
Meet The Team
The experts behind JJ Safety.
Owners


John Shelman
Co-Owner
John Shelman is one of the visionary founders of JJ Safety since late 2015. With over 20 years in the contractor compliance industry, John offers daily guidance and direction, ensuring our teams meet their goals. He is always striving to find ways to hold teams accountable, keep production moving, and boost morale so everyone can believe in themselves. Beyond his professional pursuits, John is a strong advocate for second-chance employment.
"Our industry is always changing and it’s a fun puzzle to figure out. Every day we have to prepare for what’s new and work to be the best in our field. Our company motto is “Good enough is the enemy of greatness!” because we never settle in striving to produce the best customer experience possible. We've created a workplace where our employees love to come to work and look forward to treating our customers the same way they are treated."


Jonathan Nichols
Co-Owner
Jonathan Nichols has 14 years in Supply Chain Risk Management and is one of the visionary founders of JJ Safety. As one of the founders at JJ Safety, he's been instrumental in joyfully guiding our startup's growth from 2 to 80 Full-Time Employees in under eight years.
Jonathan oversees the company’s contractor pre-qualification, contractor management, and safety audit strategy services. His innovative solutions for Contractor, Supplier, and Vendor companies ensure seamless compliance with Hiring Client requirements on platforms like Avetta, CompliancePro, ISNetworld®, and more.
Business Management


Alicia Anaya
Business Manager
Alicia Anaya has been an integral part of the JJ Safety leadership team since February 2016, joining just months after the company was founded. As a Business Manager, Alicia plays a vital role in the strategic and operational direction of the company. Since mid-2021, she has led our 5-Star Customer Service Department, managing four Assistant Managers and overseeing a team of more than 35 professionals across Onboarding, Account Management, and Case Management.
Her leadership ensures seamless coordination between departments, drives process improvement, and supports business growth initiatives. Alicia is passionate about delivering exceptional service and empowering her team to contribute to the company’s mission.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how our clients are winning contracts that help grow their businesses,” Alicia says. “Even more fulfilling is seeing our team’s enthusiasm and pride in the real-world impact we make for contractors and suppliers around the globe.”
Operations


Joe Lanning
Operations Manager
Joe Lanning has been a dedicated member since November 2015, joining just a month after our company opened its doors. As the manager of daily technical operations, Joe ensures overall efficiency, overseeing facilities, purchasing, supplies, production, inventory management, safety, and logistics. With over 11 years in Audit Strategy and an additional 5 years in construction and safety, Joe brings a wealth of experience to support various managers in production and customer relations.
His favorite thing about JJ Safety is, “The continued challenges and the opportunity to overcome hurdles and learn from them. No one day is the same as the day before.”
Accounting and Benefits


John Rush
Finance Manager
John is a seasoned Accounting Manager with over 40 years of experience in contracting, distribution, recruiting, retail and service businesses. He is proficient in payroll systems including iSolved, Paychex, and ADP. Fostered and maintained strong relationships with banking institutions and external CPAs. He specializes in implementing new accounting systems and transforming underperforming systems into efficient, reliable frameworks. John earned his degree in Accounting from Arizona State University.


Chad Benson
Benefits and Human Resources
Chad is our dedicated Human Resources professional with experience in shaping employee engagement, talent acquisition, and organizational culture. At JJ Safety Chad leads initiatives that promote a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. He is known for blending strategic vision with hands-on work and designing systems that align HR operations with business goals while maintaining a human-centered approach.
Sales Department


Julie Barker
Sales Manager
Julie Barker has been our vibrant Sales Manager at JJ Safety since 2016. In charge of our front-end sales team, Julie ensures they meet goals and receive top-notch training with an infectious enthusiasm for connecting with clients and closing deals. She has 12 years of contractor compliance experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to our dynamic team. Her astounding energy always has the office in great spirits. Julie’s commitment to client satisfaction and building lasting relationships is not just a part of the job—it's a passion.
“This industry is fantastic, the people I meet. The truth is we help people and it is very gratifying. The people that need help appreciate it. They wouldn’t get work without us.”


Bill Bryant
Sales Assistant Manager / Leads
Bill is a veteran safety professional with the OSHA SSH certification across various industries. Bill took his first OSHA class in 1987 while serving in the US Marine Corps, and after a career in IT Management, has worked solely in safety for the past 12 years. He is a qualified OSHA instructor in both Construction and General Industry. Bill is able to utilize his experience and education to produce better products and better service for our customers.


Louie Pallanes
Front End Sales / Renewals Team Lead
Louie is our lively and enthusiastic sales professional with over 10 years of experience in the construction industry. Joining JJ Safety in 2018, Louie excels at crafting action plans for his clients' unique needs and is dedicated to helping them choose the best services. His career is enriched with the trust of nationwide companies and robust client relationships that drive repeat business. Louie attributes his success to his customer-centric approach - listening and prioritizing their needs.


