Our Story

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our FOUNDER

JANA traces its roots back to the San Antonio branch of Hayes International. Joseph A. Niland, who had managed the branch for over twenty years, convinced leadership at Hayes to sell it to him instead of closing it outright (as management had planned), and the company as we know today was born in August of 1973.

Originally called Joseph A. Niland and Associates, over time the name of the company was informally shortened to JANA before being officially changed to JANA, Inc. in 1978.

 
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our Beginning

JANA grew from humble beginnings and only a few dozen employees at the outset. The majority of projects in the earliest days focused on writing “How To Do It” books across a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from “Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Datapoint Computer Terminals” to an “Illustrated Parts Breakdown” for Lockheed’s JetStar, the first business jet ever.

Some of the other services the company provided back then included producing highly detailed illustrations often in support of their “How To” books as well as photolithographic negatives, which were used to make the plates to print the very manuals the company produced.

JANA has prided itself from its very inception as a place where workers from diverse backgrounds can feel valued and help drive the company forward, and in fact, almost 30% of the company’s employees at its founding were significantly handicapped.

 
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OUR PRIDE

To this day, JANA remains a family-owned business and maintains both its headquarters and main production facility in San Antonio. With additional production groups across the United States and in Mexico, JANA has become a leading engineering and technical documentation services company over its 50 plus-year history by providing best-in-class technical information and data management services.

What brings us most pride though is our employees: an extensive number have been part of the JANA Family for many years, with veterans representing 25% of our ranks and minorities comprising over 33% of our Family today.

 
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OUR COMMITMENT TO LIFE SCIENCES

In 2019, JANA’s leadership agreed to form an altogether new division focused exclusively on life sciences. In leveraging the company’s proven engineering and technical documentation expertise, we will provide tailor-made services and solutions oriented toward meeting the rigorous requirements and uncompromising standards associated with the industry.

As a family-run company, you can be assured of having direct access and communication with the decision makers. At the same time, you can take comfort in knowing that we will be highly responsive to your needs and guided by Ron Niland’s deep life science experience, spanning over 30 years.

 

A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

 
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RONALD B. NILAND| President, JANA Life Sciences

At JANA Life Sciences, we believe that exceptional documentation and training solutions emerge from a foundation of deep industry understanding, methodical processes, and genuine partnership with our clients. Having spent over three decades in life sciences—supporting research, development and commercialization efforts at Pfizer, Amgen, Genentech and Gilead Sciences—I've witnessed firsthand how critical precise documentation is to bringing life-changing therapeutics to patients who need them most.

Whether supporting regulatory filings for breakthrough treatments like Avastin and Herceptin, developing companion diagnostics that ensure the right patients receive the right therapies, or creating documentation for cutting-edge medical technology including cardiac monitoring devices and wearables, I've learned that success always comes down to the same principle: methodical excellence executed with human understanding.

Methodical Excellence in Life Sciences Documentation & TRAINING

This philosophy guides everything we do at JANA Life Sciences. We don't just create documents and training programs—we craft solutions that accelerate your time-to-market while ensuring regulatory compliance. From 3D medical device modeling completed in 8 business days to comprehensive LIMS validation protocols, our team combines 50+ years of proven technical expertise with the regulatory precision that life sciences demands.

Our experience spans the full spectrum of modern medtech innovation: companion diagnostics that guide precision medicine decisions, sophisticated cardiac monitoring systems, wearable devices that transform patient care, and the complex documentation ecosystems that bring these breakthrough technologies to market safely and efficiently.

Beyond documentation, we help companies develop better products and services more expeditiously and cost-effectively. Our methodical approach identifies optimization opportunities throughout your development lifecycle, ensuring your innovations reach patients faster while maintaining the highest quality standards. Please scroll down to see our complete Credo.

Strategic Global Reach with Local Control

Our family-owned structure enables something smaller competitors can't match: a nimble near-shore model through our JANA Mexico operations. And while larger firms may try to mirror it, ours is dovetailed tighter through our QMS and significant interactions between our San Antonio headquarters and Querétaro facilities. This approach delivers significant cost advantages while maintaining the quality standards and regulatory compliance your projects demand. For companies expanding into Latin American markets, we offer cultural insights and regional expertise that can accelerate your global growth strategy—all while ensuring seamless integration with your U.S.-based operations.

Your Direct Connection

I want you to know that JANA Life Sciences operates as an extension of your team, not just another vendor. My door—and inbox—are always open. Whether you're facing a complex FDA submission deadline for a companion diagnostic, need strategic guidance on documentation architecture for wearable medical devices, or simply want to discuss how we can better support your mission, please reach out to me directly.

Having managed global programs across virtual teams and guided regulatory submissions from IND through commercial launch, I understand the pressures you face and the precision your work demands. More importantly, I know how the right documentation partner can transform those challenges into competitive advantages.

Our Commitment to You

Every project we undertake reflects our family-owned values and ISO-certified processes. We don't pursue quick fixes—we build lasting solutions that grow with your organization. Whether you're an emerging medtech or biotech company preparing for your first FDA filing or an established pharmaceutical company managing complex global operations, we bring the same methodical approach that has guided successful therapeutics from concept to patient.

