I know what it means to be an entrepreneur. I remember the gentle tug you sometimes feel between your head and heart. I understand the fine line you walk to remain passionately present in both your personal and professional life — and the occasional blurring of that line. I have lived, and still live, the challenges, risks and rewards of being a successful business owner, engaged community volunteer and available family member. That is why I founded JAG Portfolio Services; to be your ally, make it easier and know you are not alone at the top. How do I know what it’s like and what you need?

When I graduated from the University of Central Missouri, I started my career in the telecommunications industry as an information technology analyst. After nine years with Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T), I joined Ernst and Young’s Management Consulting group where I consulted in several different industries within publicly traded Fortune 500 Companies. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from the best of the best – what they did right, what they did wrong, and how to change. I specialized in operational efficiency and effectiveness, strategic planning, customer service, project management, change management, process and organizational design and development. In 1999, I took the big leap, left Ernst and Young and founded a management consulting company, Adams-Gabbert & Associates, Inc. Our client base included small entrepreneurial companies to large Fortune 500 companies, leveraging all the skills and expertise I had cultivated throughout my career.

In January, 2008, I sold Adams-Gabbert & Associates, Inc. to the Bicknell Family Holding Company (BFHC) and in 2009 assumed the role of President of BFHC. In this role, I instituted and chaired the advisory boards for 9 of the operating companies within the $400 million portfolio of companies. I was responsible for the portfolio company president’s accountability, strategic planning, leadership, management, operational excellence, cost containment, and revenue growth. In addition to overseeing the BFHC portfolio companies, I was the acting CEO and COO, assisted with acquisition operational due diligence, and led the turnaround and/or shut down of company operations. In June of 2011, I resigned from the Bicknell Family Holding Company to start my latest company, JAG Portfolio Services. JAG specializes in business advisory, executive coaching and strategic planning.

My business success and savvy can be proven with the bottom line results and ROI I provided for my own company and my clients, but I’ve been fortunate to be honored by others. I was personally recognized with the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2001, 2002 and 2004. In 2003, Adams-Gabbert & Associates, Inc. was named one of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Top 10 Small Businesses and the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. That year I was also recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal with the Women Who Mean Business Award. In 2009, I was recognized as one of Midwest CEO Magazine’s Most Influential Women throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma and in 2010 I was honored with the Legacy award for distinguished graduates from Longview Community College and as one of Kansas City’s top female executives by Ingram’s Magazine.

I believe in the power of community engagement. Over the last 12 years I have served on numerous public and private boards and committees in the capacity of volunteer, director and/or advisory council.  I currently serve on the boards of The United Way of Greater Kansas City and The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.

How can I serve you?

– Jo Anne Gabbert