Skills
About
I am a serial entrepreneur who thrives on bringing companies to life. Currently, I hold the position of COO and co-founder at Merit, a company that is dedicated to transforming large-scale government programs. My greatest joy comes from changing the lives of people in America; examples of this include responding to hurricanes in less than 48 hours or making it possible for families to support their children through statewide educational enrichment programs. At Merit, we deliver in just 8 weeks what would normally take 24 months (or never actually come to fruition), providing operational excellence for a growing network of 3,000+ organizations. One of my greatest sources of pride is my team’s commitment to our partners, achieving a 95% satisfaction score. Throughout my career, I have founded and grown other companies, including Quixey, where I secured major distribution partnerships with Microsoft, Nokia, and Vodafone. My expertise is in accelerating business growth that no one has thought possible by leading results-oriented sales, operational excellence, strategic marketing, and human resources. I bring an intense focus on execution while fostering a spirited culture of teamwork. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a committed father of four, balancing the demands of both work and family life. With a nimble skill set, I am equally comfortable navigating boardroom meetings and playgrounds.
Jacob Orrin
Published content
article
Jun 11, 2025
It's the A in STEAM, and it's what separates excellence from adequacy.
expert panel
Whether you're navigating a merger, restructuring a team, or launching a new initiative, it's important to be prepared to navigate change smoothly. Big organizational changes at work can stir up just about everything—nerves, questions, and even momentum. That’s why how you lead through change matters just as much as the change itself. Without the right approach, it’s easy for you and your team to lose clarity, confidence, and productivity along the way. To help you manage change effectively, Fast Company Executive Board members share 19 real-world strategies leaders can use to keep communication flowing, maintain trust, and move through transitions with purpose.
article
Often, success comes from being present, persistent, and patient.
article
Nov 12, 2024
Your people are your most valuable asset and your biggest competitive advantage. Invest in them wisely, and they'll take your company places you never imagined.
expert panel
When the going gets tough, these leading experts have had the tenacity to keep it moving through each struggle. Taking on a leadership role in the workplace may seem like a daunting task if you don't have the right mindset. You'll need to address just as many challenges as the wins you celebrate—so it's not a position designed for the faint of heart. If you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or underappreciated, it's essential to prioritize what matters most, take a step back, and consider the bigger picture. There is usually a silver lining in most situations. Whether you decide to stay in the game for the long haul and find the best solution, or you're ready to take a risk and consider your next career move, the experts from Fast Company Executive Board describe how they've maintained their own positivity during a difficult time in their career. Below are 20 best practices to help other professionals do the same.
article
This election year, the opportunities for those who dare to lead decisively are unprecedented.
Company details
Merit
Company bio
Merit’s Software with a Service (SwaS) transforms large-scale government programs in weeks rather than years, contributing to a 95% customer satisfaction score. Our combined approach of technology and boots-on-the-ground support simplifies life-saving emergency response and recovery, initiatives to revitalize the workforce and connect people to quality jobs, and eligibility qualification for direct-to-beneficiary programs, including multi-million-dollar education grants in over 20 states. The Merit platform provides secure access and real-time verification for licenses, credentials, and eligibility status. A proud GovTech 100 company, Merit is venture-backed by firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, corporations including Experian, and family investors. Working at Merit We’re a team of mission-driven people who care about using technology to create more opportunities for people to thrive. If you have the same passion to make a difference, we’d love to meet you.