Jason Turned Hard-Earned Lessons Into the AZ86 Way
Jason built AZ86 around the belief that lasting improvement does not begin with a template. It begins with understanding the people, processes, systems, and realities behind the work.
How i work
The Principles Behind AZ86
These are the principles that shape how Jason approaches problems, works with people, and builds solutions that are meant to work beyond the engagement.
Clarity
No unnecessary layers, vague language, or hidden agendas. The work starts with honest conversations, clear expectations, and a shared understanding of what needs to change.
Ownership
Jason remains accountable from the first conversation through execution—staying involved enough to understand the details, make decisions, and keep momentum moving.
Practicality
Ideas only matter when they survive contact with reality. AZ86 focuses on solutions people can use, teams can adopt, and organizations can sustain.
Experienced Leadership
Jason Hostens
Founder & Executive Consultant
Jason has spent three decades learning where good work gets stuck—and what it takes to get it moving again. Across complex operations, healthcare, government, projects, and process improvement, he brings an operator’s perspective to problems that rarely have simple answers.
Operations & Process Improvement
Strategic Consulting & Advisory
Leadership & Team Development
Business Growth & Transformation
My Experience
Proven Leadership. Real-World Results.
From startups to enterprise, I’ve led teams, optimized operations, and delivered solutions that create long-term value.
20+
Years of Experience
5+
Organizations
Multiple
Industries Served
End-to-End
Organizations
Career Journey
Experience That Builds Stronger Businesses
A track record of leadership, execution, and impact across diverse industries.
Cannsult, Inc.
Business Change Manager
2022 – Present
Building improvement capability through Lean Six Sigma, training, process thinking, and practical organizational change.
Elevance Health
Senior Executive Consultant
2022 – Present
Supporting complex healthcare environments through consulting, operational improvement, and structured problem-solving.
AZ86 Business Services LLC
Owner
2022 – Present
Building a hands-on consulting practice focused on operations, systems, process improvement, project execution, and practical transformation.
SH Management Services, LLC
Director of Business Administration
2021 – 2022
Leading administrative and operational functions while strengthening the systems and processes behind day-to-day business performance.
United Healthcare
Assoc Director
2011 – 2019
Developing decades of experience across healthcare operations, technology, process improvement, project leadership, and complex organizational environments.
WHY AZ86 FEELS DIFFERENT
You Work With the Experience, Not Around It.
When you work with AZ86, you get more than a consultant — you get a hands-on partner. I'm directly involved in your project, with clear communication, focused execution, and a commitment to your success. No layers. No runaround. Just real partnership.
- Direct senior-level involvement
- Practical, results-focused approach
- Clear and consistent communication
- Flexible and adaptable to your needs
Get In Touch
Let’s Build What’s Next.
Have a question, need a consultation, or want to learn more about how AZ86 can help? Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.
Other Ways To Reach Us
Office
Tucson, AZ
(Virtual meetings available)
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Tell Us How We Can Help You
Share a few details about your needs and we'll get back to you with the best next steps whether it's a consultation, an service inquiry, or more information about our affiliations.
CLIENTS & PARTNERS
What People Are Saying
Read feedback from businesses and individuals who've worked with me and my partner network.
Michael Reynolds
Operations Director | Healthcare
“Jason brings clarity to complicated operational problems. He sees the issue, understands the root cause, and knows how to turn the solution into action.”
4.4
Priya Nair
Senior Program Manager | Technology
“Jason has a very practical approach to process improvement. He takes time to understand how the team actually works, identifies the friction points, and develops solutions that fit the operation rather than forcing the operation into a template.”
4.4
Kevin Harrison
Project Management Lead | Life Sciences
“Jason was incredibly easy to work with. He listened carefully, understood what we were trying to accomplish, and brought a level of organization to the project that made everything feel more manageable. He has a great balance of technical knowledge and practical business thinking.”
4.4
Daniel Brooks
Business Operations Manager
“What impressed me most was Jason’s ability to connect strategy with the details that make execution possible.”
4.4
Melissa Carter
Director of Operations
“Working with Jason gave our project a much clearer sense of direction. He brought structure to areas that had become difficult to manage, asked questions that uncovered issues we had overlooked, and helped translate those findings into practical next steps. His understanding of both process and execution made a real difference throughout the engagement.”
4.4
Andrew Mitchell
Founder & Managing Partner | Consulting
“Jason doesn’t just identify problems—he helps build a better way forward.”
4.4
Rachel Thompson
VP, Business Transformation | Enterprise Services
“Jason combines operational experience, process-improvement discipline, and technology knowledge. He brings structure to complex environments while staying focused on practical solutions the team can implement and sustain.”
4.4
QUICK ANSWERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about my services, partners, and how to get started.
What does an operations consultant do?
An operations consultant finds why a business's processes, systems or projects are not performing and builds practical fixes. That usually means mapping how work really flows, removing friction, setting up tools and documentation, and measuring the results. I do all of this hands-on, from the first conversation through rollout.
How is working with you different from a traditional consulting firm?
You work directly with me, not a junior team. As an independent consultant, I stay close to the problem, the decisions and the execution, with no layers between you and the person doing the work. When a project needs extra depth, I bring in trusted specialist partners.
Do you only advise, or do you help implement?
Implementation is an important part of the work. Depending on the engagement, that can include workflow configuration, Smartsheet development, process redesign, documentation, project oversight, training, and transition.
What if I know something is wrong but cannot find the cause?
That is often where we start. I review how work and information actually move through your operation, find the friction points, and separate root causes from symptoms. Then we decide where a fix will make the biggest practical difference.
Do you only advise, or do you help implement?
I do both. Implementation is a core part of the work, including workflow setup, Smartsheet development, process redesign, documentation, project oversight, training and handoff, so improvements get used instead of sitting in a report.
Do you only work with Smartsheet?
No. Smartsheet is a core specialty, but the goal is always the business outcome. I look at the tools you already use and recommend what fits, instead of treating one platform as the answer to every problem.
How do you measure whether an improvement worked?
We agree on the measures before work begins. Depending on the problem, that might be cycle time, error rates, throughput, workload, visibility, consistency or adoption. We then track results against those measures and adjust where needed.
Can you work with a small or growing business?
Yes. An independent consultant is a good fit for small and growing businesses that want senior operational experience without paying for a large consulting team. We scope the work to the problem, not the other way around.
How much does operations consulting cost?
Cost depends on the size of the problem and whether you want advice, hands-on implementation or both. [CONFIRM: pricing model, for example project fees starting at $___, hourly, or monthly retainer.] A first conversation gives you a clear scope and estimate before you commit.
Which Lean Six Sigma belt is right for me?
Yellow Belt suits people new to Lean Six Sigma who support improvement projects. Green Belt suits those who will lead projects and use data analysis. Black Belt suits experienced leaders tackling complex, cross-team problems. [CONFIRM: belts offered through Lean6Sigma Academy.] Tell me your role and goals and I will point you to the right level.
Who is the financial planning and life insurance service for?
It is for individuals and families who want a clear plan to protect loved ones, manage risk and prepare for retirement. We start with your goals and situation, then discuss options that fit. [CONFIRM: licensing and disclosure language approved by Primerica.]
How do I know which service is right for me?
Start with the problem you are facing. On a first call we will talk it through and decide whether operations consulting, systems work, training or financial planning is the right path. You do not need to work that out in advance.