Jason Yoakam
Arcadia
Summary
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in fostering team collaboration, driving organizational growth, and adapting to evolving business needs. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Known for strong decision-making abilities and unwavering focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Yoakam, Llc
Arcadia, OH
01.1998 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive company growth.
- Fostered a culture of innovation by implementing new business strategies and processes.
- Oversaw financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to optimize profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders to support business objectives and initiatives.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Education
High School Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OHCAD CAM Design - Mechanical Engineering
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OHSkills
- Leadership team building
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Operational excellence
- Project management
- Sales and marketing
Accomplishments
- In 2008, I was a member of a marketing taskforce for GreaterFindlayInc, AKA The Findlay Hancock County Alliance. The task force purpose was to promote the retention of Cooper Tire, a large manufacturer in our community. Findlay’s plant, one of the area’s largest employers, was on the company’s short list for potential closing. By listening to government and city officials, the task force came up with the “We Love Cooper” campaign. Using key messaging placement, we were able to promote Cooper and its importance to the community.
- In early 2011, the Don’t Text & Drive idea was developed after seeing the television show “Extreme Home Makeover” highlighting the Brown Family (Remember Alex Brown Foundation), their tragedy and their mission to promote awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. We were so moved by this story and some of our personal experiences on the roadways, we decided to bring the Don’t Text and Drive Campaign to the Hancock county area. Through partnerships and support from corporate leaders and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to finance a program that took this important safety awareness message into 9 Hancock County schools (including Findlay High) as well as St. Wendelin and Carey Schools. High school students were engaged during an assembly with videos, comments from the Sheriff’s deputy, first-hand mock “driving course” and pledge sign-up. The response was nothing short of overwhelming.
- In 2015, I was a member of the Executive Committee for the Black Swamp Classic Golf Outing, in which the event raised over $158,000. We were pleased to give the Findlay Family YMCA and Putnam County YMCA $75,371 and the Braden Kramer Foundation $46,979.
- In 2016, I joined the executive board of the City Mission in Findlay, in a time when we had to develop several strategic plans to keep the Mission financially viable. Today, the Mission is cash positive and has a more visible and positive image in the community along with being financially stable.
- In 2017, I was honored to be asked to join a newly formed grassroots organization, HOPE in Fostoria. As one of the founding members, and served as the Treasurer, I am very proud of the efforts and impact one group has had in our community.
- In 2018 to present, I joined the marketing committee for the Christian Clearing House assisting the organization with marketing efforts to bring awareness to local families and individuals with emergency financial needs.
- In 2025 I assisted the MARCOM group in marketing the first annual Hancock County Veteran’s community based celebration, VET FEST. This is now an annual event to bring music, food and the community together to celebrate and honor our local veterans.
Affiliations
- HOPE in Fostoria - board/ founding member
- Co.Starters advisory member
- City Mission - executive board
- Christian Clearing House - marketing committee
- Arcadia Athletic Boosters - treasure and president
- ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital - advisory board member
- Findlay Rotary Club member; where served as Communications Committee chairperson
- Findlay-Hancock County Chamber - advisory board member
- Findlay-Hancock Convention & Visitors Bureau - advisory board member
- Findlay Area Arts Partnership - advisory board member
- Executive Committee Black Swamp Classic Golf Outing
- Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Group
- St. Wendelin Catholic Church Financial Council
- St. Wendelin Schools Marketing & Retention Committee; led marketing and advertising initiatives
- Center for Entrepreneurial Advisory Council
Timeline
President
Yoakam, Llc
01.1998 - Current
High School Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Owens Community College
CAD CAM Design - Mechanical Engineering
Owens Community College
Awards
+ Findlay-Hancock County Chamber 49th Annual Small Business Awards; The University of Findlay Small Business Person of The Year, + 48th Annual Small Business Awards, nominated for: The University of Findlay Small Business Person of The Year First Federal Bank Young Entrepreneur of the Year Commercial Savings Bank Professional of The Year, + Nominee for 20 under 40 of Northwest Ohio, + Outstanding Achievement Award for marketing and promotional work on behalf of the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio Soybean Association, + Crystal Award of Excellence, Toledo Ad Club, + Ohio Society of Association Executives Achievement Award for work on Ohio Pork Producers website/videos, + Be Healthy Now. Developed concept to promote healthy lifestyle which became a countywide initiative and is now being utilized by surrounding counties.
