It’s often easy to forget the behind the scenes efforts that contribute to the success of an organization. In the case of JIM Enterprises, the focus is often on the field staff performing our rotational model and implementing our curriculum. However, there is a vast network of employees working to not only improve processes, but to ensure that the field staff has a positive experience so that their efforts shine through. At the end of the day their instructional procedures and rapport with the students and parents we service is of utmost importance. For the Executive Team, our Operations Manager, Camilo Cardona, is the cool, calm and collected employee that often steps back to evaluate where we can improve our efficiency and effectiveness. He is excellent at determining areas where software or excel formulas can speed up processes and eliminate some of the errors associated with human operations. Let’s take a glimpse at his wealth of knowledge and get to know him a little further.
- How long have you worked for JIM Enterprises and what company advancements have you seen in that time?
I joined JIM Enterprises nearly 2.5 years ago, and since then, I’ve witnessed the organization grow and evolve. One rewarding and meaningful development has been the strengthening of our internal team. We’ve built a tight-knit group with strong professional and personal connections, allowing each of us to contribute with care and purpose. Over this time, our programs and curriculum have continuously improved. From refining content and delivery methods to enhancing our training processes, everything has been thoughtfully developed. Beyond internal growth, there’s also been a wider sense of community, extending beyond our team to include instructors, paraprofessionals, and the students and faculty at the school sites we work with. It’s been incredible to see the seeds we’ve planted truly flourish.
- Currently as the Operations Manager, you have developed many procedures that have helped the company with efficiency. Can you elaborate on how you create these operational procedures?
Our time and energy are incredibly valuable, and how we use them is crucial to our success. Ideally, we want to focus on ensuring that programs run smoothly while also continuously improving them. To achieve this, I start by reviewing current processes to identify areas where time and resources can be spent more efficiently. Streamlining or simplifying tasks—such as routine administrative work—frees up time for more impactful efforts like program development. While many essential day-to-day tasks require attention, and our team is highly capable and dependable, I’ve found that refining these processes can significantly improve efficiency. By leveraging software tools and actively gathering feedback from the team, I ensure the procedures we implement are effective, sustainable, and aligned with the team’s insights. This allows us to dedicate more time to being hands-on with the programs and the people we work with, from internal staff to site staff and students.
- How has your role with JIM Enterprises evolved as the business has evolved and grown?
During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to grow by taking on a variety of roles. I began as an instructor for both our parent and student programs, transitioned into providing office support by connecting with the community and assisting with backend processes, and later focused on outreach for our parent program. Now, in the role of Operations Manager, I focus on maintaining our programs while consistently seeking opportunities to enhance operations at every level. My role has evolved in a way that allows me to contribute where I am most effective, thanks to the direction I’ve received and the support of a team that encourages me to explore the best ways I can contribute. I’m grateful for the opportunity to shape my position in a way that fits my natural strengths, while also having the flexibility to explore new areas and expand my impact within the organization.
- Working alongside both the student program and the parent program, what are some of the benefits you see to having districts offer both?
One of our most powerful qualities as humans is our ability to create communities, learn from one another, and support each other’s growth. Offering both parent and student programs strengthens the bonds within the communities we work with by fostering collaboration and mutual support. When we engage with both parents and students—often through instructors who have meaningful relationships with both—these connections deepen, creating an environment where everyone can grow together. Our programs empower and inspire confidence in parents and students alike, which has a ripple effect that extends to their families and broader communities, both at school and at home.
- How do you fill your cup so that you’re able to properly fill the cups of others?
I am incredibly grateful for where I am in life—close to family and friends, surrounded by a supportive and caring team, and with daily opportunities for growth. Maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul is essential, as it enables us to show up as our best selves, ready to contribute to others. I love learning and stepping outside my comfort zone, which I’ve had the opportunity to do at JIM Enterprises. Adopting a growth mindset has helped me become a better version of myself, which allows me to contribute more meaningfully to others and my communities. I fill my cup with the things that bring me peace and spark curiosity: music and cooking, learning and DIY projects, being present in the moment, enjoying nature, and connecting with loved ones. I believe there’s always beauty to be found around us, and taking time to appreciate it keeps me grounded and grateful.
Thank you, Camilo, for your thoughtful remarks, your dedication to helping JIM Enterprise evolve with purpose and your quiet and calm demeanor no matter what the circumstances. I can’t help but think of how this quote exemplifies what you do and how grateful we are for you! “The spotlight may shine on the actors, but the true magic of the stage lies in the unseen hands that build, light, and guide the performance. Success is never just what you see—it’s the dedication behind the scenes that makes it possible.”
