The Nowak Experts

Jason Summers

President, Chief Executive Officer

Meet Jason, the unwavering and fearless leader of TJ Nowak. With a strong familial legacy as his guiding light, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the benefit of our valued customers. His dedication to both professional and community causes is truly commendable, making him an inspiring figure in and outside of the boardroom.

A Legacy of Excellence
Jason is inspired by the indelible legacy left by his grandfather, a source of wisdom and motivation that has shaped his journey to become our Chief Executive Officer and President. Drawing from this legacy, Jason brings invaluable knowledge and perspective to our customers, ensuring that our solutions are not only technically sound but also deeply grounded in a commitment to service and excellence.

Community Engagement
Jason is deeply engaged in the Fort Wayne community, where he actively contributes to various charitable causes. His commitment extends to organizations such as the Red Cross, where his efforts have made a meaningful impact. Additionally, he provides vital equipment and support to local police team members, enhancing the safety and well-being of the community he holds dear.

Beyond the Business
Outside of the office, Jason’s priorities shift to his family, the cornerstone of his life. He is a passionate family man who cherishes the moments spent with his loved ones. Jason’s zest for life also extends to his love for ice cream, a simple pleasure that brings him joy and reflects his ability to savor life’s sweet moments.

Jason’s role as our CEO and President goes beyond the title; it’s a reflection of his dedication to excellence, both in business and in his commitment to community and family. His unwavering leadership, respect for tradition, and his ability to find joy in life’s simplest pleasures make him a true inspiration to us all.

Scott Sherman

Chief Operating Officer

Scott is an accomplished professional, a dynamic leader, and a devoted advocate for operational excellence. With a distinguished academic background and a career dedicated to the fire protection industry, he brings an unwavering commitment to driving business success. Scott’s multifaceted interests and his dedication to his craft make him an invaluable asset to our team.

Professional Background A graduate of Clarkson University, Scott’s educational foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping his career. With a solid academic background and a passion for continuous learning, he is always striving for excellence in his professional endeavors.

Operational Expertise Scott’s career has revolved around the intricacies of the fire protection industry. As our Chief Operating Officer (COO), he leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to ensure the seamless operation of our organization. Scott is a fervent customer advocate, consistently championing the highest standards of service and quality. Moreover, he possesses a keen strategic vision for new business opportunities, consistently driving innovation and growth.

Beyond The Office Outside of his demanding role as COO, Scott leads a fulfilling personal life. An avid pilot, he finds solace in the skies while embracing the thrill of flight. His passion for aviation is only matched by his enthusiasm for the ice, as he enjoys the fast-paced world of hockey. Scott is a true sports enthusiast, appreciating the art of competition and teamwork both on and off the rink.

Scott’s dedication to our team is unwavering, whether he is ensuring the smooth operation of our business or pursuing his diverse range of personal interests. His blend of academic excellence, industry expertise, and a zest for life outside the office makes him an inspiring and dynamic Chief Operating Officer.

James Swihart

Chief Technology Officer

James is a visionary technology leader with a strong foundation in computer science, he has made a significant impact on the technology landscape through his relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with his diverse array of interests and hobbies.

Professional Background With a deep-rooted passion for technology, James has always been at the forefront of innovation. Armed with a degree in Computer Science, he has developed a profound understanding of the ever-evolving tech industry. Throughout his career, James has consistently demonstrated his expertise in leveraging cutting-edge solutions to drive business success.

As the Chief Technology Officer, James has played a pivotal role in crafting innovative, technology-driven strategies that have propelled his organizations to new heights. His visionary leadership and technical acumen have allowed him to lead teams to develop and implement groundbreaking solutions that have not only improved efficiency but have also contributed to the bottom line.

Personal Journey Raised in Pennsylvania, James has called Fort Wayne home for most of his life. He has a deep connection with the local community, making him a dedicated advocate for the growth and development of the region. His commitment to Fort Wayne extends beyond his professional life, and he actively engages in various initiatives that promote technology education and community advancement.

Beyond the Office Not just a tech-savvy visionary; he is a man of diverse interests. When he’s not shaping the future of technology, you can find him soaring through the skies as a commercial pilot. His love for aviation has taken him to new heights, both literally and figuratively.

