It is not often you see the words “musician” and “accounting” in the same sentence, but that was before Jon Jackinchuk joined the PPA team as comptroller. Get ready for a spotlight interview that goes everywhere from financial operations and dashboards to Metallica. Welcome to the team Jon. Rock on!
As comptroller at PPA, what would be your role at the office?
My primary task is to organize the financial operations of PPA into usable and reportable data. We have many points of data that are found in our contracts, and that is housed in our accounting system. It’s my job to present that data to different team members so that they can make wise business decisions in both the near term and long term.
What drew you to working in this field?
I believe it is my mission in life to improve and enrich the lives of those around me. PPA’s mission statement says just that. There are many jobs that can be done but to have a vocation for improving lives, and be able to work for an organization that works toward that is a blessing.
What do you look forward to doing here at PPA?
I am excited about the opportunity to build dashboards! As I’ve met with team members I’ve learned that organizing the way we review projects and present KPIs will provide a significant benefit. It will be a great joy to work with other team members to improve processes, standardize entries, and help us all expand the reach of what we do.
What have you learned about PPA, its work or team since you started? Did anything surprise you?
PPA has so many smart people on the team! I feel compelled to earn a doctorate degree in the near future. It’s fun to learn more about the other team members on the weekly video check-ins and I’m looking forward to the in-person meetings.
What inspires you?
I’m going to borrow some accounting language and say that I’m a WIP (work in progress). Life is a wonderful journey with joy, laughter, tears, worry, and everything in-between. Every day is full of opportunity to grow and become a better man. No circumstance in life is written in stone. I’m grateful for experiences that test, shape, and mold me. The opportunity to work for PPA is another reminder to me of a door that opens to amazing growth.
Your background with music is fascinating. Tell us about School of Rock.
School of Rock is a lifechanging experience. My wife and I have been the owners of the Okemos location for seven years (check it out here). We have been fortunate to get to know and employ many amazing local musicians. Many parents have told us that SoR changed their kids’ lives for the better and it’s humbling to know that we’ve provided the space for that to happen. If you haven’t been to a House Band show I recommend it. These young people have so much talent!
I have to ask, do you have a favorite rock artist or band?
My favorite artist or band changes depending on the season of life. Music is powerful. It is the soundtrack to so many experiences in life and it’s amazing how a song can bring back memories and emotions. Currently my favorite band is Shinedown. Their version of Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”, and “I’ll Follow You” have been incredibly moving for me. Metallica has been my favorite several times. I find myself singing along to Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Jason Mraz quite often too.
What was the best concert you saw?
The best concert I saw was Metallica in New York at Buffalo Bills stadium a few years ago. They have been performing for decades, can still fill a stadium, and still sound amazing! Greta Van Fleet was my daughter’s favorite band at the time, and they were one of opening acts. I hadn’t followed them too much before that concert, but they were really impressive. My wife and oldest daughter were with me and that’s what made it the most memorable experience.