Life & Work with Jon Mesko of Hermosa Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Mesko.

Hi Jon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up he was raised primarily by a single mother with 8 brothers and sisters. His mother worked hard to rise above the need for welfare support and earned her RN certification while raising 9 children. She taught him that he could achieve whatever he applied himself to, as long as he worked hard enough.

Years later, Jon is know for his leadership and organizational development skills. He has built many businesses throughout California ranging in size from one staff member to a team of 700. Prior to his transition to the non-profit sector, he built and opened seven restaurants in Southern California. He also founded, developed and managed Manhattan Denim in Manhattan Beach and Pure Tan in Hanford. He has also completed 100+ real estate investment transactions.

Jon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from Davenport University in Michigan and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of California, Irvine. As someone who believes that more human connection and empathy is key to greater fulfilment for all, he loves inspiring at-promise youth. In the past he has been a board member for Positive Coaching Alliance, a mentor with Junior Achievement, a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a mentor at 1736 Family Crisis Center, a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club, and an instructor at PS I Love You. Most recently he increased mission results by 50% in one year as Executive Director of Caring House.

Jon has his commercial pilot’s license, is a retired professional mountain biker, current professional beach volleyball player, has hiked the Annapurna Trail through the Himalayas, and is the father of an amazing young man named Logan. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (Leadership Cabinet) and the Board of Directors (Youth Services Director) for the Rotary Club of Long Beach.

The work he does now at Long Beach BLAST, inspiring 1000 high-need kids per year through mentorship, is the most meaningful and fulfilling work of his life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every day brings interesting challenges – some are bumps and others are mountains…
I choose to see those challenges as opportunities to improve, and look for my lesson in each one.
To quote Nelson Mandela, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Long Beach BLAST is dedicated to ignite the potential within the youth of underserved communities through our academic programs and mentorship initiatives, by empowering them to overcome obstacles and thrive. Our students are empowered to cultivate their passions and curiosity as we lay a foundation of trust that leads to a promising future. Our proven approaches yield tangible outcomes such as enhanced employability, higher graduation rates, a drive to enrich their communities, and a stronger sense of identity, self-confidence, and purpose.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
1. I can ride a wheelie on a bicycle for over a mile
2. I am actually relatively shy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lbblast.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longbeachblast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachBLAST/
• Twitter: https://x.com/longbeachblast?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLvUA0TF-30