Volunteering and mentoring hold the key to shaping the future, not only in building stronger communities but also in empowering the next generation of leaders. For Jason Madden, this belief became a guiding principle as he transitioned from the corporate world into a role that blends his technical expertise with a commitment to giving back. Jason’s journey - from a coder at a large tech company to a community-driven innovator - illustrates how meaningful change often starts small but has a lasting impact.
By using his skills to uplift local businesses and mentoring young minds, Jason is helping to build a future where technology isn’t just about innovation, but also about connection, support, and shared growth. His story serves as an inspiring example of how volunteering and mentoring can transform not only individuals but entire communities, fostering a cycle of positive change that extends far beyond the world of code.
From Corporate Coder to Community Catalyst
Jason's story begins like many in the tech industry - with a solid educational foundation and time spent in the corporate world. Armed with a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science, he initially found himself in the trenches of large-scale software development.
However, he soon discovered that the vastness of corporate projects left him feeling disconnected from the true impact of his work.
"In corporate, I was working with big teams where you really can't stand out and can sometimes end up getting swallowed up by the massiveness of it."
This realization sparked a shift in his career trajectory. He began gravitating towards smaller companies and projects where he could see the tangible results of his efforts. "I started going to smaller and smaller companies and enjoyed seeing how I was providing value," he says.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Development
As Jason transitioned to working with smaller businesses, he uncovered a deep sense of fulfillment in creating solutions that directly impacted local communities.
"The money at bigger companies is nice, but it doesn't excite me the same way as seeing actual people you can help in the community and getting that type of personal value from what you do."
This revelation led Jason to focus on developing platforms and software solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses - a segment often overlooked by larger tech companies. His goal became clear: to make powerful software tools accessible to businesses that might not otherwise be able to afford custom solutions.
"I'm scaling up a platform that I inherited," he explains, discussing his current project. "I want the improvements I make to be more helpful to small and medium businesses, so they won’t have to rely on a developer."
Building Community Beyond Code
While Jason's technical skills form the foundation of his work, he emphasizes that true impact comes from engaging with the community beyond the computer screen. Despite describing himself as introverted, he has made a conscious effort to step out of his comfort zone to build meaningful connections within his local tech ecosystem.
"As far as networking I'm pretty introverted, so I had to learn to get out there. This is where the community part comes in because you need to build relationships with your allies you work with if you want to grow a business…you need people to know who you are."
His involvement with organizations like 1 Million Cups, a program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs, exemplifies his commitment to fostering a supportive community for local innovators. "1 Million Cups has been a core group that I look forward to meeting with during the week," he shares enthusiastically.
The Value of Face-to-Face Connections
Though digital interactions often dominate, Jason points out the importance of cultivating in-person relationships within the local community.
"I've chosen to start focusing more on building local connections because by meeting with them face-to-face, you can get more of a real human experience than just living digitally all the time."
This approach enriches his entrepreneurial ecosystem while adding a layer of accountability to his work. As he points out, "If you don't prioritize your work, it's easy to brush it off because you can't see who you're letting down. However, if you know you're disappointing someone you'll have to face in person, like at lunch, it motivates you to stay true to your values and keep your commitments. It's like having a built-in accountability system that drives you to do good work."
Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Community Needs
His current position at the intersection of technology and building community, allows him to identify critical gaps. One area he's particularly passionate about is improving the technological literacy of policymakers and community leaders.
"Especially at the national level, we have people that have so little knowledge of tech that they're only relying on advisors to explain what's going on and there's a real language barrier between the two things."
He sees tremendous potential for technologists to serve as advisors or intermediaries, helping to translate complex technical concepts into actionable policies and community initiatives.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond his immediate business goals, Jason is committed to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. He's involved in mentoring programs that connect experienced professionals with high school students exploring potential career paths.
“I am connected with a school to mentor high school kids about career opportunities. I’m using my journey to help them, but the real value is that they are asking great questions."
This mentorship helps guide young minds while reinforcing Jason's belief in the ripple effect of community engagement. "They could remember the relationship we’re building forever," he muses, highlighting the potentially life-changing impact of even brief interactions.
Advice for Aspiring Community-Focused Technologists
For those looking to follow a similar path of merging technology skills with community impact, Jason offers several pieces of advice:
Embrace discomfort: "Go out of your comfort zone at least a little bit every day," he advises. Whether it's public speaking or networking, he emphasizes the importance of continually pushing your boundaries.
Prioritize real-world experience: While books and formal education have their place, he believes that "life experience is much better than any book." He encourages aspiring technologists to actively seek opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical, community-oriented settings.
Adopt a growth mindset: He stresses the importance of being aware of the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset. "Being aware of the two types of brains and how one can hold you back. You must believe in yourself and your ability to learn," he explains.
Start small and local: For those unsure where to begin, he suggests looking for volunteer opportunities in your immediate community. "You don't even have to leave your house," he points out, referencing online platforms that connect volunteers with various causes.
Focus on mutual benefit: When engaging with a community or project, he advises seeking situations where there can be a reciprocal exchange of value. "You should try and find something where there can be a mutual benefit," he explains.
The Road Ahead: Building a Tech-Enabled Community Ecosystem
Looking to the future, Jason envisions a thriving ecosystem where technology serves as a powerful enabler for community growth and connection. His current focus is on developing platforms that empower small and medium-sized businesses, providing them with tools traditionally reserved for larger corporations.
" What I am building with FlexPortal is a great starting point for small businesses to scale and grow into enterprises. It provides the benefits of a custom system without the cost of building one from scratch until they have the budget, or even the need, for a custom solution."
He sees immense potential in leveraging technology to strengthen local community bonds. By focusing on local initiatives and face-to-face interactions, his goal is to create a more resilient and interconnected community fabric that can withstand the challenges of an expanding digital world.
Conclusion: Technology as a Force for Community Good
Jason Madden’s journey from corporate coder to community-focused entrepreneur is a testament to the power of volunteering and mentorship in creating a lasting impact. By applying his technical expertise to support small businesses and mentoring the next generation of tech talent, he demonstrates how professionals can leverage their skills for the greater good. His work shows that technology can be more than a tool for efficiency; it can also be a means of building new connections, strengthening communities, and empowering future innovators.
As he continues to bridge the gap between tech and community needs, his story reminds us that real success lies not just in personal achievements, but in the positive ripple effect we create by helping others. Whether through mentoring a student or building tools that uplift local businesses, there’s always an opportunity to use your expertise to make a difference.