt.
“When my days are complete, I want people to remember me for who I am, how I treated them and how I helped them – not just for what I have accomplished,” he says.
Two individuals on whom Barnhouse is sure to leave an impression are the Ethiopian infants that he and his wife adopted earlier this year.
The new dad has led fundraisers – of cash and baby formula – for the orphanage where his children previously lived.
“Here at home, we participate in a support group for adoptive parents of Ethiopian children,” he adds.
Barnhouse’s latest professional venture is as vice president of operations for foot orthotics manufacturer AcuStep, which opened a Springfield store in late 2009. The Kansas-based company creates custom orthotics using patented technology.
In partnership with the Care to Learn fund, Barnhouse and AcuStep have formed Step Up to Help to benefit teachers, staff and students. And he serves on the board of the AcuStep Foundation, which promotes prevention of limb amputation through education and early detection of diabetes. He’s now starting a Save a Limb, Save a Life chapter for the cause.
Barnhouse also is founder of JT Barnhouse and Associates LLC, a real estate investment company that’s amassed more than $2 million in gross assets and 22 income-producing units in six years. Under that banner, he’s a consultant to business owners on marketing strategies, top-line revenue and net income growth, and brand recognition.
In early 2008, he launched Private Island LLC to manufacture the Island Hopper Fun Boat. After signing eight independent dealers in six months and securing e-commerce contracts with Costco.com and BoatersWorld.com, Barnhouse sold the business in December 2009.
During a stint with HealthPort – an Alpharetta, Ga.-based health information technology company – Barnhouse held vice president positions and provided senior leadership for a $7 million document management bureau. He also grew a $10 million sales pipeline to $30 million in one year and directly supervised eight production managers, who represented a production staff of 250.
“I realize that if it were not for the people around me, I would not be where I am today,” he says. “That is why I make the same effort to help those around me be successful.”[[In-content Ad]]
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
