Corporate Bio
Innovative Training Solutions began in July of 2001 as a dream in the head of founder Chris Jerger.
"I'd been doing training throughout my entire career,and if I had to do something without pay, training would be it. I like solving people's problems."
Rather than a curriculum based model for training, which emphasizes classroom work
over reality based training, Chris developed a needs based model, where an assessment
is performed to determine exactly what type of training best suits the client's
needs.
ITS's first contract was with a nuclear waste treatment firm in East Tennessee, GTS Duratek. The initial 6 month contract expanded in scope, and has now lasted for 6 years.
Along the way, ITS picked up additional contracts in mining, boat building, and manufacturing industries, and has broadened its areas of
expertise with the addition of several new employees.
Today, ITS is looking to expand beyond East Tennessee, bringing their reputation for excellent value to customers across the nation.
Throughout, ITS has maintained a firm commitment to its core values. As Chris says, "We have to perform to a higher standard because we are held to that higher standard by Jesus Christ, Who is reflected in all that we do."
Dawn Jerger-CEO
As Chris says, "She's the smartest person I've ever met." Dawn and Chris are
truly two who have been joined as one. Chris provides the vision while Dawn
provides the energy and leg work to bring that vision to reality. "I couldn't
do any of this without her. I don't know how she does it; she just does,"
says Chris. Dawn has a background in the education of special needs children,
which she says comes in handy when dealing with Chris. Aside from being the
CEO, Dawn also gives training courses, and builds training materials for new course
development.
Chris Jerger Executive Vice President
Chris Jerger doesn't like talking about himself. Ask him about his bio, and
he'll tell you all about his visions for training. Chris got his first exposure
to the training world during his 9 years operating nuclear reactors for the US Navy,
including a stint as an instructor. Chris left the Navy and helped to build
a $40 million dollar nuclear waste disposal facility in East Tennessee. He
operated the facility for a year before moving back into training, building a first
class program for ATG, Inc. From there, Chris worked to build two more training
programs for other companies before going into business for himself. "ITS
is a means for me to give others the benefits of my years of training experience.
I have been given the gift of teaching, and I am held accountable by the One who
gave me this gift to act as a steward for this company."
Jim Bradford-Vice President of Professional Development
The newest addition to the Innovative Training Solutions family is Jim Bradford,
graduate of Tusculum College with a B.S. in Organizational Business Management.
Jim has been leading a ministry for the last 10 years, and wanted to convert
that experience, along with his degree, into a professional training position.
He chose to come to ITS to achieve that goal and has broadened our knowledge base
with his expertise in management and leadership training.
Michael York-Vice President of Operational Development
Michael York is a Navy vet who acquired extensive training experience during his
service on submarines. Like Chris, he was an instructer at the Navy's hands-on
facility for training new nuclear propulsion system operators. Since his
time in the service, Michael has worked in many areas including as a high school
teacher, a business owner, and as a support technician for NASA's shuttle program.
Why yes, he is a rocket scientist. Michael is driven to provide excellent
service to our customers because, as he says, "It's the right thing to do.
The Navy nuke program relied tremendously on the integrity and loyalty of its sailors
to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching. I strive to maintain
that commitment in all of my dealings since then."
Richard Hailey-Vice President of Technical Development
Richard Hailey cames to ITS from the Navy as well. As a Nuclear Reactor Operator on the USS Nimitz, Rich learned the importance
of attention to detail, integrity, and perserverance. As a single father of six, he learned the importance of patience. Rich builds
training programs, and lesson plans, covering subjects as diverse as electrical safety, including NFPA 70 compliance, and hoisting and rigging,
as well as 40 Hour HAZWOPER.