Jason Turned Hard-Earned Lessons Into the AZ86 Way
Jason built AZ86 around the belief that lasting improvement does not begin with a template. It begins with understanding the people, processes, systems, and realities behind the work.
How i work
The Principles Behind AZ86
These are the principles that shape how Jason approaches problems, works with people, and builds solutions that are meant to work beyond the engagement.
Clarity
No unnecessary layers, vague language, or hidden agendas. The work starts with honest conversations, clear expectations, and a shared understanding of what needs to change.
Ownership
Jason remains accountable from the first conversation through execution—staying involved enough to understand the details, make decisions, and keep momentum moving.
Practicality
Ideas only matter when they survive contact with reality. AZ86 focuses on solutions people can use, teams can adopt, and organizations can sustain.
Experienced Leadership
Jason Hostens
Founder & Executive Consultant
Jason has spent three decades learning where good work gets stuck—and what it takes to get it moving again. Across complex operations, healthcare, government, projects, and process improvement, he brings an operator’s perspective to problems that rarely have simple answers.
Operations & Process Improvement
Strategic Consulting & Advisory
Leadership & Team Development
Business Growth & Transformation
My Experience
Proven Leadership. Real-World Results.
From startups to enterprise, I’ve led teams, optimized operations, and delivered solutions that create long-term value.
20+
Years Experince
5+
Organizations
Multiple
Industries Served
End-to-End
Organizations
Career Journey
Experience That Builds Stronger Businesses
A track record of leadership, execution, and impact across diverse industries.
Cannsult, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
2025 – Present
Leads consulting and training operations, from delivery standards and margins to academy and certification workflows.
Elevance Health
Business Change Manager
2022 – 2025
Built a portfolio system that improved executive decision speed by 35% and cut manual reporting effort by 40%.
AZ86 Business Services LLC
Owner & Senior Executive Consultant
2022 – Present
Leads Lean Six Sigma consulting and builds Smartsheet solutions that cut client reporting cycles by 50%.
SH Management Services
Director of Business Administration
2021 – 2022
Established KPI and corrective control frameworks that reduced compliance incidents by 25%.
United Healthcare
Associate Director & Team Lead
1997 – 2007 | 2011 – 2019
Led a $25M transformation portfolio that lifted provider satisfaction 15%; cut data errors 35% and turnaround 40%.
Primerica
Independent Life Insurance Agent
2026 – Present
Licensed life insurance agent in AZ, CT, FL, and NM, helping individuals and families build financial security.
WHY AZ86 FEELS DIFFERENT
You Work With the Experience, Not Around It.
When you work with AZ86, you get more than a consultant — you get a hands-on partner. I'm directly involved in your project, with clear communication, focused execution, and a commitment to your success. No layers. No runaround. Just real partnership.
- Direct senior-level involvement
- Practical, results-focused approach
- Clear and consistent communication
- Flexible and adaptable to your needs
Get In Touch
Let’s Build What’s Next.
Have a question, need a consultation, or want to learn more about how AZ86 can help? Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.
Other Ways To Reach Us
Office
Tucson, AZ
(Virtual meetings available)
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REAL WORLD IMCLIENTS, PARTNERS & PROFESSIONAL PEERSPACT
What It’s Like to Work With Jason
Real perspectives from people who have experienced the way Jason approaches complex operations, process improvement, systems, and execution.
Sarah Jonas
Product Designer — FlowKart
Jason brings clarity to complicated operational problems. He sees the issue, understands the root cause, and knows how to turn the solution into action
4.5
David Chen
E-commerce Founder — StyleBay
Jason has a very practical approach to process improvement. He takes time to understand how the team actually works, identifies the friction points, and develops solutions that fit the operation rather than forcing the operation into a template.
4.6
Ava Patel
Brand Manager — NovaHaus
Jason was incredibly easy to work with. He listened carefully, understood what we were trying to accomplish, and brought a level of organization to the project that made everything feel more manageable. He has a great balance of technical knowledge and practical business thinking.
