Conversations with Orion Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orion Jones.

Hi Orion, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins about five years ago, when I hit rock bottom and nearly took my own life. At the time, I was 44 years old and thought I had everything figured out. What I discovered was that I had been living a great “Facebook life”, one that looked impressive on paper, but behind the façade, I wasn’t the man I portrayed to the world.

I looked in the “accountability mirror” and made the decision to change my life, to become the best version of myself. I enrolled in the Doctorate of Educational Leadership program at the University of Findlay, where I am currently completing my dissertation on how men experience mental health challenges, the coping mechanisms they use, and the barriers to seeking help, such as masculine norms. My graduation date is May 2026.

Through both my academic research and lived experience, I founded True North Motivation Consulting, a leadership development company focused on transforming organizational culture by building leaders from the inside out.

I also created a nonprofit, True North Outreach Foundation, which provides leadership and resiliency programs for First Responders and Veterans, as well as College Credit Plus (CCP) leadership courses for high schools, trade schools, and colleges. Our guiding principle is: “Serving those who serve, and inspiring those who will.”

The foundation of both organizations is built on the “I Am” philosophy, centered around self-worth, self-respect, and self-discipline, and the Four Pillars of Forgiveness, Gratitude, Love, and Faith. Through presentations, workshops, online training, and one-on-one coaching, I teach others how to love and respect themselves through these four pillars. Because ultimately, “The better you live your life, the better life everyone around you lives.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. I love the saying, “The road to hell can feel like heaven, and the road to heaven can feel like hell.”

My trials and tribulations are no better or worse than anyone else’s, they’re simply mine. My rock bottom was marked by alcohol, drugs, divorce, and job loss, but those hardships became part of the test that ultimately built my testimony. For the first 40 years of my life, I was an atheist. Yet through suffering, I found my salvation. In my darkest hours, I met my Brother Christ and Father God, and everything began to change.

When you fundamentally change your path and how you live your life, challenges will come, often more than you can imagine. Those who know you best will sometimes cut you the deepest, reminding you of who you were and insisting that change isn’t possible. That realization led me to one of my favorite truths:

“Where others put a period in your story, God puts a comma. They say, ‘This is who you are.’ And God says, ‘No, no, no… this is who you were, and this is who you’re going to be.’”

The enemy left me alone when I was living in sin. But the more refined and righteous my life has become, the hotter the fire I’ve had to walk through. Gold and silver must be heated to be purified. Metal must be heated and beaten to be shaped. The same is true for becoming the best version of yourself, the process of finding your purpose, chasing your dreams, and transformation is uncomfortable, and you must learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

These words are much easier said than done, but they define my journey, one forged through fire, faith, and perseverance.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a diverse background of experiences that have helped shape the man I am today and the type of business I run:

I had the privilege of traveling the country playing college baseball, which taught me teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

After graduation, I moved to San Diego, where I worked as a nightclub bartender and spent my free time surfing, learning about people, energy, and connection.

In my late 20s, I became a Graduate Assistant for a collegiate baseball team in Missouri, beginning my journey into leadership and mentorship.

By my early 30s, I was a Head College Baseball Coach and Business Professor, combining my passion for teaching and developing others.

When the 2008 economic crash hit, I lost my teaching and coaching position, which led me to enroll in a wind turbine renewable energy program — a turning point that introduced me to a new field of sustainability and resilience.

I went on to build and maintain large-scale wind farms across the country for about six years, managing multimillion-dollar operations and leading diverse teams.

I later became a Facilities, Operations, and Capital Projects Manager for nearly a decade at Tiffin University and The University of Findlay, overseeing major construction projects and campus infrastructure.

I then served as Vice President of Business Development for a private company, expanding my leadership in organizational growth and strategy.

Today, I am the Owner and CEO of True North Motivation Consulting and the Founder and Executive Director of the True North Outreach Foundation, where I combine all those life lessons to help others grow personally and professionally.

Each of these experiences has shaped the leader and man I am today. It was imperative that I walked through every one of these roles because they allow me to have the unique ability to connect and communicate with individuals from the “breakroom to the boardroom”.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me and support my mission in several ways.

Through True North Motivation Consulting, I partner with businesses, corporations, and community organizations to develop stronger leaders and transform workplace culture. Our programs, including keynote presentations, executive coaching, and 8-week leadership development sessions, focus on building leaders from the inside out by strengthening purpose, character, and accountability.

Through the True North Outreach Foundation, I serve veterans, first responders, and students through our College Credit Plus (CCP) leadership programs for high schools, trade schools, and colleges. These initiatives focus on leadership, resiliency, and emotional well-being, helping individuals rediscover purpose and direction in both life and service.

People can collaborate by booking a speaking engagement, sponsoring a program, or donating directly to the True North Outreach Foundation to help expand our reach.

No matter how you choose to get involved, through partnership, sponsorship, or prayer, your support helps us fulfill our mission:

“Serving those who served, and inspiring those who will.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.truenorthmotivation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truenorthmotivation_1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567764583205
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orion-jones-8b070a228/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueNorthMotivation1
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@truenorthmotivation1?lang=en