TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Roy D. Jackson III

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In the realm of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Roy D. Jackson III stands as a luminary figure, a titan whose expertise has reshaped safety paradigms across industries. With years of dedicated service in managing intricate industrial and heavy civil megaprojects throughout North America and beyond, Roy has cemented his legacy as a visionary leader in the field.

Roy's journey into the realm of EHS leadership began with a fervent commitment to excellence. His mettle was tested on the global stage, where he served as the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) for a multi-site project in Japan under the aegis of the Department of Defense (DOD), solidifying his reputation as a beacon of reliability and proficiency in high-stakes environments. Further, his more recent tenure as a contractor saw him spearheading the development and execution of a comprehensive EHS compliance program as the EHS Director of North America, a role that underscored his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to safety standards. 

As the CEO of Safety Resolutions, LLC, Roy has ascended to the zenith of his profession, assuming the mantle of leadership with characteristic aplomb. Founded in May 2022, Safety Resolutions, LLC has swiftly emerged as a preeminent force in construction safety, boasting a diverse portfolio that spans power plants to hyperscale data centers. The company's modus operandi revolves around its ability to seamlessly cater to the needs of both commercial and federal government sectors, including the esteemed Department of Defense (DoD).

At the heart of Safety Resolutions, LLC lies an unwavering commitment to excellence, a commitment exemplified by its cadre of seasoned professionals who possess a wealth of experience in new construction, manufacturing, and government projects. Under Roy's stewardship, Safety Resolutions, LLC has pioneered a holistic approach to safety, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes staffing, consulting, and tailored programs for government/DoD projects, construction ventures, public utilities, and corporate entities nationwide.

Roy's leadership philosophy is underpinned by a steadfast belief in the power of collaboration and innovation. Drawing upon his extensive reservoir of knowledge and expertise, he has cultivated a culture of excellence within Safety Resolutions, LLC, empowering his team to push the boundaries of safety innovation and redefine industry standards.

In this Q&A, we delve into Roy’s role and the impact he continues to make within the EHS industry.

Roy, what sets Safety Resolutions, LLC apart from other companies in the industry?

At Safety Resolutions, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement. What truly distinguishes us is 1) Integrity in Candidate Selection: Unlike many others, we refuse to cut corners when it comes to hiring contractors. We conduct rigorous due diligence to ensure that every candidate we hire possesses genuine expertise and valid certifications in their respective fields. 2) Personalized Site Oversight: While other companies may simply place contractors on-site and forget about them, we take a hands-on approach. Personally visiting every site, I engage with clients and meticulously inspect projects to identify any potential gaps. We hold our contractors to the highest standards, ensuring they align with our values and deliver as promised. If they fall short, prompt action is taken. I firmly believe in the principles of old-school business, emphasizing integrity, exceptional service, and exceeding expectations. 3) Commitment to Continuous Education: We recognize the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. That's why we only hire individuals dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development. If there are additional certifications that could benefit both our clients and our team members, we actively encourage and support their pursuit. 

Can you share your journey from U.S. Army Paratrooper to the leader of a thriving EHS service firm?

Growing up amidst adversity, I enlisted in the military at 18, finding purpose and camaraderie as an Army paratrooper. However, I faced challenges along the way and made mistakes, leading to a period of incarceration for involvement in illicit activities. Upon release, I embarked on a journey of redemption and reinvention. Holding multiple jobs simultaneously, I diligently pursued higher education while ascending into management roles. Dissatisfied with the constraints of the corporate world, I sought new horizons in the construction industry, quickly advancing into management positions and specializing in safety management.

My career trajectory took me across continents, including a pivotal stint in Japan on a Department of Defense contract. Collaborating with renowned companies such as Facebook, Tesla, and Microsoft, I honed my expertise and expanded my professional network. Yet, amidst these successes, a realization dawned upon me – the desire to forge my path and make a tangible impact on the industry.

With determination and a belief in the power of transformation, I ventured into entrepreneurship, founding my own EHS service firm. Today, as I reflect on nearly two years in business, I attribute my journey to a fundamental shift in mindset. I firmly believe that true change begins from within – recognizing the need for growth and embracing new possibilities. My guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: we are products of our environment, but we have the power to transcend it. By continuously striving for improvement and embracing the ethos of "knowing better, doing better," I've navigated a path from adversity to achievement.

EHS, particularly safety, profoundly influences the financial and operational landscape for both government and business entities. How does your approach assist them in navigating these critical areas?

The cornerstone of our approach lies in fostering a genuine culture of safety within organizations, transcending mere compliance with regulatory standards. Too often, companies prioritize compliance as a checkbox exercise, failing to cultivate a true code of safety. This oversight often leads to severe repercussions such as operational disruptions, hefty fines, managerial liabilities, and tragic fatalities. By instilling organizational buy-in, we empower managers to champion safety initiatives from the top down, ensuring a holistic commitment to safety excellence.

Furthermore, we emphasize the indispensable role of risk management in safeguarding the bottom line. We elucidate the broader significance of safety as a pivotal component of risk management strategy. By mitigating risks associated with incidents, lawsuits, regulatory fines, and insurance premiums, a robust safety framework becomes instrumental in preserving the company's financial health and operational continuity. 

You frequently share insights into your personal and professional journey as a public speaker. Can you provide a brief overview of this aspect of your work?

I firmly believe in the power of storytelling – the raw, unfiltered narrative of my life's journey, encompassing both triumphs and tribulations. Through candidly sharing my experiences, I aim to offer solace and inspiration to those grappling with their own challenges, whether in life or in the realm of business. My speaking engagements serve as a platform to impart wisdom gleaned from personal experiences, offering guidance and encouragement to those traversing their own roads to success. 

Safety Resolutions LLC is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we operate. Could you elaborate on some of the initiatives we've undertaken in this vein?

We view community engagement as an integral part of our overall mission. With each new contract secured, we seize the opportunity to forge partnerships with local nonprofits, amplifying our impact and leaving a lasting imprint on the communities we serve. 

One recent example of our commitment to giving back involved a fundraising endeavor for a Jacksonville school that caters to children with autism. Recognizing the importance of supporting such a vital cause, we reached out to our network and received their support. Through this effort and a matching donation from the construction company overseeing the school's development, we raised $5,000 in support of the new facility. This contribution not only provided tangible support for the school's specialized curriculum and certified staff, but also underscored our unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within our communities.

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Roy D. Jackson III
CEO
Safety Resolutions, LLC
Website: https://www.safetyresolutionsllc.com  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royjackson3