Stephanie Nieva
Front End Sales / Team Lead
Stephanie Nieva is our dedicated Front End Team Lead, bringing an energy that keeps the team motivated and makes her a joy to work with. Since joining Front End in 2021, Stephanie has been a vital part of the team, consistently going above and beyond to support her colleagues and meet their needs. Her leadership and positive attitude have made her an invaluable asset, and she’s excited to continue making an impact in the years to come.
Customer Service Department


John Golay
Customer Service Manager
Since joining JJ Safety in 2018, John has showcased a deep understanding of our products and customers, initially in sales. Recognizing his capabilities, he swiftly transitioned into a management role. Today, John leads the high-performing customer service department, ensuring upmost customer satisfaction.
"I believe its not the events in our lives that make us who we are, but rather the way in which we deal and move beyond them"


Ashley Simonsen
Customer Service Assistant Manager / Onboarding
Ashley has been a dedicated member of the JJ Safety team since 2018! Currently leading day-to-day operations in our customer service onbording department, she excels as an assistant manager, offering crucial support to the entire team. With a background as a Senior Account Manager overseeing 250+ accounts, Ashley consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service that our customers value.
“I love collaborating with my team and being a part of this amazing company.”


Garrett Smith
Customer Service Assistant Manager
Garrett has been a valued member of JJ Safety since 2018! Currently spearheading our customer service department, he efficiently manages day-to-day operations and performance. Garrett collaborates seamlessly with all customer service departments, ensuring an exceptional experience for our current customers.
“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”


Bryan Ritter
Customer Service Assistant Manager
Bryan Ritter is an Assistant Customer Service Manager currently dedicated to enhancing customer experiences and supporting team success. Known for fostering a positive service culture, Bryan ensures that both customers and employees feel valued. He is passionate about delivering high-quality service, supporting business growth, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Content Development Department


Lexi Zavala
Content Development / Social Media Manager
Lexi Zavala is the dynamic and creative Content Development Manager and Social Media Maestro with a passion for transforming ideas into engaging digital experiences. Lexi and her team have successfully driven brand awareness and engagement for viewers. She thrives on staying ahead of the latest industry trends, ensuring that each piece of content is not only current but also resonates with the target audience. She is inspiring team members to push boundaries and deliver content that not only meets but exceeds expectations.


Kyle Pastor
Content Development Assistant Manager
Detail-oriented and strategy-focused, Kyle oversees and assists in planning and delivering content projects. He streamlines content operations by developing and maintaining production timelines, templates, and systems. Manages project tracking, deadlines, audio/video production, and content updates effectively. Kyle plays a vital role in shaping brand narratives, optimizing educational resources, and ensuring that every piece of content serves its purpose with clarity, cohesion, and impact.


Roman Atondo
Content Development Assistant Manager / Cases
Roman is our high spirited Assistant Manager in the Customer Service department at JJ Safety, where he's been a dedicated part of the team since 2016. Roman ensures swift handling of all our content, including safety programs, audit documentation, training, and any client-required documentation.
“I have enjoyed my experience here every step of the way. It’s a fun, social work environment committed to helping the customer as best as we can.”
Technology & Software Department


Kristopher Eaton
Technology Operations Manager
Kristopher joined JJ Safety LLC in 2020 as a web developer and has since demonstrated exceptional expertise in software engineering. Kristopher's passion for intricate software solutions has propelled him oversee the selection, implementation, training, and management of our company's tech processes. Kristopher's proficiency in JavaScript and other technologies ensures the seamless operation of our systems. In addition to his technical skills, Kristopher is known for his positive energy and team spirit. Whether enjoying a bowl of ramen or sharing a light moment with colleagues, he contributes to a vibrant and collaborative work environment. His enthusiasm for technology and engaging personality make him an invaluable member of the JJ Safety team.


Joe Powder
Software Customer Service Manager/ Software Engineer
Joe Powder is our seasoned pro in safety audit compliance! With an impressive 13 years of industry experience, Joe has been a vital part of the JJ Safety team since March 2015. Joe has advanced from account manager through self education to Software Developer / Software Customer Service Manager. For the past few years, he's been a key manager and coding maestro in our software customer service department, expertly overseeing day-to-day operations, and delivering top-notch support to both clients and our account management team.
“I love working at JJ Safety because of the family-like atmosphere. Keeping our customers working for their customers is a great feeling!”
Safety Mascot


Honey Bun
Mascot
Woof, woooof, woof woof , woof, WOOF!
