Jasper 4 th QTR 2020
REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE YEAR IN REVIEW
Journal
The Jasper Journal is a quarterly publication of Jasper Ventures, Inc.
Communicating, celebrating and engaging the people of Jasper Ventures, our clients and communities.
JA SP E R V E N T U R E S I N C .
E D I TO R S - I N - CH I E F
101 Glenda St. Whitehouse, TX 75791 903-939-1555
Maureen Kaiser Elissa Thompson
JA SP E R J O U R N A L E D I TO R I A L A DV I S O R Y B OA R D
Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yearty Melissa Winebarger Emily Davis Jim Newberg Joshua VanBuskirk G R A P H I C D E SI G N A R T I S T S
Bright Creative
3 REFLECTIONS OF GR ATIT UDE
8 THE 2020 JASPYS
13 THANKFUL F OR CHRISTMAS
19 HOW DO I CHOOSE JOY ?
5 COMMUNIT Y ORG ANIZ ATIONS SAY THANK YOU
9 2020 YE AR IN RE VIE W
15 VALUES AWARD WINNER S
21 SEEING GOD ' S GOODNESS
7 THANKFUL F OR WORK
11 CHILI AND CORNHOLE
17 GOD ' S HANDIWORK
22 ANNOUNCEMEN T S
REFLECTIONS of
G R AT I T U D E BY CAR R I E -AN N JA SPE R-YE AR T Y, Vi c e P re s i de n t o f Pe o p le
A
s the executive team reflected on 2020 and began to plan for and dream about 2021, we discovered that this year taught us a lot about gratitude, adaptability, contentment and our absolute dependence on the Lord. Our employees have shown us tremendous grace as we have struggled through an unexpectedly challenging year. Employees accustomed to long days and extended work weeks and the overtime that comes along with those schedules, have been willing to accept less hours and less pay as work has slowed. Each of us has been tasked with wearing more hats and balancing additional responsibilities as our staff size has decreased. With all these changes, we have only had a handful employees leave to pursue other work, so we are grateful our employees are trusting leadership and sticking with us in an incredibly difficult season. Our Whitehouse staff adapted quickly when the office was closed and employees had to work from home, balancing family responsibilities, schoolwork and adapting to virtual meetings. Although it was painful, we adapted in size and reduced headcount quickly to ensure the company would be sustained until things turn around.
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 4T H Q UAR T E R 2020
Like many of you, each of us had plans and goals for 2020. Whether it was making a large purchase, taking a relaxing vacation, or just being more generous with what God has given us, those plans were derailed. Taking large pay cuts and missing out on profit sharing were not a part of our plan, but we have been reminded of these words from Paul, writing to the Philippians while in prison, “... for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13). Just like Paul, we have learned to be content in all situations – even a pandemic. During a year like 2019, when we completed more work than any previous year, it is easy to lose sight of Who provides the work. With only a few projects signed, it is a vivid reminder that nothing in this world is guaranteed and the only constant is God – He is the one who sustains us. We have learned to surrender control and lean into the Lord during this difficult year. One of the hardest parts of this year has been the physical and social distancing. At work, we have missed being with our employees,
face-to-face and toe-to-toe. We have wanted to shake hands in greeting and pat backs for a job well done, but right now it does not seem the responsible thing to do. Outside of work, we have missed some of those freedoms that we have taken for granted like hugging our friends, having a family gathering and holding newborn babies. We have also missed attending weddings, celebrating birthdays and even going to funerals to remember the life of a loved one. We look forward to the day when all these small joys are a part of our normal life again. As we see 2020 coming to an end and begin focusing on 2021, our team is excited about the work that is being done now that will make us a better company next year and beyond. The process improvements and organizational changes being made will ensure we are leaner and stronger, and prepared to work more efficiently as we secure new projects. It has been so good to see our employees coming together, sharing ideas, identifying problems and collectively finding solutions. We are so grateful to be on this journey with each of you. God has used Jasper Ventures in mighty ways in recent years to provide employment, to support our community and to allow us to serve our clients well, and we believe that He will continue to do that. He is not finished with us yet! JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
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C O M M U N I T Y O R G A N I Z AT I O N S S AY
T H A N K YO U Fo r E m p l o y e e D i r e c t e d G i v i n g BY MAU R E E N KAISE R , C u ltu ral En gage me n t Sp e c i ali s t
Despite a turbulent year Jasper Ventures
so that we have been able to continue
was still able to help community organi-
to give. One grant of $2,500 was given
zations, thanks to the Lord’s provision and wise financial
stewardship.