Additionally, James is an avid motorcycle racer, embracing the thrill of the open road. His passion for speed and competition doesn’t stop there; he’s also a devoted car enthusiast, with an extensive knowledge of and appreciation for all things automotive.

With a career dedicated to driving innovation and a personal life filled with adventure, James is the embodiment of a modern, dynamic, and multifaceted Chief Technology Officer. His unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology is matched only by his zest for life outside the office, making him an inspiring figure in both the professional and personal realms.

David Korus

Chief Financial Officer

David is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at TJ Nowak Supply, bringing a wealth of experience and a dedicated commitment to financial excellence and community engagement. With a strong educational foundation, professional acumen, and a passion for community involvement, David is a cornerstone of success for both his company and his local community.

Education and Professional Expertise:
David’s journey to becoming a CFO began with his education at the University of Illinois. He pursued a degree in finance and, upon graduating, achieved the distinction of passing the Illinois Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. His academic and professional achievements underscore his commitment to excellence and continuous learning.

Throughout his career, David has been driven by a relentless dedication to process improvement. This commitment became evident early on when he successfully led the implementation of ISO 9000 standards, demonstrating his capacity to drive positive change and ensure high-quality business practices within the organizations he serves.

Community Involvement:
Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, David is equally passionate about giving back to his community and mentoring the youth within it. He has coached numerous baseball and softball teams, instilling teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in young athletes. As a Boy Scout leader, he helps guide and mentor young scouts, imparting valuable life skills and leadership qualities.

David also holds the esteemed position of co-chair for the Columbia City Show Choir Invitational, which serves as the program’s largest fundraiser. His dedication to supporting local arts and culture initiatives is a testament to his commitment to the broader community.

Personal Passions:
For David, faith, family, and a fervent loyalty to the Chicago White Sox serve as his life’s fuel. His strong family bonds, personal values, and unwavering support for his favorite sports team provide him with the inspiration and motivation to excel in both his professional and community roles.

As the CFO of TJ Nowak Supply, David combines his financial expertise, dedication to process improvement, and a deep-rooted commitment to community involvement to make a meaningful impact on both his organization and the people he serves. His professional achievements, community engagement, and personal passions reflect a well-rounded individual who is not only dedicated to financial excellence but also to the betterment of the world around him. David is a true asset to both the business world and his local community.

Paul Lagemann

Government Affairs & Contracts

Paul Lagemann is currently the Government Affairs and Contracts Director for TJ Nowak Supply. His duties include state and local government contract development and state legislative work that grows the industries served by TJ Nowak. Paul serves as Vice President of the Allen County Council and was initially elected in 2021. Paul chairs the Fort Wayne/Allen County Joint Permitting Board, the Allen County Plan Commission, and the SAVE Board (benefitting the Fort Wayne SWAT Team). He also operates Lagemann Consulting with his wife, Andie, a political campaign management and campaign finance compliance firm. Paul is an adjunct professor at Indiana Tech, teaching Political Science and Public Relations.

Paul previously worked for Clean Fuels National (Bluffton, IN) as the Government Affairs Liaison, the District Director for Congressman Jim Banks, and Northeast Regional Director for Senator Dan Coats, and owned and operated Compass Government Affairs, a campaign strategy and lobbying firm. Paul co-founded and ran the family business, Lagemann Carpet Inc., for over 17 years before selling to their most significant competitor. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Ball State University and his master’s in Public Management from Indiana University.

Paul was named Hometown Hero by the 122nd Air National Guard base, graduated from the FBI Citizen’s Academy, was a member of the 2018 Indiana Leadership Form class, was invited to Israel with the American-Israel Education Foundation, and Chaired the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center and Fort Wayne Trails Boards of Directors. He has served on the Fort Wayne Museum of Art Board, the YMCA Metro Board, the Concordia Lutheran High School, and the Foundation Board. He was a member of the Cedar Creek Township Advisory Board and various other local and regional boards of directors. Paul attended Concordia Lutheran High School and has spent much of his adult life in and around Northeast Indiana.

In his leisure time, Paul is an avid cyclist, downhill and cross-country skier, backpacker, kayaker, and outdoor enthusiast. He is married to Andie and has two dogs, four children, and two grandchildren.