Success isn’t just about growth or profits—it’s about making a real difference. Many companies struggle with inefficiencies, staffing shortages, and outdated processes. This is where Fortuna comes in. Fortuna believes that businesses should operate efficiently while also improving lives and supporting communities. It provides smart, practical solutions to streamline operations and enhance effectiveness.

Leading this transformative change is Jack Smith, Fortuna’s visionary Founder and CEO, who has built the company into an organization that puts people first. Founded in 2014 and based in McClellan Park, California, Fortuna is a veteran-owned company specializing in managed staffing, IT solutions, and contact center operations. By simplifying complex processes, it enables companies to focus on what matters most.

Fortuna is deeply committed to hiring veterans, recognizing their leadership skills, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. Smith’s philosophy is simple: prioritize people, embrace innovation, and create meaningful impact. Under his leadership, Fortuna has become a trusted partner for companies seeking real and lasting improvements. With integrity, dedication, and a relentless focus on progress, Fortuna is proving that success is best measured by the positive changes it brings to businesses and communities alike.

At CIO Bulletin, we had the distinct honor of interviewing Jack Smith, who shared inspiring insights into how he and his company, with a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and impact, not only drive business growth but also empower veterans and historically underutilized businesses—proving that true success is measured by the lives it transforms.

The Genesis of Fortuna: A Company Built on Integrity

When Jack Smith founded Fortuna, he wasn’t just launching another consulting firm—he was setting out to change the way businesses operate. Having spent years as a PMO director, he witnessed firsthand how many consultants prioritized what clients wanted to hear over what they truly needed.

“I started Fortuna for two main reasons,” Smith explains. “First, as a PMO director for many years, I saw a lot of consultants who were more focused on telling business partners what they wanted to hear, which would ultimately cost them more in the long run. I wanted to create a company that actually delivered real value—something that truly helped businesses run more efficiently and effectively, without unnecessary upcharges.”

But for Smith, the vision wasn’t just about efficiency—it was about people.

“The second reason was more personal: I wanted to build a company where people came first. If we take care of our people, they’ll take care of our customers, and everything else will follow.”

This philosophy has shaped Fortuna a trusted partner, known for its expertise, innovation, and impact.

Embracing Risk and Inspiring an Entrepreneurial Mindset

In May 2020, Smith made a decision that would redefine Fortuna’s future. At the time, Fortuna was a 40-person IT consulting firm when one of its largest clients reached out with an urgent request—help set up a contact center. It was unfamiliar territory, but Smith didn’t hesitate.

“The boldest decision I ever made was in May of 2020. At the time, we were a 40-person IT consulting company, and one of our largest clients called us asking for help with a contact center. It wasn’t something we typically did, but we said ‘yes.’ That decision turned into a huge opportunity. Initially, we started with 50 agents, and by the following March, we had over 800 people working for us. It was risky, but it paid off. Today, contact centers are 75% of our business, and that decision fundamentally changed the trajectory of Fortuna,” Smith recalls.

That bold mindset isn’t just reserved for leadership—it’s a quality Smith encourages across his team. He believes in fostering an entrepreneurial culture where employees think independently, take action, and learn from their experiences.

“I believe in showing my team how I make decisions and encouraging them to think like entrepreneurs. I try to lead by example—showing them how to tackle challenges, make decisions, and take action. I also promote a culture of learning from mistakes rather than fearing them. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move forward. I look for this mindset when hiring, even for junior employees or interns. They have to be willing to jump in, take action, and solve problems. It’s that ‘get things done’ mentality that I think makes both veterans and entrepreneurs successful,” he explains.

Smith’s approach to leadership—bold risk-taking, decisive action, and team empowerment—has shaped Fortuna into the successful company it is today.

Fortuna’s Guiding Philosophy

For Smith, success isn’t about making things complicated—it’s about making them work. From the start, he built Fortuna on a simple yet powerful idea: efficiency drives growth.

“‘Grow Thru Simplicity’ is all about keeping things simple and efficient,” Smith says. “When we’re solving problems, the first thing we ask ourselves is: how can we simplify this process?”

This mindset shapes Fortuna’s approach. By removing unnecessary steps, ensuring decision-makers have the right information, and streamlining operations, the company helps businesses move forward without delays.

