About transcendent
Transcendent is a compliance management consulting group that works with any person or entity that uses, collects, sells, or processes electronic devices. This includes but is not limited to recycling companies, original equipment manufacturers, retail stores, cities/communities, school districts, and/or universities. We work with clients to obtain and maintain industry certifications. We also have the expertise to help our clients improve operational processes, find viable methods to maximize value, and recycle material in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our commitment is simple. We bridge the gap between big ideas and execution to help you control costs, manage risk and achieve profitable growth. From strategy development to implementation, we deliver solutions that give our clients a competitive advantage. Our commitment to continuous improvement results in the identification of gaps and ultimately contributes to increased revenue over time.
Meet the team
Jessica Lee
Project Manager
Christian Hightower
Senior Consultant
Jerome H. Ross II
Founder/President
Josh Classen
Lead Consultant
CSP, OHST, ARM-E
Nicole Knight Client Engagement Lead Auditor
Chris Reid
Chief Operating Officer
Jerome H. ROss II
After 22-plus years in the United States Air Force working in various law enforcement and sales positions, I retired and transitioned into the electronics recycling industry. In 2011 I was hired as a training specialist by ROUND2 INC. After six months on the job, the executive management team recognized my leadership and management ability and promoted me to Director of Compliance and Training. Within the same year, I was also voted onto the Senior Management Team. My duties included the training and development of 200+ employees and the certification of 4 facilities totaling over seven hundred thousand square feet. I was also responsible for tracking over 70 million pounds a year of electronics recyclable material downstream.
In 2012 ROUND2 was acquired by Avnet Inc., a Fortune 500 company. After the acquisition, I was promoted to Director of eCycling Operations. I was a pivotal contributor to the Design Team for the largest facility within Avnet Inc., which opened in 2014. My experiences within the private and public sectors have allowed me to develop relationships with many original equipment manufacturers.
In 2015 I resigned from Avnet Inc. to start a consulting company focused on helping eCycling companies develop an integrated approach to meeting compliance standards and bridge the gap between big ideas and execution. Transcendent offers many years of experience across different industries. Using our acquired knowledge, we can help you develop talent, control costs, manage risk and achieve profitable growth.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.