Experiences and insight
Having spent time working at other agencies, I decided to fulfill my own dream and form my own company in 2010. In tough economic times, our agency has found its niche market and has seen success due to the opportunities provided by our trusted clients and partners. Our success can also be attributed to the unique approach we take toward servicing our clients, combining traditional marketing approaches with the latest in technology. This provides our clients with the most effective ways to communicate their messages, reaching a broad range of recipients.
Personal biography
Experienced on the client and agency side of business, I have more than 30+ years of advertising, project management and brand management experience. I have worked at three different ad agencies and a full-service printer. I began in a creative department as a production artist. I have been senior account executive at an agency in Toledo. I joined the senior management team of McClellan Health Systems as communications director, and managed all internal and external communications for six senior living communities. I reside outside Arcadia, adult children; Collin(23), Olivia(20) and dog Harley.
About Jason Yoakam and Yoakam Communications Group
- Yoakam Communications Group is an Ohio-based, full-service marketing and communications firm serving clients ranging from business-to-business, business-to-consumer, higher education, community organizations, and nonprofits since 2010.
- We provide the insight, strategy, creative, and marketing tools that will help you build your brand, connect with your audiences, and inspire action.
- Our team specializes in:
- Marketing Consulting
- Brand Development
- Website Development
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Content Creation and Writing
- Digital Marketing
- TV & Radio
- Public Relations / Media Relations
Who We Are
- Our team includes marketing strategists, graphic designers, writers, social media content creators, and videographers/video editors. Established in 2010, the Yoakam team’s expertise reaches all communications and media channels.
- Jason Yoakam - President, Marketing Strategy
- Jason founded Yoakam Communications Group in 2010. He brings more than 30 years of marketing, advertising, branding, and business consulting/business planning expertise to our clients. He has worked on both the agency side and client side of our industry. Through his years of experience in account management Jason offers knowledge and insight that helps guide our clients and their marketing teams to the most effective pathways to communicating their message and elevating their brand.
- Paul Koch - Creative Director, Brand Strategist
- Paul is a brand strategist, creative director, and writer with extensive experience at advertising agencies and design firms in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. Paul’s focus is providing research, brand strategy, creative, copywriting/content, and PR for our clients. A veteran of more than 20 years in the wonderful world of advertising, he draws inspiration from the fact that there’s always something new in this business. He has been a volunteer with Michigan Marketing Minds and the Advertising Club of Toledo.
- Chris Schooler - Director of Videography & Production
- Chris brings more than 10 years of video production and editing experience utilizing the latest HD and editing technology to our team. Chris leads on-location videography methods that include filming, lighting, sound, and video drones. He also handles our full production and video editing services including visual effects, motion titling, compositing, and post-production sound sweetening. Chris’s goal is to see every video production developed into the high quality and engaging content that we know it can be for our clients.
Agency Clients
- Business Organizations - examples:
- Citizens National Bank
- Iott Insurance
- Krendel Machine
- Mennel Milling
- Roppe Flooring
- Sauder Manufacturing
- Seneca Millwork
- Six Degrees Flooring
- Terra State Community College
- Certified Angus Beef
- Dana Commercial Credit
- Nonprofit and Community Organizations - examples:
- Hancock County Veterans Service Office
- Arcadia Heart & Soul - community campaign
- Fostoria Economic Development Corp.
- Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau - Visit Fostoria
- Habitat for Humanity, Hancock County
- Hancock County Jobs & Family Services
- HOPE in Fostoria
- United Way of Fostoria