Jon Davis · Operator and advisor
I help from inside the work.
My job is to understand before prescribing, make the complicated useful, and help good people build a business that works better.
About Jon
Built in real operations.
I’ve spent my career in businesses where the plan meets customers, employees, inventory, margins, and the clock.
My background includes leading high-volume Starbucks operations, building and coaching teams, and helping run a highly seasonal $2 million-plus independent retail and food business. I’ve owned labor budgets, hiring, scheduling, training, product development, customer experience, financial review, and the thousand details that don’t fit neatly inside a job description.
That experience taught me to distrust answers that look good on paper but ignore the people doing the work. A system only matters if it can survive a busy Tuesday, a call-off, a new hire, and an owner who already has too much on their plate.
The operating principles
Clear-eyed. Shoulder-to-shoulder. Useful.
Respect the existing knowledge
The people closest to the work usually understand more than outsiders assume.
Follow the real work
Policies tell part of the story. Observation, numbers, and honest conversation tell the rest.
Reduce the number of priorities
Progress accelerates when people know what matters now—and what can wait.
Leave capability behind
The goal is a stronger business and stronger leaders, not permanent dependence on a consultant.
Home base
Chautauqua County, with a Western New York point of view.
I understand owner-led businesses because I’ve lived the tradeoffs.
Local relationships matter. Reputation matters. Seasonality, staffing, and cash flow are not abstract. Neither is the pressure of knowing employees, customers, and your own family are affected by every decision.
Collective Leverage exists to bring capable outside help to businesses that are too substantial for generic advice—and too practical for consulting theater.
Bring me the messy version