CHESS’ Jon Smith breaks down his life and career

Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) is PEO Enterprise’s — and the Army’s — designated source for enterprise information technology (IT) solutions. Jon Smith, who was recently recognized for five years of service at PEO Enterprise, is one of CHESS’ product officers. He is our latest #TeammateTuesday spotlight.  

Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities at PEO Enterprise? 

I’m one of several product officers at CHESS who manages and creates enterprise license agreement and mandatory source IT vehicles for the Army.  

What’s the best part about your job? 

The CHESS team is special and comprised of some of the best people I’m ever likely to work with. They are true professionals who never forget there are people on the other end of missions. Even long before I arrived at CHESS, the team did a great job of fostering connection by treating everyone equally, regardless of their titles. 

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

A superhero, of course! I’m living that out in a way, since I’m now a “superhero” for my kids (just without the cape).  

What was your first job? 

While in high school, I worked at a deli shop, so I could save up to buy myself an iPod. 

How do you spend your free time? 

With my wife and two kids, mostly. We like traveling, when able, and spending quality time together as a family. You can usually catch us swimming, checking out some of the many museums and attractions in the Washington, D.C. area, or doing some light arts and crafts. 

Do you have any pets?  

Not yet, but maybe in the future. My family loves dogs.  

What’s your favorite place you’ve lived? 

Easy, that would be Fukuoka, Japan. The place where I lived was a 15-minute walk to the beach. The area was super clean and had a diverse music scene nearby in Tenjin too. 

Is a hot dog a sandwich? 

Haha, no! 

Volunteering seems to be an important part of your life. Can you tell us what you’ve been involved in over the years and why it’s important to you? 

Absolutely. I enjoy volunteering quite a bit. So much so that on my first “date” with my eventual wife, we volunteered together. I invited her out to participate in a group I was part of putting together for local kids in Tattnall Park in Macon, Georgia. It was a lot of fun, and I even convinced her to partake in a game with the kids involving a hopping race with balloons between their legs. Later, during a different date, she came out with me on a Habitat for Humanity build. I’ve actually done Habitat for Humanity since I was in high school, and I love it. If I’m lucky, I’ll still be able to participate in it when I’m 100 years old. 

What’s an interesting fact about you? 

I once led two different breakdancing groups — one in high school and another in college.