From Combat Deployments
to Code Deployments
How a 53-year-old Infantry veteran became a self-taught automation expert
Jacob
Founder, True North Data Strategies
🎖️ 16+ Years Military Service
💻 Self-Taught Developer at 53
📍 Colorado Springs, CO
The Journey
1. Military Background
16+ years serving as Airborne Infantry. Learned discipline, systems thinking, and how to deliver results under pressure. Military service taught me that complex problems require systematic solutions—not just throwing technology at them.
2. Transition to Operations
After military service, transitioned to Operations Supervisor at a fuel distribution company. Saw firsthand how businesses waste countless hours on manual processes that could be automated.
3. Frustration with Manual Processes
Watched talented people burn out doing repetitive data entry. Expensive agencies promised solutions but delivered complexity. DIY tools overwhelmed teams. There had to be a better way.
4. Self-Taught Development Journey
At 53, taught myself to code using ChatGPT, trial and error, and sheer stubbornness. Started with Google Apps Script because it worked with tools businesses already used. Built 50+ repositories now running in production.
5. Started True North
Founded True North Data Strategies to help other businesses avoid the trap of expensive agencies and overwhelming DIY tools. Deliver enterprise-grade solutions without enterprise prices or complexity.
Our Values
Real Results Over Shiny Gimmicks
We build solutions that solve actual business problems and deliver measurable ROI. No buzzword bingo.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. No mandatory retainers. You know exactly what you're paying for.
Plain English, Not Tech Jargon
We speak business owner, not computer scientist. If you can't understand it, we haven't explained it right.
Build Things That Last
We're not looking for vendor lock-in. Your team should be able to maintain what we build.
Document Everything
"Lego instructions, not IKEA diagrams." Clear documentation that actually helps, not confuses.
Move Fast, But Deliberately
Military precision meets startup speed. We're quick, but not reckless.
Credentials & Experience
Current Role
Operations Supervisor
Fuel Distribution Company, Colorado Springs
Daily hands-on experience solving real automation problems. Building systems that process fleet management, invoicing, and operational workflows.
Technical Expertise
- • Google Workspace Specialist
- • Apps Script Developer
- • 50+ GitHub repositories in production
- • Next.js, TypeScript, Python
- • API integrations & automation workflows
- • SEO strategy & implementation
Military Service
- • 16+ years Airborne Infantry
- • Multiple combat deployments
- • Systems & operations leadership
- • Trained in systematic problem-solving
Business Understanding
- • Real-world operational experience
- • Small business budget constraints
- • ROI-focused decision making
- • Industry-specific workflows
Why I Do This
After 16 years in the military, I transitioned to the civilian workforce and saw businesses struggling with the same problems over and over: manual processes eating up time, expensive agencies promising the world but delivering complexity, and DIY tools that overwhelm rather than help.
I watched talented operations staff spend hours on data entry that could be automated in minutes. I saw business owners pay $10K/month retainers for solutions they couldn't understand or maintain. I experienced firsthand the frustration of tools that were "powerful" but required a PhD to use.
At 53, I decided to learn to code—not to become a software engineer, but to solve real business problems. I wanted to build the kind of automation I wish I'd had: practical, affordable, maintainable, and documented in plain English.
True North exists to bring enterprise-grade automation to businesses that don't have enterprise budgets. Military precision meets startup speed.
Personal Life
Married to a respiratory therapist who keeps me grounded
3 sons, all working in the business ecosystem
Based in Colorado Springs, serving nationwide
Implementation Philosophy
Every solution must meet these four criteria. No exceptions.
Solve Real Problems
We don't build solutions just because they're cool or trendy. Every implementation must address a specific business challenge that's costing you time or money.
Pay For Itself
Every solution must deliver a clear return on investment within 6 months, through time savings, error reduction, or revenue increases.
Use Existing Tools
We integrate with the systems you already use and know, rather than forcing you to adopt entirely new platforms and workflows.
Be Maintainable
Your team should be able to understand, use, and eventually modify the solution without needing to hire PhD-level experts or specialized developers.
"I learned to code because I was tired of watching businesses drown in spreadsheets. Now I build enterprise-grade automation without enterprise prices."
— Jacob, Founder
Work With Me
Ready to automate your business processes or improve your SEO? Let's talk about your specific needs.
Contact Us