At Quadel, we’re driven by a shared mission to strengthen communities and ensure that every person has a place to call home. This Veterans Day, we’re proud to honor three members of our team who served our country and who continue to live out the values of service, integrity, and dedication in their work today.

Each of them brings a unique perspective shaped by their time in uniform. Their experiences remind us that while service may begin in the military, its impact carries forward.

Ronna Jessen, Senior Accountant

U.S. Army, April 1989 – December 1994

For Ronna, the meaning of home is deeply personal and worth protecting.

“Home is worth fighting for. It’s worth giving everything you have to ensure others have a place where they feel safe,” she said. “Home is something everyone deserves, no matter their circumstances.”

Ronna’s time in the Army taught her that belonging and stability are just as vital as physical shelter. “A shelter provides protection,” she explained, “but home is where you feel safe, cared for, and supported by those who have your back…Giving people shelter that is a home is what Quadel is at its heart and it’s why I love working here.”

Brett Kirkland, Controller

U.S. Marine Corps, 2002 – 2008

For Brett, the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis (“Always Faithful”) came with its own inside joke: Semper Gumby (“Always Flexible”).

“Nothing ever seems to go as planned. You could start a mission kicking in doors of expected terrorist hideouts and end up spending the evening with the nicest and most grateful kids.”

He remembers one such day in Iraq where he met a family of seven living in a 300-square-foot apartment with one twin bed and a small TV. “We had just kicked in the doors of their apartment and removed all of the males to be questioned by military interrogators. Even after all this, the kids were happy and playful!” he said.

From long missions to unexpected detours, Brett learned that resilience isn’t optional, it’s essential. “When things aren’t going as planned, quitting is not an option. Neither is failure.” It’s that same adaptability and perseverance that define his work today.

Jim Evans, Director

U.S. Army, 1985 – 1992

Jim’s years in the Army instilled lessons that have guided his entire career.

“Serving in the military taught me the importance of focus on mission, discipline, hard work, and sacrifice,” he shared. “Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.”

Today, he channels that same sense of purpose into his work at Quadel. “Like the military, housing consulting is ultimately about service,” he said. “Our work directly impacts people of all ages in communities across the country, and I take great pride in being part of that mission.”

Continuing the Mission

Ronna, Brett, and Jim each remind us that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. For them, it has evolved into a lifelong commitment to others, to community, and to the belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home.

This Veterans Day, we thank them for their courage, their compassion, and their continued service to others through their work at Quadel.