After college, John had a brief stint as a restaurant general manager and it was this position combined with his experience at Ecolab that landed him a position at ITW Food Equipment group as a Territory Sales Manager serving Oklahoma’s Independent Grocers. It was from this entry-level sales position that he built his career at ITW / Hobart, advancing through progressive roles to his final position there as Vice President of Sales for the Global Retail Group.

When asked about the key to his success, he responds it was his unwavering commitment to the customer, while never forgetting the importance of keeping the business healthy and on a growth track. He is a self-professed student of the Pareto principle, who understands how critical it is to maintain symbiosis between the commercial and operational elements of every business.

After more than 21 years at ITW / Hobart, John left to take a position at Unarco Industries as VP of Sales. Though it is now owned by Berkshire Hathaway’s Marmon Group, Unarco Is a legendary Oklahoman company, Sylvan Goldman was the inventor and first manufacturer of the Shopping Cart. Both here and ITW are where Todd Hagopian (Managing Director of LBB Oklahoma) and John formed their shared interest in promoting, and building businesses as thought partners.

“When Todd asked me to review the Lion Business Broker model, it would be fair to say that I was blown away and felt that it aligned perfectly with what I believe has driven my success throughout my career. LBB has an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality and personalized representation to every client. There is a commitment to understanding and honoring the investment that every business owner makes of themselves to build and grow their business and I want to deliver this commitment to the business community in my home state!”

On his days off you’ll usually find John on the porch of his cabin near Stillwater or on the golf course
with friends old and new. He is the proud father of two children, both of whom are out of the house
and charting their own path now, so he and his wife of 30 years Terri, are now trying to figure out the whole empty nester thing.