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."
Chris Jerger CEO
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."
Dawn Jerger-Executive Vice President
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
Executive VP, Dawn also gives training courses, and builds training materials for new course
development.
Tim Staton-Vice President of Professional Development
Growing up, this son of a Memphis Fire Fighter (now retired) had no interest in
emergency services. After making the unlikely transition from Physical Plant Engineering
to mid level hospital management Tim found himself the interim day to day Operations Director
of a rural ambulance service. Insisting that he could not lead without technical knowledge
he was sent to EMT and then Paramedic school where he found his “niche” and graduated at the
top of his class. He began teaching EMS related topics immediately and was asked by the
Governor to serve on the State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Board for two terms.
He helped pioneer the integration of a private ambulance with the Shelby County Fire Department
and served as the first Director. After a stint as a Paramedic on the Memphis Fire Department
(the same station from which his father retired) Tim decided to return to Physical Plant
Engineering in the telecommunications sector and to join their Haz-Mat Response Team.
Tim could not help running into places that others were running out of so he served as the
only Paramedic/Haz-Mat Techician on the only specialized Haz-Mat team in telecommunications.
Tim has responded to nearly every major national disaster in the last decade including multiple
major train derailments involving Haz-Mat, the bombing of the World Trade Center, the train
derailment and fire under the streets of Baltimore and the response to New Orleans following hurricane
Katrina. He has completed the national “Blue Card Certification” which was developed to provide instant
credentialing to all major national disasters. He has a passion for safety and enjoys teaching others
how to manage risks and prevent on-the-job incidents.
Greg Swafford-Vice President of Leadership Development
Richard Hailey-Vice President of Technology
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 married father of
six, he learned the importance of patience. Rich builds training programs, lesson plans,
presentations, shoots and edits video, builds websites, installs databases, and
answers the phones occasionally. His areas of expertise cover
subjects as diverse as electrical safety, including NFPA 70 compliance, hoisting and rigging,
Asbestos abatement, as well
as 40 Hour HAZWOPER.
Matt Layton- Director of Sales
I joined the ITS team in January 2010 as our very first sales director and charged with the process of helping
companies discover their training needs and the solutions to them. I am extremely passionate about helping
organizations run more efficiently and productively and the process we take to make it happen. I take a different
approach to the sales; looking at the process as building a relationship and over the course of getting to know each
other we discover how an ITS solution benefits your organization, not harassing you until you break. All companies have
training needs, if you do not know yours contact me so we can set up a free evaluation session and begin the process of
building your world class training program!
Apryl Sweet-Administration Director