“Whether internally or for our clients, we aim to streamline everything so we’re not overcomplicating things and can move quickly toward the right solution,” Smith adds.

With a focus on clarity and efficiency, Fortuna ensures that businesses run smarter, not harder—proving that true growth comes through simplicity.

Building Strong Teams with Purpose

For businesses to thrive, they need the right people in the right roles. Smith and his team have perfected the art of building high-performing teams through a refined and thoughtful approach to staffing.

“We focus on a highly refined screening process. Our team is trained to find the right people the first time, ensuring we match the right candidates with the right roles.”

But hiring the right people is just the beginning. Fortuna goes beyond recruitment by ensuring employees are well-trained, well-led, and well-supported. The company also tailors its staffing solutions based on client needs, offering both short-term contracts and long-term managed solutions.

“The key is that we customize our approach based on what the client needs, ensuring that the teams we build are efficient and high-performing,” Smith adds.

A crucial part of this mission is Fortuna’s commitment to hiring veterans—a value deeply embedded in the company’s DNA. Smith recognizes the unique strengths veterans bring, including discipline, leadership, and a results-driven mindset.

“Veterans bring invaluable skills, such as discipline, leadership, and the ability to complete a mission. At Fortuna, we provide veterans with opportunities to transition into the civilian workforce. We help show them how their military skills apply in a business context.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Fortuna offers internships and training programs that equip veterans with the tools they need to succeed.

“By doing this, we’re not just helping them find a job; we’re creating a meaningful career path and giving them the tools to thrive in the private sector,” Smith emphasizes.

Smart Solutions, Built to Scale

Customization can be a double-edged sword. At Fortuna, Smith believes in keeping things simple while ensuring businesses get exactly what they need.

“We focus on the 99% rule when it comes to technology solutions. Our goal is to get 99% of the functionality from off-the-shelf solutions, avoiding excessive customizations.”

By minimizing customizations, Fortuna ensures that systems remain scalable, manageable, and easy to upgrade. “When we do need to customize, we keep it minimal,” Smith says. This approach prevents businesses from constantly fixing custom code with every upgrade, allowing them to operate smoothly and efficiently.

The Road Ahead

Smith envisions a bold future for Fortuna, one that reaches beyond traditional industries and into the vast opportunities of the new space economy. “In the next five years, I see Fortuna expanding into the new space economy. As we see more in-orbit solutions and opportunities for veterans in this sector, we plan to build pathways for veterans to get involved in space and technology careers,” he shares.

Smith is also spearheading Fortuna Elevate, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide businesses with fractional technical expertise. “Think of it like fractional C-level executives for technical roles, such as software developers, program managers, or network engineers.” This model is set to revolutionize how growing businesses access top-tier talent, offering on-demand expertise without the cost of a full-time executive.

“I’m excited about how this will allow businesses to scale without sacrificing quality,” concludes Jack Smith.

CEO’s Message to Budding Entrepreneurs

“Start with a clear vision and a compelling purpose. Your purpose should be so powerful that it attracts people who want to help you build that vision. But be ready to make mistakes and learn from them quickly. Stay nimble, keep the main thing the main thing, and remember that success is about finishing the mission—not how many times you stumble along the way. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. Fail fast, learn faster, and keep moving forward.”

Meet the Visionary Leader behind Fortuna’s Success

Jack Smith is the Founder and CEO of Fortuna Business Management Consulting. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jack has built Fortuna into a thriving, veteran-owned business that prioritizes people, operational efficiency, and impactful solutions. Under his leadership, Fortuna has grown from a small team into a trusted partner for businesses and government agencies, delivering high-quality workforce solutions while championing veteran employment and professional development.

Beyond Fortuna, Jack serves as the Western Region Vice President for the Space Force Association, fostering innovation and leadership within the defense sector. He is also the host of the Purposeful Prosperity podcast, where he highlights purpose-driven businesses making a positive social impact. His dedication to veteran advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community growth has positioned him as a leader in both the business world and the veteran community, making him a standout figure in the industry.

“At Fortuna, we provide veterans with opportunities to transition into the civilian workforce. We help show them how their military skills apply in a business context.”