Public operations and capability development for Government Agencies
Jason Hostens aids government teams rethink processes, build Lean Six Sigma capability, execute a critical initiative, and guide change—bringing clearer workflows, stronger accountability, and more dependable systems to the communities they serve.
- Process Improvement
- Training & Workforce Development
- Project Execution
- Change Management
- Performance Management
Supporting Mission-Critical Operations
We Build Better Government Systems.
Public organizations carry complex responsibilities with finite resources. Jason helps teams simplify processes, strengthen operational discipline, develop improvement capability, and turn important initiatives into meaningful, sustainable progress.
- Greater Efficiency
- Stronger Teams
- Meaningful Impact
THE GOVERNMENT TOOLKIT
Six Ways to Strengthen the Work Behind Service
The strongest public outcomes begin with the work behind them. AZ86 focuses on the processes, people, projects, and systems that keep government operations moving.
LEAN SIX SIGMA
Practical training that equips teams with structured methods for identifying problems and improving how work gets done.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Examine workflows, uncover friction, and redesign the path between inputs, decisions, and outcomes.
PROJECT EXECUTION
Create the structure, visibility, and coordination needed to keep important programs moving.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Support the people, processes, and adoption required to turn planned change into everyday practice.
Performance Management
Develop practical measures and performance routines that help teams see movement, gaps, and opportunities.
SOPs & DOCUMENTATION
Transform complex or informal know-how into clear documentation teams can understand, follow, and maintain.
A FEDERAL CASE IN POINT
Advancing Process Excellence Across the Indian Health Service
Indian Health Service | Building Continuous-Improvement Capability
The IHS collaboration demonstrates a practical approach to improvement: equip teams with Lean Six Sigma thinking, connect learning to real workflows, and develop the skills needed to keep finding better ways to work.
Think Differently
Build a common improvement language
See Clearly
Understand how work actually happens
Work Smarter
Surface waste, friction, and process gaps
Build Capability
Develop practical ways
forward
HOW WE WORK
Think Critically, Build Intentionally, and Make Progress.
Every engagement follows the work beneath the surface—from discovering what creates friction to building a stronger operating model your team can own.
DISCOVER
Find the story beneath the symptoms.
DISTILL
Reduce complexity to the issues that matter.
DESIGN
Create the architecture for better work.
DEPLOY
Turn the design into working reality.
DEMONSTRATE
Make progress visible through meaningful evidence.
TRANSFER
Leave knowledge and ownership where they belong—with your team.
PROOF IN COMPLEXITY
When the Environment Is Complex, Experience Matters
Government healthcare demands more than theoretical solutions. Jason brings practical experience, structured improvement methods, and an operator’s perspective to organizations navigating complicated systems and processes.
Building Capability That Stays
Lean Six Sigma training and operational support focused on developing practical improvement capability within a complex federal healthcare environment.
Making Complex Work More Manageble
Process improvement experience focused on examining workflows, identifying opportunities, and bringing greater structure to complex operational environments.
OPERATOR. STRATEGIST. BUILDER.
Jason Hostens
30+ Years Turning Complex Operations Into Better Ways of Working
Jason brings more than three decades of hands-on experience across operations, process improvement, project leadership, and organizational change. His work spans government, healthcare, consulting, and complex operational environments—where better systems have to work in the real world.
30+ Years Experience
Lean Six Sigma
Healthcare Expertise
Project Leadership
Change Management
Government & Public Sector
Government Agencies & Prime Contractors
Let’s Work Together
For Government Agencies
Access specialized process improvement, training and project support to strengthen your mission-critical teams.
For Prime Contractors
Add experienced operational excellence and Lean Six Sigma capabilities to your government project teams.
The az86 advantage
Practical Solutions for Better Business
It’s not just about completing a project, it’s about building a stronger, more efficient future for your business.
The Right Expertise for Your Next Government Project.
The Right Expertise for Your Next Government Project.
Tell us what your team needs to accomplish. AZ86 is ready to discuss workforce training, process improvement and specialized project requirements.
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.