Jon co-founded Gorilla 76 with Joe Sullivan in 2006. More than two decades later, he spends his days helping the agency grow without losing what made it worth building in the first place — great people, strong relationships and a culture built to last. He focuses on growing and developing the team, deepening client relationships and building what he believes can be one of the best workplaces in the country.
He's been in and around industrial for nearly his entire career, and what keeps him here is the people — not necessarily the corner offices, but the men and women turning the wrenches. He's fueled by the conversations that happen on shop floors and the handshakes that actually mean something.
Jon hosts The Manufacturing Employer, a podcast about attracting, retaining and leading the workforce that keeps American manufacturing moving.
Jon’s career started as a copywriter — he was Gorilla’s first. And that experience still shapes how he thinks about messaging and brand. He was named to the St. Louis Business Journal's 30 Under 30 class in 2010 and recognized as one of St. Louis' Top Young Entrepreneurs by St. Louis Small Business Monthly. In 2022, he was named a Top 100 St. Louisan to Know to Succeed in Business by the same publication. He is a graduate of the FOCUS St. Louis Emerging Leaders program and a member of the 42nd class of FOCUS St. Louis Leadership St. Louis. Jon holds a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.
Jon gives back to his community with the same energy he brings to his work. He currently sits on the board of trustees for the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where he has served as chapter chairman, received the Community Awareness Award and the Inspiration Award, and was recognized as a 2023 Person of Courage. In July 2019, he ran across the state of Ohio — 174 miles in six days — to raise money and awareness for MS Run the US, and today serves as an ambassador for the organization. He has co-founded and served on the boards of Launch St. Louis and Friends of Clifton Park, and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri as a Big Brother. He also serves on the board of Peter & Paul Community Services.
A passionate Missouri Tiger, Jon spends his time outside work hunting, fishing, biking and running. He's completed 14 marathons and counting, including Boston, Chicago, New York City, London, Tokyo, Berlin and Sydney.
