Jasco’s Mission: Giving Hope
— by Jason Trice
We’re living in a time of extremes that are testing our faith and testing our businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes in how we operate on a daily basis. No longer can team members stand shoulder-to-shoulder. The supply chain was disrupted for months. Now, the protests erupting across the country have led us all to rethink how we treat other human beings. In a time like this, one thing is clear: we have to choose faith, not fear.
Our family stewarded business, Jasco Products, has been through decades of change, as we have created thousands of innovative consumer electronics and sold them through many of the world’s largest retailers. We strive to honor God in all we do. My brother and co-CEO, Cameron, and I use our faith to guide every aspect of our personal lives and our business. For Jasco, that means serving others in the way we want to be served – a critical lesson for all business owners. As written in Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all you produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Providing Spiritual Guidance
Most companies provide things to meet basic earthly needs, but yet the team members’ spiritual needs go unfulfilled. Our investment in an on-site chaplain provides Jasco team members a resource to go to for counsel, direction and prayer during times of need. It helps meet their physical and spiritual needs, which in turn, makes them a better team member for Jasco.
Through our chaplain, team members are provided with the opportunity to explore their relationship with God through voluntary bible studies. Our chaplain guides leadership development programs and provides resources for important areas like marriage counseling and finances. Through prayer, our employees can seek answers to problems making them a better team member, friend, husband, wife, etc.
Spiritual wellness uplifts our team members, especially during times of crisis. “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful,” Titus 3:14. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jasco started a daily devotion led by our chaplain via video conference call each morning. Since then, it has grown to more than 100 team members each morning, with many who feel empowered to take turns leading the group.
Through God, we are able to work through this difficult time together and to have an open dialogue that allows us to be thoughtful in every decision our company makes.
Valuing Our Team
Every day, our team members have to prove the value of our products to the consumer, but as a company, we must show our team members how we value them. By investing in our team members, there is a ripple effect that has far-reaching impacts beyond Jasco and throughout the entire community.
In 2019, amidst the tariff increases, Jasco raised its hourly minimum wage to $15 per hour, which is more than double Oklahoma’s minimum wage. With monthly profit sharing, our lowest-wage workers can earn up to $17.25 per hour. When we are successful in meeting our team members’ physical, mental and spiritual needs, it is because of God’s direction and guidance that we can spread His love for all. As written in Thessalonians 3:12: “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.”
We provide an on-site fitness center, comprehensive medical and dental benefits and allow flexible work hours for those furthering their education. Jasco puts an emphasis on education by offering flex hours and tuition assistance. The company provides 100 percent tuition assistance for accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. We then get to celebrate the triumphs of our team members as they improve these important areas of their lives
Paid maternity and paternity leave are not just extended to those who have returned from the hospital, but also to those who open their hearts to adopted children. We believe in strong family bonds, since that is who we are as company. Jasco makes it a point to involve families in company outings and events. As Jasco strives to value its team members in many ways, it is our hope that their relationships, families and faith are impacted in a way that honors God.
Giving Back to Our Community
Corinthians 9:7 states: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” At Jasco, we give generously, and we give joyfully.
As a company, we are blessed to donate 50 percent of net profits to ministries and charities, an initiative that started over two decades ago. To further this mindset, we’ve started to enable our customers to choose the cause that means the most to them through our “Give Your Way” campaign on our website. When consumers buy any product on byjasco.com, they can choose a charitable cause, with options for food assistance, clean water, shelter or disaster relief. We hope to create meaningful, lasting relationships with our customers, who know that every purchase makes a difference in someone’s life.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we pledged $1 million to help faith-based organizations that provided relief to those impacted by it. Through deliveries of personal protective equipment to local fire stations, hospitals and other medical organizations, we were able to bring much-needed supplies during a time of need. Some of our donation was also able to go to great organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Salvation Army, City Rescue Mission and other charities that provide food, shelter and medical care to some of the most vulnerable.
To live and breathe our mission, our team members are given incentives to make their own charitable contributions. Jasco’s “Dollar for Donors” program then matches charitable donations made by team members to their preferred charity. Similarly, Jasco’s “Dollars for Doers” program makes in-kind donations to preferred charities based on team members volunteering their time.
While many businesses in the country are struggling and searching for answers during these unprecedented times, we are able to find the answers to some of the toughest challenges we face through God’s Word. Hopefully, our story will encourage other business leaders to further support their team members and their communities through a spirit of generosity that benefits us all.
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