Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Jair Matis | Tressurer at First There Foundation-Combat Control | Owner and Operator at Optimize U

Jair Matis is Owner and Operator of Optimize U Louisville LLC, and co-owner of Optimize U Cincinnati LLC, and Optimize U Owensboro LLC, under which he opened five clinics specializing in hormone optimization, hot/cold/compression, and red light therapies. He also oversees finances, design, maintenance, and technological aspects of the companies. Jair is a passionate participant in the veteran community, devoting his spare time helping teammates as the Treasurer for the First There Foundation. First There Foundation provides personal support addressing the visible and invisible wounds of service providing air and resources for fellow Combat Controllers, Veterans, and First Responders.

Matis served 22 years in the United States Air Force & Air National Guard as a Combat Controller. Matis’ final assignment was with the Kentucky Air National Guard as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. Before this, he was the Special Tactics Functional Area Manager (FAM) & Combat Control Career Field Functional Manager (CFFM) at the National Guard Bureau. Prior to being selected as the ST FAM and CCT CFFM, he served as a team level Combat Controller at the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron (Louisville, KY) and 21st Special Tactics Squadron (Pope Army Airfield, NC).

He holds a Master of Science in Operations Management with a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with a Management Minor from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also has associate degrees in Air Traffic Control and Logistics Management from the Community College of the Air Force.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My days start early. I establish the right tone in the morning, which is non-negotiable for me. I start with a workout to get my body moving and clear my head, followed by a quiet period of self-reflection. Once I’m in work mode, I focus on prioritizing what truly drives impact for my team and our clients. I keep my schedule tight, I make sure every day is done intentionally, and I’m very serious about eliminating distractions to operate at my best.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring vision, structure, and collaboration to make sure my ideas come to life. It starts with writing down the concept, researching and identifying the challenges and opportunities, then mapping out a clear implementation plan.

For organizational ideas, I find that brainstorming with a trusted team is a very effective process. Collaboration with other people that you trust allows for better judgement; more minds mean more perspectives, which helps anticipate curveballs and discover better ways around hurdles. Sometimes, one good idea can spark a better one. This has worked incredibly well in my experience.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Artificial intelligence is an extraordinary innovation. I feel it has limitless potential across every industry. We’re only scratching the surface of what it can do to improve how we work, connect, and solve complex problems.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Gratitude. Every single day, I keep track of something I’m really grateful for. That small habit keeps me grounded and shifts my perspective to one that is of positivity and purpose. When you start your day with intention, it ripples into everything else you do.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career? Please explain how.

Set clear and SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based—and then you follow through. It’s not just about writing goals down once; it’s about checking in and following up regularly. Holding yourself accountable is also key to growth. When you hit your goals, celebrate them, but don’t stop. Make goal-setting a habit so you keep building the momentum for a positive streak.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Stay focused and keep moving forward. Failure is inevitable, so don’t waste your time trying to avoid it completely. What truly matters is how you respond to it. You may get passed up for a promotion, a partner might let you down, or life could really hit you hard. Feel it, but don’t dwell. Press pause, reflect, learn, and move on. Pain is a powerful teacher.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.

The biggest driver of growth in any organization isn’t the latest tech or any fancy processes. It’s how you take care of your people. When you invest in their well-being and you earn their trust, the results are worth it. A lot of leaders tend to look for outward solutions, but I believe it starts within.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Be intentional about your mornings. Carve out at least one hour before your day starts to take care of yourself. For me, that looks like practicing gratitude, getting my body to move, and fueling myself properly. It requires a lot of preparation, of course. Notably, getting to bed on time, setting your alarm, and prepping your breakfast the night before. But the result is a sharper, stronger, more focused version of yourself that will run for the rest of the day.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I ground myself with a very simple breathing technique, 4-7-8. What it is is that you just inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. I do this three times. It takes less than a minute and helps me reset. Once I’m more centered, I can reassess the situation and figure out the best way to move forward.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

One of the hardest moments in my career was the suicide of my teammate and friend, TSgt Travis Brown, in 2022. I’ve lost teammates before to combat and training accidents, but never to suicide. Travis’ death had a profound impact on our unit. As the senior enlisted leader, I had to deliver that news to our squadron while holding back tears. It was the toughest brief I’ve ever given.

I canceled training that week, despite pushback, because we needed space to process, connect, and begin healing. We initiated small group conversations, physical outlets, and peer support. Over time, we implemented buddy checks and built a stronger culture of awareness and support. I also advocated—successfully—for an in-house psychologist for our unit.

What I learned is that the only way to lead through tragedy is to move forward with integrity and example. You acknowledge the pain, you stay present, and you help others find a path forward.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A mobile wellness unit that offers services like red light therapy, cryotherapy, and compression therapy, delivered straight to your door. Pair it with some educational content on longevity and recovery, and you’ve got more than a service—you’ve got a tool to empower people to take charge of their well-being.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

QuickBooks. It’s a powerhouse for managing finances, especially when juggling multiple businesses or a non-profit. The automated categorization and real-time reporting features save an enormous amount of time. Before QuickBooks, I relied on Excel, which was tedious and prone to error. Now I can spend that saved time focusing on what really matters: strategy, people, and impact.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)

A quality journal and some new workout gear. The journal keeps me focused and intentional, tracking both personal and professional growth. The gear makes it easier to knock out workouts between commitments. Simple, but high-impact investments in my well-being.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast (or both) from which you’ve gotten much value, and why?

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s a powerful guide to personal conduct: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. It helped me shift from a mindset of fear and judgment to one of acceptance and love. That shift has changed how I lead, how I live, and how I show up for others.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

The Terminal List. It’s intense and powerful—themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience resonated with me, especially as a veteran. The storytelling and production were excellent, but what stuck with me most was how deeply it reflected the strength and struggles of those who serve.