2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Jason Ellis, Hancock Associates

“Since the day he was hired, Jay has been on a never-ending climb. In achieving licensure, then management and eventually becoming an associate and the surveying leader, he still continues to grow his skills, takes continuing education, and even helps out at Westfield State College, Essex Technical High School and more. There is no plateau or ceiling for Jay.”

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? One major challenge I have overcome was learning to communicate effectively with a diverse team throughout three offices that have very different working styles and perspectives. Early on, I realized that some preferred different communication methods. To address this, I made an effort to improve my communication by listening and adapting my style to fit the needs of our staff. This experience taught me that communication is not just about speaking clearly, it’s about understanding and connection. As a leader, it reinforced that communication builds trust and strengthens collaboration.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? Two people who have had the greatest impact on my career are the President and Senior Vice President.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization? I try to inspire and motivate others by focusing on connecting with staff and leading by example. I work hard to understand what motivates each person – their goals, challenges, strengths, and weaknesses – so I can tailor my support and encouragement to fit their individual needs.I also believe in creating an environment where people feel trusted and valued. I delegate meaningful responsibilities, recognize achievements, and provide constructive feedback to help them grow. When mentoring, I share my own experiences, both successes and mistakes, to show that growth is a process, not a destination.