“You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and he bends you with his might that his arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness; for even as he loves the arrow that flies, so he also loves the bow that is stable”
While my platform for teaching is emphasized on learning, my goal is to facilitate learning to help my students achieve course objectives. As I dispense my knowledge to my students, I emphasize that their responsibility is to learn and expand their horizons beyond the classroom lectures. I want my students not only to learn the theories and concepts we discuss in my class, but also to apply these experiences in the real world as they move on beyond academia.
To be an effective teacher, I believe in mastering the knowledge of the content I am teaching and communicate it well to my students. I digest the pertinent material for each of my classes and I deliver them in such a way that it is coherent and understandable by every student. If I believe that my students are struggling with a concept, I have no problem dialing back, simplify and allow ample time needed to build from that point. I use my first lecture as an evaluation of my student body, their caliber and their ability to follow the remainder of my course. Thus, I take the opportunity to readjust and strategize my delivery method in order to pave a well balanced lecture. I inject humor and utilize a variety of teaching and motivation techniques to make their learning experience an enjoyable one, including but limited to hands-on group projects, technology and entrepreneurship to enhance real world experiences.
I engage students from day one. I make it a point to remember their names by the second meeting (if the course is face to face or blended). I use name tags and initiate student feedback to hear their thoughts and build their confidence so they can participate without remorse. I encourage peer interaction and thought advancement. I promote instant feedback through student / teacher discussions. I extensively use PowerPoint presentations and other multimedia such as videos and websites. I refer to real world examples, cases, discussions and current events in order to apply what we discuss in the lecture and how it works in the world of business.
Currently, Jacques Hakim is serving as a president of Vitamins On Demand, a Health and Wellness start-up vitamins and supplements provider with unique product delivery packaging eliminating the all too familiar question – “Did I take my vitamins today?”
In this capacity, Jacques was summoned early to be involved in developing a business and product strategy. He was able to identify and create a solution based packaging designed for manufacturability and customizability for individual customer needs. Also, he developed a continuous process improvement initiative, and implemented measures of performance (metrics). Initially, he identified three verticals for product launch, developed a marketing plan attracting physicians, pharmacists and vitamin and supplement consumers who can benefit greatly from the company’s product and packaging design.
In recent years, Jacques Hakim served as Vice President of Sales of D&E Pharmaceuticals. At D&E Pharmaceuticals, Jacques oversaw all sales and business development functions, including new product development and rollouts, key account management, customer relationship development and contract negotiations. He held P&L and budget responsibilities. Designed, implemented, and adjusted various sales plans and programs for existing brands as well as newly introduced brands with a focus on building two-tier distribution channel and fostering demand in the Convenience Stores arena.
Jacques cultivated over 20 years of management experience. He is a dynamic, entrepreneurial sales management strategist with record of achievement. He demonstrated success driving multimillion-dollar sales growth while providing sales leadership in highly competitive markets. He is adept at driving growth of company revenues and improving sales-team performance utilizing metric management. He is an exceptional mentor and coach. He is tenacious in building new business, securing customer loyalty, and forging strong relationships with external business partners.
Jacques is an executive manager who empowers others to succeed. He hires talented and capable people, then provides the environment and motivation to help them excel. He is unquestionably a people-person who forms strong bonds and relationships in every area of commitment. He has a passion to learn and in turn teach what he knows.
In addition to dedication and achievements at his professional career, Jacques is also committed to his family and community through Philanthropy and Volunteering:
Advisory Board Chair – YMCA of the Suncoast, J. P. Gills Trinity, FL, 2019-Present
Advisory Board Member – YMCA, J. P. Gills Trinity, FL, 2017-Present
Chairman, Board Member – St. Elias Antiochian Church Land O Lakes, FL, 2017-Present
Ambassador for the FBI – Tampa Field Office – Graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, October 2019 - Present
Pace School for Girls – Developed and funded a Disney Trip once a year for Pace Students
Pasco Schools – Help with drives for Clothes, Shoes, Socks and Toys
YMCA – Donate all toys for Breakfast with Santa for all YMCA kids 2018 and 2019
Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ - Served on the EOF Community Advisory Board
Georgia Association of Convenience Stores – Served 5 years on the Suppliers Committee
He actively participates as a Vice President South of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU). His goal is to enhance, promote and foster the spirit of allegiance and patriotism among the members of the WLCU throughout the countries in which they live; and to share actively for the benefits of those countries in the fields of education, culture and society of the Lebanese folk lore and history and to promote the WLCU as a cultural and philanthropic institution on a strictly non-profit basis.
Jacques graduated with honors from Rutgers University earning his Bachelor of Science in 1995 and earned his Master of Business Administration in 2000 from the University of Connecticut.
His Honors and Achievements include:
Serving as a Board Member on The YMCA of the Suncoast - Gills Branch
“The Presidents Club” for outstanding achievements - Liggett Group Inc.
Recipient of the 1999 Bergen Community College “Outstanding Achievement as an EOF Alumnus”
“Mu Kappa Tau” National Marketing Honor Society
“Alpha Sigma Lambda” University College Honor Students
“Beta Gamma Sigma” National Business School Honor Society
“Alpha Mu Alpha” Rutgers Marketing Honor Society-School of Management
