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.
Daniel Armstrong
President, Client Services
DANIEL ARMSTRONG
Daniel Armstrong is the President of Client Services at Transcendent Group, leading client engagement, service delivery, and strategic partnerships. With over 8 years of experience in compliance, auditing, and regulatory consulting, Armstrong has worked across the technology, manufacturing, recycling, and environmental sectors, helping organizations navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve certification success.
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Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geographical & Sustainability Sciences from the University of Iowa, specializing in environmental sustainability, health, and sciences. He is a Lead Auditor in ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, R2 Responsible Recycling, RIOS, and EHS Compliance and has extensive auditing experience with top registrars, including Perry Johnson, NQA, and Orion Registrar.
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As President of Client Services, Armstrong is responsible for strategic leadership, client success, and operational excellence. He collaborates closely with businesses to develop customized compliance strategies, ensuring smooth audits, certification readiness, and effective risk management solutions. His role also includes overseeing business operations, managing key partnerships, and optimizing service delivery to meet evolving industry demands.
Armstrong is passionate about helping businesses simplify compliance, improve sustainability, and achieve certification success. If you're looking for expert guidance in ISO, R2, or EHS compliance, he welcomes the opportunity to connect.
CHRIS REID
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).
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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.
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.
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.
JOSH CLASSEN
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.