4.3
Melissa Carter
Director of Operations
Jason brought much-needed clarity and structure to our project. He uncovered overlooked issues and turned them into practical next steps, making a real difference throughout the engagement.
4.5
David John
VP, Business Transformation
Jason combines operational experience, process-improvement discipline, and technology knowledge. He brings structure to complex environments while staying focused on practical solutions the team can implement and sustain.
4.7
QUICK ANSWERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about my services, partners, and how to get started.
What does an operations consultant do?
An operations consultant finds why a business's processes, systems or projects are not performing and builds practical fixes. That usually means mapping how work really flows, removing friction, setting up tools and documentation, and measuring the results. I do all of this hands-on, from the first conversation through rollout.
How is working with you different from a traditional consulting firm?
You work directly with me, not a junior team. As an independent consultant, I stay close to the problem, the decisions and the execution, with no layers between you and the person doing the work. When a project needs extra depth, I bring in trusted specialist partners.
What if I know something is wrong but cannot find the cause?
That is often where we start. I review how work and information actually move through your operation, find the friction points, and separate root causes from symptoms. Then we decide where a fix will make the biggest practical difference.
Do you only advise, or do you help implement?
I do both. Implementation is a core part of the work, including workflow setup, Smartsheet development, process redesign, documentation, project oversight, training and handoff, so improvements get used instead of sitting in a report.
Do you only work with Smartsheet?
No. Smartsheet is a core specialty, but the goal is always the business outcome. I look at the tools you already use and recommend what fits, instead of treating one platform as the answer to every problem.
How do you measure whether an improvement worked?
We agree on the measures before work begins. Depending on the problem, that might be cycle time, error rates, throughput, workload, visibility, consistency or adoption. We then track results against those measures and adjust where needed.
Can you work with a small or growing business?
Yes. An independent consultant is a good fit for small and growing businesses that want senior operational experience without paying for a large consulting team. We scope the work to the problem, not the other way around.
How much does operations consulting cost?
Operations consulting rates start at $250 per hour. The total cost of an engagement depends on its scope, complexity, required expertise and whether you need strategic guidance, hands-on implementation or both.
For larger or clearly defined projects, a project-based fee may be appropriate. We will discuss your needs, define the scope and agree on the pricing before work begins, so you understand the expected investment before committing.
Which Lean Six Sigma belt is right for me?
The right Lean Six Sigma belt depends on your experience, responsibilities and improvement goals.
- White Belt: Introduces the basic concepts of Lean Six Sigma and process improvement. Ideal for beginners who want to understand the fundamentals.
- Yellow Belt: Builds foundational knowledge and prepares participants to support improvement projects and contribute to team initiatives.
- Green Belt: Suited to professionals who want to lead improvement projects, analyze process data and apply structured problem-solving techniques.
- Blue Belt: May provide additional knowledge or specialized training, depending on the program’s curriculum.
- Black Belt: Designed for experienced practitioners who lead complex improvement initiatives, use advanced analytical methods and drive results across teams or departments.
Lean Six Sigma belt training is offered through Lean6Sigma.academy. If you're unsure which level is right for you, consider your current experience, role and goals to identify the best starting point.
Who are financial planning and life insurance services for?
These services are for individuals and families who want to protect their loved ones, prepare for life’s unexpected events and plan for their financial future. Whether you're starting a family, growing your income, protecting your assets or preparing for retirement, I can help you explore financial planning strategies and life insurance options based on your needs and goals.
I am currently licensed to offer life insurance in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida and New Mexico, with the ability to pursue licensing in additional states as needed. If you need investment advice, I can connect you with an appropriately licensed investment professional.
The goal is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about protecting your family and preparing for the future.Life-insurance services are currently available in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, and New Mexico. If you need investment advice, I will connect you with a licensed investment advisor.
How do I know which service is right for me?
Start with the problem you are facing. On a first call we will talk it through and decide whether operations consulting, systems work, training or financial planning is the right path. You do not need to work that out in advance.