Meet Jai Salters | Executive Director and Founder of ACT Now Education

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jai Salters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jai, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was not waiting until I was off active duty to start my business. Time is incredibly valuable, and by starting my business while still serving, I was able to leverage the unique experiences and skills I gained in the military. This decision allowed me to grow and learn as an entrepreneur over the years, which has been instrumental in building a successful business

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
ACT Now Education is a nonprofit that isdedicated to empowering military community members, including active duty service members, veterans, and their families, by providing them with access to education, training, and career opportunities. What sets us apart is our commitment to serving those who have served our country we are just a group of volunteers that want to be the change we want to see. We offer a wide range of resources, including free certification courses, job placement assistance, and mentorship programs, all tailored to the needs of the military community.

I’m most proud of the tangible impact we’ve made in the lives of our members. Seeing them transition successfully into civilian careers and achieve their educational goals is incredibly rewarding. Getting to where we are today was not easy. Balancing the demands of active duty service with running a business presented unique challenges. However, the resilience and discipline instilled in me by the military proved invaluable in overcoming obstacles.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building a strong support network. Collaboration with other organizations and leveraging the strengths of our team have been crucial to our success. Another lesson is the power of adaptability; being able to pivot and respond to the evolving needs of our community has been vital.

I want the world to know that ACT Now Education is more than just a business; it’s a mission-driven organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. Our story is one of service, resilience, and the belief that education and opportunity can transform lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay easy day! South Carolina is a state rich in culture, history, and, of course, delicious Southern cuisine. Here’s a week-long itinerary that showcases some of the best experiences I believe the state has to offer:

Day 1: Charleston
Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at Hominy Grill, known for its classic Southern dishes.
Midday: Explore the historic French Quarter, visiting landmarks like Rainbow Row and the Battery.
Lunch: Enjoy a seafood feast at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Dinner: Experience fine dining at Husk, where the menu showcases Southern ingredients.

Day 2: Charleston to Beaufort
Morning: Depart for Beaufort, stopping for brunch at the Lost Dog Café in Folly Beach.
Afternoon: Arrive in Beaufort and explore the charming downtown area.
Dinner: Dine at The Old Bull Tavern for a mix of Southern and European flavors.

Day 3: Beaufort to Hilton Head Island
Morning: Visit the Hunting Island State Park for a nature walk.
Lunch: Stop by The Shrimp Shack for a casual seafood lunch.
Afternoon: Head to Hilton Head Island and relax on the beach.
Dinner: Enjoy oceanfront dining at The Sea Pines Beach Club’s Coast restaurant.

Day 4: Hilton Head Island
Morning: Play a round of golf at one of Hilton Head’s famous courses.
Lunch: Grab a bite at the Salty Dog Café in Sea Pines.
Afternoon: Go on a dolphin-watching cruise.
Dinner: Savor Southern-inspired dishes at The Sage Room.

Day 5: Hilton Head Island to Columbia
Morning: Depart for Columbia, stopping for brunch at The Grits and Groceries in Belton.
Afternoon: Explore the South Carolina State Museum and the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia.
Dinner: Dine at Motor Supply Co. Bistro for farm-to-table fare.

Day 6: Columbia to Greenville
Morning: Head to Greenville and start with breakfast at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse.
Midday: Stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy and visit the Greenville County Museum of Art.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Soby’s, known for its New South cuisine.
Afternoon: Check out the shops and galleries along Main Street.
Dinner: Experience the upscale Southern cooking at The Lazy Goat.

Day 7: Greenville
Morning: Have breakfast at Biscuit Head, famous for its massive biscuits.
Midday: Take a hike in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
Lunch: Refuel with a barbecue lunch at Henry’s Smokehouse.
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy a craft beer at one of Greenville’s breweries.
Dinner: End your trip with a memorable meal at Jianna,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, I firmly believe that success is a collective effort. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible military community that has been my backbone and where I have found my purpose throughout my journey. I have my mentors on speed dial; with out them, I would be lost Their guidance and direction have been invaluable If you dont have a mentor doing what you want to do, please get one! I also want to recognize the ACT Now Education team, whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in our success. Lastly, I must mention the book ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek, which has profoundly influenced my approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. Each of these elements has played a crucial role in my story, and I’m immensely grateful for their contribution.

Website: https://actnoweducation.org/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-salters/