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 as a School Board Member, as well as leading a thriving builders 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
To develop leaders who rise above division, lead with principle, and communicate in ways that build trust, unite teams, and drive meaningful results.
Meet Our Team
John Thomas
John Thomas has led where leadership matters most—across law enforcement, education, government, and economic development. A former investigator, head football coach, high school administrator, university executive, airport authority board member, Vice Mayor, and President/CEO of a building industry trade association, he also currently serves as an elected School Board Member.
A certified Maxwell Leadership speaker, trainer, and coach, John champions High Road Leadership—grounded in integrity, discipline, and intentional growth. Known for communicating with clarity and connecting across diverse audiences, he equips leaders to build trust, lead under pressure, and drive meaningful, lasting results.
President/CEO
Speaker, Trainer, & Executive Coach
Amber Carroll
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.
Organizational & Personal Growth Mentor
Debbie Thomas
Debbie Thomas brings public leadership and high-level business development experience to Mission Built. A two-time elected official and Senior Director for a major commercial general contractor, she teaches contractors a powerful truth: growth comes from relationships, not transactions—building trust, community, and long-term partnerships.
As a speaker on women in business, Debbie shares her journey from motherhood to elected office and executive leadership. She equips leaders to build influence, strengthen connections, and win through relationships that last.
Speaker & Consultant
Jackie Colon
Jackie Colón brings a powerful blend of public leadership and real-world insight to Mission Built. A former Brevard County Commissioner, Chair of the Commission, and Deputy Mayor of Palm Bay, she has led efforts in economic development, policy, and regional collaboration across the Space Coast. Known for building consensus and mentoring leaders, her impact spans government and community initiatives.
As a Maxwell Certified Coach, leadership speaker, coach and trainer, Jackie helps individuals and organizations perform at a higher level. Her focus on communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making equips leaders to navigate complexity and build strong, mission-driven teams.
Speaker, Trainer, & Executive Coach
Ray Herring
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.
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Speaker & Student-Athlete Development Coach
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.