Built for the Mission
John Thomas, founder and CEO of Mission Built Strategies, is a seasoned leader whose career spans education, athletics, law enforcement, public service, and executive leadership. He has served in elected office as Vice Mayor and School Board Member, as well as leading a thriving industry trade association, bringing a unique perspective on governance, community impact, and organizational growth. From the sidelines of varsity football to the frontlines of public safety, from university administration to international trade missions, John has lived leadership in high-stakes environments. At Mission Built Strategies, he transforms that experience into practical, actionable training that helps leaders master their mindset, communicate with clarity, build resilient cultures, and lead with purpose. Guided by the timeless leadership principles of John Maxwell and forged in the field, Mission Built equips individuals and teams—from corporate executives to government officials, athletic coaches to law enforcement leaders—to turn potential into performance, influence into impact, and talent into legacy. Built for the mission. Proven in the field.
Our Vision
At Mission Built Strategies, our vision is to raise up a generation of bold, values-driven leaders who lead with clarity, serve with humility, and build teams that transform the world—one mission at a time. We believe real leadership is forged in challenge, proven in action, and sustained by purpose. Through powerful training and lived experience, we aim to ignite leadership that lasts far beyond the boardroom.
Meet Our Team
John Thomas
President/CEO
John Thomas is a internationally respected leader, former university executive, law enforcement investigator, head football coach, and elected public official. With decades of experience spanning education, athletics, public safety, economic development, and government, John is the founder of Mission Built Strategies, LLC, where he trains leaders and teams to thrive under pressure, lead with purpose, and perform at the highest level.
Amber Carroll
Organizational & Personal Growth Mentor
Amber Carroll helps individuals and organizations reach their full potential by developing leadership, character, and purpose. With over 20 years in nonprofit and community leadership, she coaches diverse populations, builds partnerships, and guides teams through meaningful change. Known as a “Turnaround Architect,” Amber specializes in systems and process improvement to help people and organizations achieve their mission.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Ray Herring
Speaker & Student-Athlete Development Coach
Ray Herring helps student-athletes discover purpose, build character, and develop the skills to succeed on and off the field. Ray was a four-time All-State football player and played for the University of Notre Dame on a full scholarship. He holds dual undergraduate degrees, an MBA, and completed the Sports Management Institute executive program.
Ray helped launch Florida Tech’s football program before moving into athletic administration, where he raised over $100 million in support of programs and endowments at Notre Dame.
Our Strategy
At Mission Built Strategies, strategy is more than a plan—it’s a mindset. We equip leaders with the clarity, structure, and decision-making tools to move with purpose in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Drawing from real-world leadership in law enforcement, athletics, education, and executive roles, our strategic approach blends vision with action, helping individuals and organizations align their goals, empower their people, and win with integrity.
Innovation
Mission Built Strategies delivers innovative solutions rooted in real-world leadership and forward-thinking insight. We don’t rely on recycled theories—we draw from lived experience in law enforcement, athletics, public service, and executive leadership to craft fresh, effective strategies that solve today’s toughest leadership challenges. From interactive workshops to custom coaching and dynamic seminars, we equip leaders and teams with practical, actionable tools designed to inspire breakthrough thinking, elevate performance, and drive lasting change.
Collaboration
At Mission Built Strategies, we believe collaboration is the heartbeat of transformational leadership. True success isn’t achieved in isolation—it’s built through trust, shared vision, and the collective strength of a unified team. We help leaders break down silos, elevate communication, and create a culture where every voice matters and every member moves the mission forward. When collaboration is intentional, teams don’t just perform—they thrive.