The Employee Directed Giving
Fund
was
established in 2018 and through the third quarter of 2020 was able to support 11 organization with
grants
totaling
$21,700. At first glance, many think
the
Employee
Directed Giving Fund would be shut down
to Bethesda Health Clinic “ WE FOUND
for their dental clinic,
O U R SE LV E S SPE N D I N G
which serves low-income
F O U R T I M E S O U R U SUA L A M O U N T O N E S SE N T I A L I T E MS
and uninsured families.
L I K E CA R SE AT S , CR I B S ,
The clinic had seen nearly
D I A PE R S , A N D TO I L E T R I E S -
2,500 patients by Septem-
A S W E S T E PPE D O U T I N FA I T H TO M E E T T H E SE N E E D S YO U R
ber, despite COVID severe-
G R A N T F O L LO W E D AT J U S T
ly limiting dental proce-
T H E R I G H T T I M E , TA K I N G
dures for several months.
CA R E O F A L M O S T A L L O F T H E A D D E D E X PE N SE ! W E A R E T H A N K F U L T H AT W E CA N B E
“This grant was a huge
A V E S SE L F O R YO U TO H E L P
blessing
F O S T E R FA M I L I E S T H R I V E . “
because it gave us fund-
-JUSTIN HAYES, DIRECTOR OF THE FOSTERING COLLECTIVE
ing to equip our beautiful
during difficult times.
to
Bethesda
new dental exam room,” said Megan Riaz, who serves as Community Relations and
Thankfully, the fund was established
Marketing Director for Bethesda. “It provided
and funded well during a profitable time
equipment that will fulfill the needs for
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 4T H Q UAR T E R 2020
various procedures, including extractions, root canals, fillings, and many other treatments for dental patients in pain.”
O R G A N I Z AT I O N S G R A N T E D F U N D S F R O M E M P LOY E E D I R E C T E D G I V I N G IN 2020 THROUGH Q3
Bethesda is not the only organization that is grateful for the generosity of the employees of Jasper Ventures. Pastor Michael Fleming of Whitehouse First Assembly Church spearheads the annual Back-to-School Health Fair in Whitehouse, where hundreds of backpacks are distributed.
“ WE S TA R T E D O U R G R I E F YO G A P R O G R A M AT T H E B E G I N N I N G O F T H E SU M M E R A S A N OT H E R O P T I O N F O R A D U LT S WH O A R E G R I E V I N G T H E LO S S O F A CH I L D A N D LO O K I N G F O R SU PP O R T. YO U R I N CR E D I B L E G E N E R O SI T Y WI L L A L LO W U S TO SU S TA I N I T OV E R A 1 2 -M O N T H PE R I O D. “ -JENNIFER CARSON, DIRECTOR OF THE CHILDREN’S PARK
CH I LDR EN’S ADVO CAC Y CEN T ER
$ 2, 5 0 0
ED UCAT ION AL R ADIO F O U N DAT IO N ( KVN E )
$1,500
WH I T EHO USE F I R ST A S SEM BLY
$ 2, 5 0 0
BE T H E SDA H E ALTH CLI N IC
$ 2, 5 0 0
T YLER AR E A SE N IO R CI T IZ ENS A S S O CIATIO N
$1,000
T YLER SWI M ACADE M Y
$1,300
T H E F OST E R I N G C OLLE C T I VE
$ 2, 5 0 0
HABI TAT F O R H U M AN I T Y
$1,500
AL Z H EI M ER ’S ALLIAN CE
$ 2, 5 0 0
CH I LDR EN AR E A GI F T F O U N DAT IO N
$ 2, 4 0 0
T R O U P H IGH S CHO O L
$1,500
"Thank you so much for your donation toward our third annual Back-to-School Health Fair,” Pastor Fleming said. “You made a huge difference in the lives of many families in our community!” The Employee Directed Giving Committee consists of five employees who apply to serve on the committee for a term of two years. If you’re interested in applying to serve, please contact Melissa Winebarger at mwinebarger@jasperventuresinc.com
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
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THANKFUL for
WORK
BY JI M N E WBE R G , A u t o m a t i on M an age r T H E JA S P E R J O U R N A L S AT D O W N W I T H JA K E R O G E R S , WA R E H O US E S P E C I A L I S T, TO G E T H I S P E R S P E C T I V E O N G R AT I T U D E A S I T R E L AT E S TO W O R K .
