Locations/Headquarters: Maple Grove, MN
Business Accolades:
2015 National Disabilities Supplier of the Year
2019 Gold Supplier Rating for The Boewing Co.
2023 Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise of the Year
NaVOBA Certifed
VBE Spotlight on: JEMNI Inc.
JEMNI Inc.
JEMNI Inc. was founded in 2008 by Mark Ellson. Today, Brandon Hlavka is the President and CEO of JEMNI Inc.
JEMNI Inc., founded in 2008 by Army veteran Colonel Mark Ellson, is a value-added company that provides competitive solutions for facility sourcing, supply chain management, and environmental compliance. The company's expertise in paper, facility supply, and packaging systems and design allows it to enhance customer operations by eliminating waste. Continuously updating its knowledge on the latest industry innovations and technologies, JEMNI offers solutions that align current infrastructure with future technologies. In addition to a strong financial standing and ample access to capital, JEMNI also offers comprehensive services including sourcing, logistics, warehouse services, third-party logistics, and transportation & distribution management.
Learn more about JEMNI Inc. by visiting their website at jemniinc.com
About the Business - Passion. Experience. Diligence.
What services do you provide?
"Packaging Distribution and Design"
Who are your primary customers?
"Boeing, Express Scripts (Cigna), Steelcase, VA Central Mail Order Pharmacies"
When and how did you start your business?
"2008. Being an Engineer by trade in the military, Mark Ellson started the company with the thought in mind that if he were to be successful, he would pay it back by only hiring disabled veterans, and people with disabilities. This mission continues today with Brandon Hlavka being the current owner."
Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"The hardest thing for a small business is getting the trust and support of larger corporations. It was a difficult path, but JEMNI Inc. was selected to enter into a Mentor/Protege program in its infancy which led to larger corporations backing our business plan. This then led to a contract with Boeing and the beginning of a very long strategic partnership with one of the top packaging distribution companies in the United States."
What is the key to the success of your business?
"Perseverance and patience. Knowing the sales cycles of our customers and being in position to respond to an RFQ when the customer is ready."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
" Start with relationships. The first meeting with a SBLO or Supplier Diversity Liason should be an opportunity to learn about them, the company, and just getting to know how they work. They are not likely to remember you, so the second time you meet them, you will know how to approach them with your best foot forward."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Do not be over aggressive. Reminding an SBLO that you are out there is great, but it is a thin line between a nudge and a shove."
What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?
"I am a disabled veteran and very proud to continue the mission of JEMNI Inc. to create a future for disabled veterans."
Service information
Branch:
Army National Guard
Service Years:
1996-2006
Highest Rank Attained:
SGT. E-5
Why did you join the military?
"Patriotism gained from my father serving in Vietnam, and my grandfather serving in the Philippines."
Military Occupation:
"Combat Engineer"
Biography/Fun Facts
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
"I like metal detecting and I love to golf, but am in dire need of lessons."
Connect with NaVOBA on Social:
Veteran's Business Enterprise®: Headquarters: San Antonio, TX and Seatlle, WA Year Founded: 2016 # of Employees: 10 Website : www.opensecurity.com Service Overview: Cybersecurity assessment, training and education, expertise and consulting.
Meet Stuart
UPCOMING IVMF PROGRAMS & EVENTS Check out which IVMF programs and events are actively taking applications and registrations! Have questions about IVMF? Check out this video , or register for a free virtual consult with enrollment services on September 11th . Military Founders Lab Applications close August 17th! – Formerly the Veterans in Residence, Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship (BBiE), and Bunker Build Up (BBU) programs, these three virtual programs are now streamlined and combined into the Military Founders Lab! This ten-week workshop offers access to business tools, resources, mentorship, and a strong peer network. Applications close soon so apply today! IVMF Ambassadors Applications Open August 18th! – Become part of the 2026 IVMF Ambassador cohort! For 12 months, you’ll help veterans and military spouses in your neighborhood access the resources and networks they need to succeed. Add your name to the interest form to get notified when applications open. RSVP for Veteran EDGE 2026 – Fill out the interest form to stay informed about Veteran EDGE 2026 Conference as it happens! Veteran EDGE is a three-day event for growth-stage businesses filled with networking, keynotes, and training. Don’t miss it! EBV applications are OPEN! – Apply now for IVMF’s flagship program ! Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans combines a 30-day online business fundamentals course with a 9-day residency at one of our eight participating university campuses across the nation. RSVP to Military Entrepreneurship Forum in Williamsburg, VA on October 29 – Join us for a full day featuring insightful panels, fireside chats, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities powered by Fiserv and tailored for entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. Register today for this no-cost event! Register for Mission to Marketplace in San Diego on September 30th – Join us and sponsor Amazon for a day of learning and networking opportunities designed to help veteran entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area connect and grow their businesses. RSVP today!