Your success is our success. Your mission to advance science and improve patient lives is why we exist.

Thank you for considering JANA Life Sciences as your partner in methodical excellence.

Ron Niland, MBA, PMP, Six Sigma Lean
President, JANA Life Sciences
Bringing methodical excellence to life sciences documentation and training

Questions? Challenges? Opportunities? I'm here to help.
Direct: (805) 405-4115 | rniland@janalifesciences.com
Main: (210) 616-0083

Please feel free to reach out to me and connect through LinkedIn

 

Our Partners

KEITH PARENT | FOUNDER AND CEO AT COURT SQUARE GROUP

Under Keith’s leadership Court Square Group has built a reputation as a leader in the Life Sciences industry. With over 35 years of technology and leadership experience Keith has a clear understanding of regulatory challenges and the Good System Practices (GSPs) required to maintain a Qualified state for their company’s clients.

Under Keith’s direction Court Square has implemented and maintained a myriad of enterprise-level preclinical, clinical and regulatory systems. Relevant efforts include Global Submission systems, eCTD systems, FDA Gateways, Adverse Event Reporting systems, Clinical Trial systems, and Longitudinal Patient Registry development systems - in total involving over 100,000 users and 5,000 servers.   Recently Keith has been heavily involved in developing AI based solutions for the Life Science industry.

Keith has been a consultant to Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for over 30 years and has held other leadership positions in the Life Science Industry. He is a regular guest speaker at many Life Science events and a thought leader for companies that are building solutions in the Life Science Industry. Keith holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science (MSCS) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Siena College.

Monica C. Hayes, PMP, LSSBB, SCC

Monica Hayes is the Founder and Managing Principal of Fusion Success Group, a consultancy known for its expertise in process development, project management, coaching, and training across various sectors. With over 17 years in Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Consulting, Monica has spearheaded initiatives that encompass process optimization, program management, strategic business transformation, and lean implementation. These efforts have consistently resulted in significant efficiency gains, innovative growth, and profound business transformation for her clients.

Monica's educational pedigree includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UTSA. Complementing her formal education, she holds credentials as a PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, GrowthWheel Business Advisor, and Marshall Goldsmith Executive Coach. Dedicated to industry advancement, she was honored as a Top 40 Under 40 by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2022. She’s also an active contributor to industry organizations, serving on distinguished boards such as The Health Cell and the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.

Outside her professional pursuits, Monica is an avid mentor and speaker, delving into themes such as Continuous Improvement, Career Development, and Entrepreneurship. Her personal endeavors highlight a tapestry of interests, from dedicated motherhood to savoring culinary and musical arts, and preserving her athletic edge, dating back to her NCAA days as a Division 1 track and field athlete at UT Austin.

 

JANA IS A FAMILY COMPANY WITH A COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

 

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We are proud sponsors of The Health Cell in San Antonio, TX . The Health Cell seeks to leverage the collaborative spirit of San Antonio’s health and bioscience industry to engage, through unique personal and professional growth, the people who will propel the community toward maximum sector success.

In addition, JANA, Inc. has been an ardent supporter of United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County for over two decades. Through their San Antonio presence, we support local shelters and more.

Blood Drives: In conjunction with South Texas Blood & Tissue (and BioBridge Global), JANA employees regularly donate blood for a great cause - giving life to others.

San Antonio Food Bank: Each year JANA collects food donations on behalf of our team members to support those suffering from food insecurity; Fighting Hunger & Feeding Hope.

VOLUNTEERING

The JANA Family is committed to volunteering in their communities and supporting local needs when they arise.

MedShare: Since 2023 we have provided voluntary support to the Board of MedShare, which provides humanitarian support, medical supplies and medical equipment to those in need around the world, including to Safety Net Clinics in the US.

The Health Cell: Since 2019 we have been committed to providing voluntary support to The Health Cell and its Board, helping to organize an array of programs centered on raising life science awareness in the San Antonio community.

ATEAMS: We are also proud to provide voluntary support to The ATEAMS Board, helping to enhance STEM-related education in the San Antonio area.

United Way: JANA has a deep history in supporting the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.

San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup: JANA employees have consistently taken part in the cup challenge year in and year out, with proceeds supporting Haven for Hope, University Health Blood Donor Services, San Antonio Food Bank, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, South Texas Blood & Tissue, and San Antonio Sports.

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We provide continuing education and teaching services for businesses, professionals, universities, and networking events. In addition, our volunteer efforts are helping enhance STEM-related education for high school students in the San Antonio area. On top of this, we have published a number of white papers and held webinars on a variety of subjects. We are especially proud of the 7-part webinar series that we conducted with our partners, Court Square Group and DCL.

 

JANA LIFE SCIENCES & jana, inc. LOCATIONS

JANA Life Sciences
675 Hartz Avenue
Danville, CA 94526
Phone: (805) 405-4115

JANA, Inc. [Headquarters]
1717 Universal City Blvd.
Universal City, TX 78148
Phone: (210) 616-0083

try a COMPLIMENTARY session and see if it’s right for you.

We offer a free 30 to 90 minute consultation with no pressure or obligation.