JN: How did you become employed at Jasper Ventures? JR: I had been working in construction. I am a father of 4, I didn’t have insurance, and the owner of the company had no values and showed little integrity. I decided I needed a change for my family and applied for a job at Jasper. I am so thankful that Dave Campbell gave me a shot. I can still remember the day Carrie-Ann called with the offer; my life was immediately changed.
JN: Why have you stayed at Jasper Ventures? JR: I have never worked at a company like this or dreamed that a company like this even existed. Not only does the company have strong values, their management team lives these values out. Many oil and gas companies have a bad reputation because of their unethical practices or behaviors. I am thankful to say that the company I work for is a blessing to its employees, community and its customers. This company’s integrity is one of the biggest reasons I am thankful to work here. I can honestly say that Jasper Ventures has improved the quality of my life for me and
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 4T H Q UAR T E R 2020
my family. The values that this company stands on makes me proud to be here. I don’t think I am here by chance; I know that God brought me here.
JN: Where does gratitude fit in when you have to say goodbye to coworkers and experience rapid shifts that no one really wants? JR: It stinks but also after it happens you have that moment of, “Thank God I didn’t lose my job.” It’s bittersweet. This place goes out of its way to hire good people. I would have never met the people who are now my friends and support system. We’re friends for life. That’s a good thing. We shouldn’t be upset by a bump in the road when it’s about the journey.
THE 2020
JA SP Y S
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
8
2020 YEAR
521,0 0 TOTAL H O U R S WO R K E D
$
OVER
$200K
17
IN HSA
CONTRIBUTIONS
16
NEW
BABIES
VA L U E S AWA R D W I N N E R S
FIRST YEAR WITH
DECREASED COFFEE CONSUMPTION F R O M E N G I N E E R I N G D E P T.
IN REVIEW
5O WORK
F R O M H O M E D AY S WITH NO DRESS CODE
4672 DAYS
PA I D
TIME
OFF
53
1K HOURS DEVELOPING MANAGERS
MEETINGS CANCELED
DUE TO COVID
331 COLLEAGUES MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
CHILI AND COR KENNY CANTRELL AND LES CAMPBELL
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 4T H Q UAR T E R 2020
RNHOLE NHOLE
THE WINNERS! FROM LEFT TO RIGHT; RAMIRO MATA, JOSHUA VANBUSKIRK, JIMMY FORGY, AARON BROWN, ANDY NORMAN AND EVAN BRAZAEL.
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
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THANKFUL for
BY LIS A J E N K I NS-M O O R E Re p ri n t e d f rom L i vi n g M agaz i n e - w w w.li vi n gmaga zine.net.
For years our family erected our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. I was determined to fully enjoy the celebration of thankfulness before I moved on to everything Christmas. I resented the over-commercialization of the holidays and longed to savor each moment every year. One year, however, I had an epiphany. With the sudden realization that without Christ I’d have nothing to be thankful for, I decided Christmas should be observed in my home longer than the month dedicated to the holiday. So, in 2014, we put up our tree before Thanksgiving and left it up until mid-January. It’s an interesting irony that Thanksgiving falls in November, and Christmas follows the month after. We spend one month discussing our need to be grateful and encouraging our children to count their blessings, and the next month we’re making long wish lists, blowing our budgets on gifts, and falling prey to consumerism. Christians have chosen to celebrate Christ’s birthday in December, redeeming many of the pagan traditions such as Christmas trees, candy canes, and gift giving, but many of us still struggle to fully embrace the Christ in “Christmas.”
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 4T H Q UAR T E R 2020
We remind our children that gift-giving symbolizes the ultimate gift that Christ gave through His birth, death, and resurrection, but it remains difficult to avoid focusing on the “getting.” Beautifully wrapped packages and surprisefilled stockings beckon our adoration. How can we move our gaze from selfcentered gratification to Christ-centered service? This Christmas season and beyond, my family and I plan to give back. Though we will have our family fun times enjoying lights, hayrides, Christmas carols, and gifts, we will also embrace the giving. In the past several months, I have been convicted by the passage in Matthew 25:31-46 which describes Judgment Day. In this passage, Christ brings all nations before Him, separating the sheep from the goats, clearly distinguishing between them. He tells us the sheep are those who fed Him when He was hungry; gave Him drink when thirsty; clothed Him when naked; took care of Him when He was sick; visited Him when He was in prison. He clarifies His statement in verse 40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Those who take care of the needy reap eternal reward — those who do not, reap eternal punishment. This is a sobering passage of Scripture — one that as Believers, we cannot ignore. While our salvation is a free gift, Christ expects us to give back. If you require further proof, consider Isaiah 58. God explains His disdain for religious fasts and admonishes His children to take action. He says in verse 10, “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Our own personal breakthroughs manifest as we serve others. Many of us have the heart to serve but are overcome by daily demands. Some want to be involved in giving back to their communities but don’t know where to start. Seek opportunities to give — not just financially, but physically. Financial contributions are imperative to keep charities and ministries going, but everyone needs to “get their hands dirty” from time to time. Giving our time and physical labor not only benefits these organizations but also changes us. The Word tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). This Christmas season, let us serve Christ by serving others — be a sheep, not a goat. There’s no better way to truly embrace the spirit of the season.
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 3N D Q UAR TE R 2020
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3RD QUARTER
VALUES AWARD WINNERS 15
JASPE SPERRJ JOOUURRNAL NAL| |4T 3N UAR 2020 JA HDQQ UAR TT EE RR2020
K•
ANDRÉ CUMMINGS
JA S O N CR AW F O R D
J•
E VA N B R A Z A E L
J O SH U A VA N B U SK I R K
Overall
Service
Integrity
Excellence
D O N ’ T F O R G E T TO N O M I N AT E YO U R COWORKERS!
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
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GOD'S HANDIWORK FINDING THE GOOD WORKS FROM 2020
BY M ELIS S A WI N EB AR G ER Be y ond Bu s i n es s M anag e r
At the end of each year, the Beyond Business team prays about a verse from the Bible that we could hold to as our theme scripture for the following year. At the end of 2019, the Scripture we chose for 2020 was Ephesians 2:10. This verse says, “For you are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As I reflect on all the disruptions 2020 has unleashed on us, these words from a letter written thousands of years ago are an encouragement to my soul. These good works reach into every aspect of my life: job, parenting, marriage, friendships, habits and how I serve my neighbor.
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 3N D Q UAR T E R 2020
We have seen that our world is unpredictable, and people are imperfect. I find myself struggling daily to fight the fight set before me. The fight to choose joy amid my own trials and the suffering around me. There are days I want to give up and choose to be angry, bitter, or blame someone or something for the hurt and frustration I am feeling. However, I know deep down in my heart that these things will only lead to further hurt and frustration. God never promised easy works, but He does promise joy. He is working all things out, even when the darkness is thick where I cannot see the light. I recently read that “many of us are trying to white-knuckle it through the valley of the shadow of COVID” and I would add economic downturn and societal unrest to our white-knuckle list. I so often turn to my own broken strength thinking I can fix things or even believe it is all mine to fix. If I look to Ephesians, I am told the Lord prepared our work beforehand. I was not meant carry it on my own; my efforts are weak apart from Him. He is the one who created us, prepared the work, and gives the strength and abilities to move forward. Even if we fail, He can produce good from the mess. I do not know what 2021 will hold. It could be more disruptions. All I know to do is to open my hands before the Lord and surrender all I am and all I have to Him – knowing nothing I own or have worked towards is in my control. And then believe that He is good, and He loves me. Even in the darkness, there is a light that will prevail, and we win. I will do my best to wait patiently and remain faithful. I hope you leave 2020 remembering you are God’s masterpiece/handiwork created for this time in history. You have a good work to do and the Lord has prepared you for each step along the way. I pray you find strength as you choose joy. I love the quote that says gratitude turns what we have into enough. If all I have to be thankful for is the Lord’s goodness then that is enough. If you need some ideas on choosing joy, check out the story on the next page. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
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HOW DO I choose
O J Y ?
CI R CU MSTANCE S CAN MAK E I T DI F F ICU LT TO R EM EM BER THAT YO U AR E G OD ’S HAN DIWOR K . H ER E AR E SOM E TI PS ON HOW TO K EEP THAT PER SPE C TI VE :
RENEWING OUR MINDS THROUGH DAILY MEDITATION ON GOD’S TRUTH ( THE BIBLE, WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE) PRAYING TALKING TO OTHERS YOU TRUST TALKING TO YOUR FEELINGS – FEELINGS CAN BE DECEITFUL , SO REMIND YOURSELF OF TRUTH E XERCISE
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JASPE SPERRJ JOOUURRNAL NAL| |4T 3N UAR 2020 JA HDQQ UAR TT EE RR2020
WH AT DO I R E AD WH EN I’M F EELING … E XHAUSTED, like I am trying to keep up. You need to be reminded of our Scripture for the year. You are God’s handiwork. He prepared your work beforehand. He is in charge. You don’t have to be. Try reading: Psalm 75, to take comfort that God is in charge. Colossians 3:23-24, to remember we are working for God, not man. Ephesians 2:10, to remember God prepared your work beforehand as someone who bears His image.
UNSURE, like I am struggling with an unclear path. Remember that God is still alive, active and on His throne. You are righteous through Christ, not your work. Try reading: Psalm 11, to remember that God is on His throne. John 20, to see that Jesus draw us to Himself in failure. 2nd Corinthians 5, to recall that we are righteous through Christ, not on account of our own work.
DEPLETED, like I am just trying to survive. Take a deep breath and bear in mind that God is our refuge. Jesus suffered and felt forsaken. He was tempted and overcame. Try reading: Romans 8:15-17, to learn that you are an heir to God’s glory in full. Romans 8:28, to know God makes good from suffering. Matthew 27, to see that we serve a suffering Savior who also felt forsaken. Psalm 31, to lean into God as our refuge.
USED OR OPPRESSED, like my efforts to progress are in vain. Know that God cares about justice for the needy. God will make good from suffering. Try reading: Psalm 82, to see how God cares about justice for the needy. Revelation 21:3-4, to see that one day, sadness will be wiped away. Romans 8:28, to know God makes good from suffering. Matthew 27, to see that we serve a suffering Savior who also felt forsaken.
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
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SEEING GOD’S GOODNESS J O B 4 2 7 U P DAT E B Y SH AW N F O R GY, G e n e r a l M a n a g e r o f P r o j e c t C o n s t r u c t i o n
Our shops have continued with the structural and piping fabrication as well as modular assembly. We anticipate being ready to ship the process modules supporting the cryogenic and refrigeration areas as well as 720 feet of modular piperacks going into 2021. In addition to modular-related work, much of the off-module piping and steel have been completed. Despite obstacles presented by COVID-19 our team has maintained excellent productivity and positive attitudes.
JOB 423 C O M PL E T E B Y DA R R E L L P E T T Y, Project Manager
The Automation Team finished up the last few open items on the project this fall. They ran the plant in October for a couple of days to prove all the systems. The plant performed well and will now be on standby waiting for things to pick back up. The client hopes to have enough gas to put the plant back online sometime in 2021.
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JA SPE R J O U R NAL | 4T H Q UAR T E R 2020
RESOURCES FOR A FRESH START
Jasper Ventures participates in the annual Biggest Loser contest sponsored by the Rec. The contest typically runs two to three months and there are prizes for the winning team and individual. If you’d like to join one of the JV teams, contact Maureen Kaiser at mkaiser@jasperventuresinc.com. Start a habit of spending a few minutes each day with God. The Bible app is free and offers lots of reading plans. Rather watch a short video? Take advantage of your free RightNow Media @Work account. If you need the company code to open your free account, please contact Beyond Business at bb@jasperventuresinc.com.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LAUNCHING IN 2021 Jasper Ventures is officially launching the Restoration Fund, an emergency assistance program funded by the annual Jasper Ventures Bass Tournament, employee donations, and Jasper Ventures Matching program. The purpose of the Restoration Fund is to provide short-term, emergency support to Jasper Ventures’ employees and dependents who are facing financial emergencies as a result of unforeseen and unpreventable circumstances. More information will be coming via email and in the next Jasper Journal. Questions? Contact Melissa Winebarger at mwinebarger@jasperventuresinc.com.
JA SPE R JO U R N AL | 4 TH Q UAR TER 2020
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
The Rec is a workout facility in Whitehouse available to all JV employees. You pay a one-time registration of $29 and the company pays your monthly fee.
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KINGDOM PURPOSE
Building people and products for God’s purpose.
VISION:
MISSION:
Delivering solutions.
Offering the oil and gas industry an
Impacting lives.
unmatched service experience through world-class turnkey solutions.
INTEGRITY
SERVICE
STEWARDSHIP
Behaving honorably, even
Considering others’ interests
Faithfully managing what
when no one is watching.
as more important than
God has entrusted to us.
our own.
RESPONSIVENESS
INNOVATION
EXCELLENCE
Meeting needs and solving
Encouraging and applauding
Doing our best work efficiently
problems in a timely and
the exploration of new ideas
and safely and expecting the
professional manner.
and creative solutions.
same from those around us.
FOLLOW US ONLINE :
Facebook.com/JasperVenturesInc LinkedIn.com/company/JasperVenturesInc Instagram.com/JasperVenturesInc
JASPER VENTURES, INC.
101 Glenda St. Whitehouse, TX 75791 jasperventuresinc.com 903-939-1555