MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER

Over the course of my 20+ year career, adaptability has been the cornerstone of my professional journey. Beginning as an intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force during the events of 9/11, I witnessed firsthand the dramatic restructuring of the intelligence community. In the wake of those changes, I transitioned from military service to government contracting, continuing to serve as an analyst.

As the availability of contract work diminished, I was once again faced with a pivotal career decision. I explored a variety of roles in the private sector—working at wineries and vineyards (with no prior knowledge of the industry), serving in the film industry as a precision driver and featured background actor, and even taking on the role of crematorium operator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While each role was vastly different, they shared common threads: the difficulty of earning a sustainable income from a single job and a noticeable lack of trust and loyalty in both employer-employee and company-customer relationships. These experiences reminded me of the values instilled in me by my parents, who built a successful plumbing and heating business based on trust, loyalty, and community. Their company fostered long-term employee growth, strong customer relationships, and a workplace grounded in mutual respect and shared success.

Inspired by that legacy, I founded my own company in 2017 with the goal of restoring what I believe has been lost in today’s workforce. When the pandemic hit in 2019, I was once again required to pivot, returning briefly as a government contract employee. Though financially rewarding, I found the work unfulfilling, as my skills and insights were underutilized and my contributions often overlooked.

In 2025, I made the decision to fully commit to building a business that prioritizes meaningful work, impactful results, and a healthy workplace culture. RAIA is designed to offer a simpler, more resilient approach to business—focusing on small, project-based contracts that allow for efficiency, agility, and strategic outcomes. Our goal is to cultivate long-term, trusted relationships with talent, clients, and communities alike.

At RAIA, we don’t rely on titles like “Founder” or “CFO.” I proudly use “Owner” because it reflects my commitment to accountability—owning both successes and challenges, and always striving for improvement. I believe in being accessible to employees, contractors, and customers alike, and in building a boutique-style company that remains manageable while offering fair pricing, competitive compensation, and room for growth.

As my parents often said, “Your employees are your best investment, and your customers are your best advocates.” At RAIA, we optimize human potential to achieve meaningful, lasting results.

We look forward to welcoming you on this journey.

Warm regards,
Janelle Santillanes
Owner, RAIA