Our History & Mission
History behind our foundation
The JTMF Foundation is the culmination of our 25 years growing Consumer Cellular. John Marick and Greg Pryor co-founded the company in 1995 with big dreams. But no one was exactly sure how it would turn out. Making the journey even more special and unique was to have our family and friends join in over the years to help lead the company. Together with Damonn Levine, Tami Marick, Jill Leonetti, Kevin Grillo and Robyn Pryor, the company grew to be the second largest MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) in the US with 4 million customers, 2,100 employees and over $1.5 billion in annual sales. At Consumer Cellular, we embraced giving back as a way of celebrating milestones. Each time we hit a major customer mark or reached a significant anniversary, we would provide employee bonuses and make large donations to charities important to Consumer Cellular’s employees and customers. It was our way of thanking these groups for being part of our company and recognizing the important roles they played in achieve our goals. Helping others in both big and small ways was truly a core value at Consumer Cellular and we believe one of the key reasons that together the employees, customers and leadership team achieved so much. In December 2020, we sold Consumer Cellular and a new management team stepped in to build on what we had started. Proceeds from the sale were used to create the JTMF Foundation where we could amplify our history of giving back. We are proud of what was accomplished at Consumer Cellular over the 25 years and honored that because of the success, the JTMF Foundation is now making lasting differences in our communities.
See how it happened
To learn more about our time at Consumer Cellular and how it shaped our commitment to giving, watch this short video.
Improving the lives of people in need
The JTMF Foundation partners with amazing organizations who are meaningfully impacting the lives of individuals today, while also supporting innovative groups working to solve long-term challenges. We focus our efforts in the Pacific NW with the intent our local efforts will have broader implications.
Our key areas of giving
Solving problems is a dynamic and evolving process. Our goal is to be flexible and search for the best opportunities to help people with their immediate needs while also attempting to eliminate the root cause of issues plaguing those we support. We are guided by our Catholic values as we seek out areas where we can have the largest impact. Our four key areas of giving are children, older adults, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and veterans.
Empowering Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
We believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are some of the most loving and special people you will ever meet. We look for opportunities to assist these individuals in their journey to be included, productive, happy members of their communities.
Helping Older Adults
As our community members age, new and unique challenges emerge. We support organizations who are working to eliminate diseases, hunger, loneliness and other issues faced by older adults. Of particular importance to us is finding ways to prevent, detect and treat those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Assisting Veterans
Individuals who have served our country, particularly those who were put in harm’s way, deserve our gratitude and support. Our foundation partners with organizations to help address the physical and mental well-being of our retired military as they cope with their experiences.
Enabling Children
We think all children should grow up healthy, happy and able to chase their dreams. To assist in this, we seek organizations that help develop young individuals and position them for success. We particularly look for those that serve a diverse population and lower income families.
Meet our founders
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does JTMF stand for?
JTMF Foundation is the name we chose for our foundation. It is short for the John and Tami Marick Family Foundation.
When was the JTMF Foundation started?
While established several years in advance, the JTMF Foundations initial funding and grant awards began in 2020.
Why do you focus your grants on the Pacific NW?
Our founders, John and Tami Marick have spent their entire lives in the Pacific NW. It is also where their company, Consumer Cellular, was headquartered during the 25 years they built the organization with their family and friends. While, not exclusively making grants in the NW, it is where the JTMF Foundation focuses its giving.