Jason Valdez

Jason Valdez started their career in 1993 as a Designer/Developer at Billabong USA/Hurley Intl, where they were responsible for various tasks including accessory design, production development, and trend forecasting. Jason transitioned from Billabong USA to Hurley Intl before the company was acquired by Nike.

From 2003 to 2009, Valdez worked as an Operating Partner and Marketing/PR Director at the Memphis Group, where they managed multiple restaurants, a catering business, a nightclub, and a bar. Their responsibilities included branding, strategic marketing, and budgeting.

Valdez joined Organic Style Lab in 2007 as an Executive VP. In this role, they served as a top-level executive and oversaw various aspects of the company's operations.

In 2010, Valdez joined Whole Foods Market as a Marketing Coordinator and later became the Marketing and Community Relations Leader. During their tenure, they played a key role in marketing and community engagement initiatives.

Valdez joined Hydro Flask in 2015 and held several roles, including Retail Marketing Manager and Category Director. Jason was responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, including fixture design, in-store events, and strategic partnerships. In addition, they established the company's comprehensive retail program.

Currently, Valdez holds the position of Vice President of Products at BlackStrap, starting in 2023.

Jason Valdez has a Certificate in Merchandising and Assortment Planning from the University of Oregon Sports Product Management, which they obtained in 2018. In 2011, they earned a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from ECornell. Prior to that, from 1991 to 1993, Jason Valdez attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where they studied Philosophy and Critical Thinking. Their earliest education experience is from 1987 to 1990 when they attended the Marine Military Academy, where they pursued General Studies.