Original Post: South Huntsville Neighbors
Author: Jason & Courtney Fish as told to Bob Druckman, Publisher, South Huntsville Neighbors

Meet Jason Fish & Family

Tell us about your background, where you are both from originally? How long were you in the Army? When did you retire? What type of work does your wife do?
My wife and I are both originally from Vincennes; IN. Courtney is a geologist currently seeking employment, a stay-at-home mom, and an avid reader. I spent 21 years serving in the U.S. Army, primarily in the Infantry branch, before retiring on September 1, 2022.

I have always been a finance enthusiast and a meticulous planner. My passion for organization and strategy was reinforced through my education, earning an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. These achievements sharpened my analytical mindset and strengthened my ability to communicate strategically.

Further enhancing these skills, I earned multiple project management certifications, bringing my capabilities full circle. Combined with the leadership experience I gained in the military, this foundation created the perfect environment for me to transition into business ownership—an endeavor I take great pride in.

Where did you and your wife meet?
I was her paperboy in the early ’90s when we were just kids. She had a crush on me even then. But with a four-year age gap between us, and her attending the private school in town while I went to the public school, I didn’t even know she existed. In 2006, my brother was getting married, and during a night out at the hometown bar, I noticed Courtney. That’s when we reintroduced ourselves to one another. We went on a couple of dates before I had to return to Fort Benning, GA, where I was stationed at the time. This led to a long-distance relationship – luckily, her job at the time offered the flexibility for her to take time off to visit. Eventually, Courtney moved to Fort Benning, and not long after, we tied the knot in true military fashion at the local courthouse.

Tell us about your children and their extra-curricular activities.
We are incredibly blessed with two bright and talented boys, each with their own uniquely wonderful personality. Our older son, Dalton, tends to be a bit shy around new people. He has a passion for Legos, Transformers, and Minecraft video games. In contrast, our younger son, Corbin, is outgoing and loves talking to just about anyone. He has a particular love for reading and Super Mario Brothers video games. They are both actively involved in the local Cub Scout Pack 7223.

You and your family are active in Scouting. How did that come about?
When we moved here, Dalton made a friend at school who helped out at the Cub Scout recruiting booth. Courtney spoke with the friend’s parents to learn about the wonderful experiences their family was having with scouting. Dalton asked if he could join, and a year later after seeing the fun his brother was having, Corbin asked if he could join too. Scouting became a family adventure. Courtney and I are proud to be part of the leadership committee, while the boys thrive in their respective Dens. It’s been incredibly rewarding for all of us!

How did your Schooley Mitchell journey begin?
In September 2022, my retirement date came and went. Uncertain about what I truly wanted to do with this new chapter in life after spending 20 years in a vastly different career field, like many newly retired service members, I took a government contracting job that didn’t align with my expectations or aspirations. After some deep conversations with trusted individuals, I realized a change was necessary, and I eventually submitted my resignation. The moment I did, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. But now what?

The answer came unexpectedly: I would become a stay-at-home dad and supportive husband. During this period, my wife was completing her second bachelor’s degree. It was my turn to support her dreams, and she graduated in November 2023 from Southern New Hampshire University with a stellar 4.0 GPA in Geosciences, with a concentration in Data Analytics.

By December, I felt I had taken a meaningful sabbatical and knew it was time to move forward. I craved autonomy and the ability to control my day. I considered becoming an entrepreneur or a business owner, because I have always had a passion for saving money and connecting with people. I participated in a webinar with Vetrepreneur.com, a non-profit organization that helps veterans transition into franchise ownership. I graduated from their program and ultimately purchased a franchise through Schooley Mitchell.

How did your Army career prepare you for Schooley Mitchell?
Before joining, I struggled with self-confidence and often avoided engaging with others. However, serving in leadership roles allowed me to confront these insecurities, significantly enhancing my communication skills and ability to build meaningful connections.

Another major influence has been my focus on planning and analytical questioning. Military service ingrained in me the importance of thorough preparation and considering all angles, ensuring I approach tasks with confidence and readiness. I believe nothing is worse than failing due to laziness or lack of preparation — principles I carry into every aspect of my life.

How does Schooley Mitchell help businesses?
Our mission is simple: to help businesses reduce unnecessary costs and increase profitability. Think of us as your “profit keepers” and vendor “watchdogs.” By analyzing your expenses across numerous categories, we determine if you’re overspending and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Once we present our findings, if you decide to move forward, we take care of the rest. We’ll handle implementation and remain your single point of contact for ongoing monitoring, analysis, and support. Our independent and objective recommendations are always made with one goal in mind: your best interests.

My vision for the business is to become a trusted resource for all businesses in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. Simply put, every business can benefit from our cost-reduction services. Why? Because we bring the time, technology, and expertise needed to thoroughly analyze and optimize your expenses. By partnering with us, you gain peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what truly matters—your core business strategy.

If your family could invite 3 people to dinner, who would they be?
For this one, we decided to break it down, letting the boys each choose someone while Courtney and I also made our picks. The boys selected Mark Rober, who happens to be their favorite person on YouTube. A former NASA engineer, Rober has a remarkable ability to inspire a love of science in children through his fun and engaging activities. Beyond his engineering expertise and creativity, he comes across as a genuinely decent person who is committed to spreading positivity and doing good in the world.

I chose Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., as my guest of choice. Through my own journey of healing from PTSD, I have gained a deeper understanding of the brain and its incredible capacity for adaptation and recovery. This experience has sparked my fascination with how our emotions, both past and present, shape our lives. Dr. Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford School of Medicine, has made remarkable contributions to the study of brain development, function, and neural plasticity. Additionally, he hosts the acclaimed Huberman Lab podcast, often ranked #1 in Science, Education, and Health & Fitness. His ability to bridge cutting-edge neuroscience with practical applications makes him an inspiring figure, and I would value the opportunity to learn from him.

Courtney ultimately decided she would invite Guy Fieri to join her. Best known as a chef and television host, Fieri has built a career around his love for bold, flavorful food. As someone who loves to cook, Courtney admires his passion and would relish the opportunity to gain tips from a professional who shares her enthusiasm for similar cuisines. Beyond his culinary expertise, Fieri has also raised two sons, which could provide Courtney with valuable parenting insights.

What would you like the readers of South Huntsville Neighbors to know about the Fish family?
We are an easygoing family that values quality time together. Our focus is on raising two well-rounded boys who treat others with kindness and respect. In a world dominated by digital distractions, we are strong proponents of analog learning and genuine engagement.

As a family, we prioritize open communication, thoughtful discussions, and avoiding emotionally charged decisions. Courtney and I believe that these principles are key to building a successful and fulfilling life together.