A Champion for Change: Jon Taylor's Slam Dunk from the Court to the Community
by Ryan R Gielow, Owner of Absolute Pest Solutions and Founder of Together Toward Tomorrow
From the hardwood court to the corporate suite, Jon Taylor’s career has always been defined by one thing: making an impact. His journey, fueled by a compelling drive to serve others, culminated in the launch of Assistory Outreach—a dynamic charity dedicated to forging connections and unlocking opportunities. Jon’s life is a powerful playbook proving that every small “assist” can ignite monumental change.
His path to philanthropy was built on a foundation of grit and service. After years in demanding, service-related fields—working in juvenile corrections and managing a group home—Jon landed at Best Buy in 2002. His manager, recognizing Jon’s raw potential, nudged him toward the company’s community service team. It was there, amidst the volunteer work, that Jon finally found his true calling.
Within a year, he wasn’t just on the team—he was leading the charge. That foundational experience was the launchpad for his future. He went on to helm another charity, refining his vision and mastering the art of outreach. By 2015, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to put his own unique spin on service, he founded Assistory Outreach.
Building Bridges, Igniting Potential
The blueprint for Assistory Outreach is a direct echo of Jon’s time on the court: no player succeeds without an assist. This core philosophy drives his work, which centers on connecting people and resources to decisively fill voids in the community.
Jon’s superpower is his knack for building genuine relationships; he effortlessly makes friends and then rallies those friends together for a collective, powerful purpose.
One of Assistory’s flagship initiatives is its program connecting high school students with industry giants like SRP, APS, and the City of Phoenix. Jon’s goal is not just to show them a job, but to shatter the ceiling of possibility, revealing career paths they never knew existed.
he says,
“Some of these kids in the lower economic areas of Phoenix, have never even been to Scottsdale. They haven’t seen what is possible for them.”
By ushering young people into these major businesses, he is dramatically expanding their horizons and equipping them with the tools they need to make informed choices that redefine their future.
Assistory Outreach also extends a vital hand to a crucial, yet often isolated, part of the community: our seniors. In an increasingly digital world, many older adults feel stranded by technology. Jon and his team visit senior centers, patiently guiding residents on how to wield their cell phones to navigate essential tasks—from ordering groceries to scheduling a doctor’s appointment online. This simple act of teaching restores their independence and reconnects them to vital services.
The Power of the Ultimate Assist
Jon’s career is a highlight reel of small, yet intensely impactful, victories. A shining example is his collaboration with Make-A-Wish. A young man’s dream was a shopping spree at Best Buy, but Jon was determined to elevate the moment into an unforgettable spectacle.
Leveraging his extensive network, he learned the boy was a massive hockey fan. Jon secretly arranged for four players, cheerleaders, and even Sparky from the Arizona State University hockey team to ambush the boy on Super Bowl Sunday. A pre-shopping spree pep rally made the young man’s eyes “as big as two quarters,” a perfect, glittering testament to the sheer joy Jon’s “assists” deliver.
Beyond these individual moments of magic, Jon also orchestrates large-scale campaigns to uplift the underprivileged. He spearheads job outreach summits, hosts career exposure opportunities for youth, provides free haircuts, and organizes major food basket drives.
By strategically fusing businesses, schools, and community members, he builds a formidable, ever-expanding network of support. Jon Taylor’s journey isn’t just a story; it’s a beacon of hope, proving that with passion, heart, and a whole lot of strategic assists, we can truly build a better tomorrow, together. Join the movement. 🤝