Meet Jeff Straub | Professional Preparedness & Business Continuity

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

Hi Jeff, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I founded Leeward Solutions in February 2020, after more than thirty years in the first response and healthcare industries, because I wanted to create a platform where my experience could bring consistency and reliable support to multiple agencies.

My career began as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy, where I received the basic emergency medical technician. After the Navy went on to complete my Paramedic certification, I later served as an Emergency Manager for a large trauma center and healthcare system. While that role honed my skills, it also limited my ability to collaborate across different sectors. I needed more freedom to contribute to the broader landscape of emergency preparedness.

My passion for preparedness is personal and deeply rooted in my childhood. In 1985, my eldest brother and 247 members of the 101st Airborne tragically died in a plane crash in Gander, Newfoundland, returning for Christmas after a peace-keeping assignment in the Sinai. That event shaped my life’s purpose. I was exposed to a much larger and sinister world and felt obligated to protect and prepare others for it.

When I launched Leeward Solutions, the pandemic had just been declared. It was undeniably a risky time—many, including myself, questioned my sanity. Yet, it underscored how crucial preparedness and adaptability are for all businesses, as so many were caught off guard. These were the very lessons that had shaped both my personal and professional life.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Perception is reality—as someone deeply embedded in the healthcare and first responder communities, I’ve seen how leadership, influencers, or policies often skew perception. Just because something is perceived in a certain way doesn’t guarantee authenticity. Perception can be dangerously misleading when it comes to preparedness. Some agencies and companies may believe they are well-prepared for disruptive events, but once you start peeling back the layers of their response plans, vulnerabilities begin to surface.

This can range from communication gaps to resource allocation weaknesses or even a need for more cohesion between agencies. Often, what’s perceived as readiness is a façade upheld by outdated plans or unchecked assumptions. Proper preparedness means confronting those blind spots and acknowledging that the reality may be far more complex than the perception. In emergency management, success hinges on looking beyond surface-level confidence and addressing the deeper issues that could lead to failure during a crisis. Ensuring readiness requires a shift in perception and a commitment to continuous improvement and honest evaluation.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

The most critical lesson in emergency management is that relationships and trust are everything. The effectiveness of any response plan hinges on the strength of the relationships between all involved—whether it’s coordinating with government agencies, private sector partners, or local communities. Emergency management isn’t just about having the right resources or protocols in place; it’s about knowing that the people you rely on and who rely on you will act decisively and collaboratively in a crisis.

Building long-term, genuine connections fosters a sense of shared responsibility and trust. These relationships create a foundation for clear communication, resource sharing, and coordinated action when it’s needed most. In my experience, the clients and partners who trust me to guide them through preparedness and response efforts achieve the most resilient outcomes. Trust allows for open dialogue, continuous feedback, and a commitment to shared goals, which are critical for success in a field where lives and livelihoods are often on the line.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

Consistency, continuous learning, and adaptability have been cornerstones of my success, particularly in emergency management, where the landscape shifts rapidly. Staying current and responsive to new challenges, regulations, and technologies has allowed me to remain effective and deliver value to my clients. But an often overlooked aspect of long-term success in this field is the practice of self-care.

Emergency management is a high-stakes, high-pressure profession. It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of the work, but maintaining personal well-being is essential to performing at your best. Consistency isn’t just about showing up for clients—it’s about being mentally and physically prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Continuous learning not only applies to professional development but also to self-awareness and understanding your limits.

Incorporating self-care into my daily habits has enhanced my ability to remain adaptable. Whether it’s taking time to reset after a long project, or building practices into my routine that prevent burnout, self-care ensures that I can be fully present and effective when my clients need me most. In the long run, success is not just about being there for others but also about ensuring you’re in the right state of mind and body to offer the best possible support. Balancing professional demands with self-care practices has allowed me to sustain my performance and continue delivering high-quality results over the years.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Leeward Solutions, LLC equips organizations with the tools, strategies, and support necessary to protect operations and successfully navigate crises. As a veteran-owned consulting firm, we pride ourselves on bringing adaptive and pragmatic solutions, especially in emergency preparedness and continuity. We specialize in serving small businesses, healthcare coalitions, professional associations, and essential service agencies, and we understand the distinct challenges these organizations encounter during emergencies. Our journey hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve overcome obstacles by staying resilient and flexible in our approach. Each challenge has reinforced our commitment to providing practical, effective solutions. The lessons we’ve learned along the way have shaped our deep understanding of the needs of those we serve, and we are most proud of the trust our clients place in us. What sets Leeward Solutions apart is our commitment to fostering preparedness and resilience for those who keep communities running, even in the most challenging times. We want the world to know that Leeward Solutions is here to help safeguard your organization’s future, offering expertise rooted in experience and a proper understanding of the stakes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Residing in the Upstate of South Carolina offers a unique balance of top-tier dining, arts, and culture, rustic outdoor activities, and a wealth of historical sites. This combination creates rich diversity and endless options for even the most discerning visitor or resident. The area is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination, whether looking for a tranquil hike, boating on one of the pristine lakes, or enjoying a Broadway-style show. There’s no shortage of exceptional experiences to entertain and enhance the community’s value.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been fortunate to have had many mentors who have guided me through my journey, actually too many to mention, but some fundamental pillars deserve recognition. I will start with my family, from my departed parents, who imparted their keen view of the world and the ethics to navigate it. My wife, Courtney, is everything in my world; she has bettered me on every level. My children continue to ground and inspire me always to be the best version of myself. Beyond that, I have been blessed to call Mike Ruiz a great friend and partner. Karen Collom, an inspiration and mentor to so many, offered me an opportunity to flex my experience in teaching early on, which helped steer my path. Mike Miller was a hardened and compassionate leader who took a chance on a fellow Navy Corpsman veteran. I would be remiss not to mention those who showed me the less attractive behaviors and characteristics of the human condition; you have equally guided me.

Website: https://www.leewardreadiness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leewardreadiness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeewardSolutions1