#hustletocreate
Build a life and business that can actually hold your vision.
I help creators, founders, and entrepreneurs move from ideas to aligned, scalable businesses through systems, strategy, and execution.
“To create is the best gift you can give yourself and others at the same time.” - Jon Kinnard
Jon Kinnard is a strategist, entrepreneur, and operator based in Los Angeles, working at the intersection of business, creativity, and economic development.
He brings over a decade of experience leading programs, building systems, and managing initiatives that drive measurable impact across both public and private sectors. His work includes securing and managing more than $5 million in government contracts, overseeing programs that support small business growth, workforce development, and community-based economic outcomes.
Jon has worked with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies to design and implement strategies that move ideas into execution. His focus is on aligning vision with structure by building systems that improve performance, strengthen operations, and support long-term growth.
As Director of Programs at Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation, he led initiatives that supported hundreds of entrepreneurs across Los Angeles, providing technical assistance, program design, and access to capital and resources. His work has consistently bridged the gap between policy and practice, translating high-level objectives into real outcomes on the ground.
He is also the founder and CEO of Coffee Del Mundo, an award winning coffee company based in South Los Angeles, where he has built a vertically integrated business focused on culture, community, and product excellence.
Through HiiC Studio, his consulting practice, Jonathan works with founders, creatives, and organizations to move from ideas to aligned and scalable systems. His approach is grounded in clarity, discipline, and execution.
He is the creator of Hii Life, a framework for building a life rooted in purpose, structure, and intentional growth.
Areas of Expertise
Organizational Leadership and Program Management
Leading teams, managing complex initiatives, and ensuring accountability across multi-stakeholder environments.
Management and Operations Strategy
Designing systems and workflows that improve efficiency, execution, and long-term performance.
Business and Economic Development
Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through program design, technical assistance, and ecosystem development.
Government Contracts and Program Oversight
Securing and managing multi-million dollar public contracts, with a focus on compliance, delivery, and measurable outcomes.
Strategic Planning and Execution
Translating vision into structured plans with clear priorities, milestones, and results.
Leadership and Personal Development
Coaching founders and operators to build with clarity, discipline, and alignment.
Education and Experience
M.S. in Management from Wake Forest University
B.A. in Political Science & Public Administration from University of Tennessee
Business Founder & CEO of Coffee Del Mundo Inc.
Former Director of Programs at Vermont-Slauson Economic Development Corporation
Client Work
“Jon and I served on a task force that constructed a new strategic plan for the Division of student Affairs (now the Division of Student Life) at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. As members of this task force, each of us had to do heavy lifting. Jonathan was up to the task. He was an engaged, productive, collegial member of the team. I enjoyed working with him on this project. ”