Twenty years ago, HKPO - Making Change for the Better was founded with a simple but powerful belief:
What began as a focused effort to help organizations improve performance and solve complex problems has grown into a global force for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and human-centered transformation.
As we celebrate HKPO’s twentieth anniversary, we are also proud to mark the fourth anniversary of the HKPO Veterans Academy.
Together, these milestones represent more than longevity. They represent impact, service, and purpose in action.
The Koi Dragon represents the Transition our Transitioning Servicemembers go through.
Twenty years ago, when I was launching the company, I did not overthink the name. I simply asked my children what I should call it. Their initials became HKPO, and the company was born: Haley, Kaitlyn, Payton, and Olivia.
From the very beginning, HKPO was personal.
With family at the core of HKPO, the first ten years of the company were shaped not only by vision and hard work, but by shared purpose. During those formative years, I had the privilege of working side by side with my father, who served as our Chief Operating Officer, he taught me everything.
Together, we built the foundation of HKPO on:
“Jennifer is one of the most real people you will ever meet. She genuinely cares about your success and will work hard to support you and help you reach your goals, and that is a value HKPO is built on.”— Drew Butler, Chief Operating Officer, HKPO
Over the past two decades, HKPO has partnered with organizations across manufacturing, defense, healthcare, energy, logistics, government, and nonprofit sectors. Our work has helped organizations solve complex challenges, unlock billions in value, and build cultures that sustain excellence.
Over $3.5 billion in documented savings and value creation
Transformation of complex, high-stakes systems, including mission-critical defense and industrial platforms
Enterprise-wide operational excellence systems grounded in Lean, Six Sigma, and standard work replication
Leadership development that places people — not tools — at the center of sustainable change
“HKPO delivers a high-quality, easy-to-understand training outline for learning. Highly recommended for those who want to learn more about the Six Sigma process.” — Matt Harmon, Technimark
For twenty years, organizations have trusted HKPO not only for technical expertise, but for the ability to translate theory into practical, lasting impact.
“Getting to know the Organizational Excellence model at this stage of my career was an eye-opener. I had a very rich learning experience assisted by HKPO’s top-notch facilitators and coaches, who shared insights and real-world examples of how to put these timeless principles into practice.”
— Julio Castillo, Newmont Corporation
“HKPO experts have been both mentors and coaches who helped our firm, and me personally, get up to speed on Lean Six Sigma.”
— Jonathan Talbot, Chief Technology Officer, DLA Piper Law Firm
“HKPO experts have been our go-to instructors for Green Belt and Black Belt training.”
— Steve Morgan, Director of Continuous Improvement, L3Harris Technologies
Across industries and geographies, HKPO partnerships are built on trust, clarity, and results.
At its core, HKPO has always been about people:
HKPO builds cultures where improvement is not an initiative. It is a way of thinking, leading, and operating.
“This Lean workshop challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, ask ‘why,’ and see how my work connects to the bigger picture across departments.”
— Brian Hackett, Vermont Creamery, Land O’Lakes
“The HKPO team takes initiative to drive strong business results.”
— Janet Scott, Executive Director, Merck
That people-first philosophy led directly to the creation of our nonprofit, the HKPO Veterans Academy, now celebrating its fourth year of service.
The HKPO Veterans Academy was founded to serve those who have served by bridging military experience with civilian opportunity through education, mentorship, and meaningful career pathways.
Through nonprofit programming and Department of Defense SkillBridge partnerships, the HKPO Veterans Academy delivers:
HKPO Veterans Academy, an approved DoD SkillBridge Program & nonprofit
Our corporate partners play a vital role in advancing our mission, collaborating with us to create opportunities, drive innovation, and deliver meaningful impact across the communities we serve.
HKPO Veterans Academy Corporate Partners
As industries evolve, HKPO continues to evolve with them.
From advanced manufacturing to offshore floating wind. From digital transformation to human behavior, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and change leadership.
HKPO operates at the intersection of technical rigor and real-world global execution.
“HKPO has been an excellent partner in creating our custom Operational Excellence Executive Training. The training was extremely well received by our internal customers, who are raving about how fun, instructional, and engaging it truly is.”
— Griselda Abousleman, Vice President of Continuous Improvement, L3Harris Technologies
“Immediately, the HKPO team’s energy and willingness to help filled a gap of uncertainty regarding where and how to start our lean journey.”
— Tony Coleman, Wente Vineyards
These milestones would not be possible without:
“HKPO played a crucial role in defining our path to excellence. Their flexibility in approach was instrumental in engaging peers across multiple locations.”
— Iliana Fernandez, Daimler Trucks North America
You are the reason HKPO continues to grow, evolve, and lead with integrity.
The next chapter of HKPO and the HKPO Veterans Academy will continue to:
Growth is not just geographic. It is cultural. It is relational. It is built on trust.
As HKPO expands across the Asia Pacific region, we recognize that operational excellence is universal in principle — but local in application. This is why we have Dr. Morgan Jones leading this charge, as a local to Australia.
Lean thinking began in Asia. Respect for people is deeply embedded in many Asia Pacific cultures. Discipline, continuous improvement, humility, and long-term thinking are not trends there — they are traditions.
“This journey will elevate us to new heights as we lead with humility and respect for every individual.”
— Mattar Al Bari, Chief Operating Officer, Vale Oman
“My experience at HKPO Veterans Academy truly helped me translate my leadership experience and skills from military service to life outside the uniform while gaining hands-on Lean Six Sigma experience. As the academy continues to grow and expand partnerships, it is creating even greater opportunities for veterans to step into meaningful, high-level careers and organizational leadership beyond the military.”
— Joshua Frederick, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired)
HKPO exists to help organizations and people achieve what matters most.
Here is to 20 years of impact. Here is to 4 years of service. And here is to the transformational work still ahead.
To learn more about HKPO Veterans Academy, visit: https://www.hkpoveteransacademy.org/
