MEET THE TEAM
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Welcome to Transcendent Group, your premier destination for expert ISO consulting services. At Transcendent we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of achieving and maintaining ISO certifications, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and R2v3 (Responsible Recycling). Our team, comprised of seasoned auditors and industry professionals, is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that not only ensure compliance with international standards but also enhance operational efficiency and business performance. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, a client-centered approach, and our ability to turn the stringent requirements of ISO standards into opportunities for growth and sustainability for your business. Join us in our mission to elevate your organization to new heights of quality, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Jerome H. ROss II
CHRIS REID
JOSH CLASSEN
After 22+ years soaring in the United States Air Force, honing my skills in law enforcement and sales leadership, I landed on a new mission: revolutionizing the electronics recycling industry. In 2011, I joined ROUND2 INC. as a training specialist. Driven by a dedication to excellence, I quickly climbed the ranks. Within six months, my leadership and management acumen earned me a promotion to Director of Compliance and Training.
At ROUND2, I tackled head-on the challenge of training and developing over 200 employees, guiding them towards professional growth and operational excellence. My passion for environmental responsibility translated into spearheading the certification of 4 facilities spanning a staggering seven hundred thousand square feet. I meticulously tracked the downstream journey of over 70 million pounds of electronic waste annually, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices.
My leadership potential flourished even further when ROUND2 was acquired by Avnet Inc., a Fortune 500 giant. Recognizing my contributions, Avnet promoted me to Director of eCycling Operations. I played a pivotal role in the design team for the company's largest facility, which opened in 2014. My combined experience in the public and private sectors allowed me to cultivate strong relationships with numerous original equipment manufacturers, forging valuable partnerships for sustainable e-waste management.
In 2015, I embarked on a new chapter, founding Transcendent Consulting. Driven by my extensive experience across diverse industries, I help e-cycling companies achieve sustainable success. My passion lies in bridging the gap between big ideas and tangible results. Through strategic talent development, cost control, risk management, and innovative solutions, Transcendent empowers e-recyclers to navigate compliance standards and achieve profitable growth.
CHRISTIAN HIGHTOWER
Christian received his Bachelors in Public Administration from Miami University (Ohio) and Masters in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. Christian joins the Transcendent Group with a diverse set of experiences as an educator, facilitator, and program manager. Prior to his current role, Christian designed co-curricular leadership development programs and services, and played an instrumental role in the formation of the Kent State Leadership Center and model for leadership development. With a desire to deepen his impact, Christian shifted from the university setting to manage the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship in Washington, D.C., a place-based, multi-site initiative that develops emerging leaders interested in creating transformational change and addressing the most compelling issues facing their communities.
Chris Reid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Northern Colorado and has over 10 years of auditing experience in the reuse, recycling, demanfucaturing as well as manufacturing environments. He has completed the following courses: R2: 2013 Internal Auditor Course (PJR), ISO 9001:2015 Transition Course (PJR), R2:2013 Update Course for Trainers and Consultants (SERI) and RIOS Lead Auditor Couse (PJR).
Additionally, Reid has held multiple positions in internet startups, real estate, forward & reverse logistics and served as the Vice President of Operations and Compliance at ROUND2 (Acquired by Avnet Inc., a Fortune 500 company). He was also the Founder & CEO of TakeBack, LLC, a consulting & software firm focused on Business Operations, QEH&S and Electronics Reuse / Recycling Systems.
Jessica lee
Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University. Jessica joined Transcendent with 4 years of experience managing ISO and Responsible Recycling certifications for her previous company. Her training includes the OSHA 30 Hours General Industry, R2:2013 Internal Auditor Course (PJR), ISO 9001:2015 Clause by Clause Training Course (PJR), and ISO 45001:2018 Clause by Clause Training Course (PJR).
Josh received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees from the University of Oklahoma and brings over 15 years of regulatory, management, and auditing experience to Transcendent Group. Josh’s background and operational experience include federal, state, and international regulatory compliance; internal and 3rd party auditing; program and sustainability implementation; policy, procedure, and system evaluation; corporate accountability; as well as private sector and governmental management expertise. Josh has evaluated and audited RIOS, ISO, and R2 systems both domestically and internationally acquiring a breath of knowledge across numerous industries. Certifications and memberships completed included: Certified Safety Professional Certification; Associate Safety Professional Certification; Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician Certification; Associate in Risk Management – Enterprise Risk Management; American Society of Safety Professionals – Professional Member; American Red Cross Advanced First Aid and CPR Certified; National Fire Protection Association Member; OSHA 511 Standards for General Industry Certification; OSHA 30/10 Hour General Industry Certified; ISO 45001, 14001, 9001 Lead Auditor Certified; RIOS Lead Auditor Certified; and R2V3 Lead Auditor Certified.
NICOLE KNIGHT
Nicole is a seasoned operations, quality assurance, and customer engagement professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. As a new addition to the Transcendent team, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Most recently, Nicole established and managed compliance and quality assurance programs at eTak Worldwide Corporation, where she oversaw R2v3 and RIOS compliance training and audit coordination. Before that, she ensured compliance with FAA and EAR regulations and maintained audit-ready documentation at BAKS International, a global textile finishing company. Nicole's experience also includes serving as Assistant General Manager for Hilton Garden Inn. She managed and resolved deficiencies and escalations, hired and managed facilities maintenance, F&B, security, and sales agents, and ensured corporate quality standards were met. Nicole has developed a passion for quality and compliance, holding positions of increasing responsibility that include training and certifying members on financial compliance at AFIP, a nationwide finance and insurance certification organization, and serving as a QA tester and Product Operations Manager for Sabre products and the launch of Travelocity.com by American Airlines and Sabre subsidiaries. Nicole attended Manchester Community College and the University of TX Arlington.