By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
It is no secret that retired U.S. Army veterans Jason and Bridgette Santo chose a challenging time to open a UPS store—as if the hoops through which they had to jump just to start the business weren’t enough, COVID hit and delayed their opening. However, both of these folks are tough, and more importantly they are people of faith who know that everything of value that we accomplish is by grace. So, in June of 2020, Athens UPS store #7250 opened, and they have been “getting’ after it” ever since.
I think that one of the reasons why UPS #7250 has not only survived but has thrived is because Jason and Bridgette know from their years in the Army just how important it is to build a strong team. They are both committed to helping young people gain skills and come into their own, no matter what they choose for a long-term career. The care they showed to their soldiers while in the military, to their family, and to their employees is something that translates into a much-needed strength in our communities, and I am glad that they chose Athens as a place to “put out their shingle.”
UPS#7250 along with the Santo family has led by example in showing forth the need to shop local, give back to this community, and grow strong roots in Limestone County. For example, Jason keeps his storage unit here. He gets his UPS crew shirts personalized at Athens Athletics. And, understanding the need for literacy, recently they donated 35,000 Scholastic Books to the Athens-Limestone Public Library. We have talked briefly about other ways they may choose to do even more, and I was heartened by both their desire to help as well as the quick response to my idea.
The Santos are also deeply committed to veterans who are here stateside, and understand that sometimes the transition after service to civilian life can be a real challenge. Both have had experience serving in the Middle East, and while they are officially retired, looking out for service members of any age or stage in life will always be part of what gives them purpose. I have had both Jason and Steven Bates, a medically retired USAF Tech Sgt., on my radio show, WKAC’s TN Valley Spotlight. They spoke frankly about the need to help vets resist suicide and ways to help them that work. It remains one of my favorite interviews.
For his part, Jason grew up in a family where hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit were a part of life. His mom invested in real estate and flipped houses, and his dad was a hard, hard worker. One of the great influences in his development as a businessman has been Robert Kiyosaki, the creator of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad franchise, and Jason has told me with conviction more than once, “I believe in small business, and entrepreneurship is the most useful way of preserving freedom.” They also want to continue to invest in other businesses, their church, their children, and the youth who find their home to be a safe and warm place to gather and grow. In short, they have become grateful Athenians. “We want to thank all of Athens for the support they have shown us over the last four years, and we have experienced ‘appreciation by patronage.’” By that he means people have “shown through shopping” there that UPS is the place to “get ‘er done,” and Jason says that he is “blessed and excited to provide the printing needs for the community,” and more.
Jason and Bridgette are keenly aware that they would be nowhere without their loyal and hard-working crew, and it is obvious that they have built a fun and collaborative work culture.
UPS is also known as the “Everything Store,” and that includes but is not confined to shipping, providing mailboxes, making banners, shredding, making copies, fax, passport photos, and notary services. They also specialize in what is known as “presentation printing.” Presentation printing is the type you would see placed at each seat at a boardroom table, for example. Presentation printing includes: full color and black-and-white graphics and illustrations, comb binding, coil binding, and a number of various cover options. Store #7250 will help you design what you need, and I have happily used them more than once.
Stop by today and see what the UPS Store can do for you, and congratulations to everyone at #7250 for four years in Athens!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
September 6, 2024
