The inventor of many domestic and international patents and a mechanical engineer at heart, John Barnard's passion is taking new product designs to market. His business acumen in product development, manufacturing, and sales has helped Vita-Mix to grow steadily since 1995 in both profits and sales. Celebrating its 89th anniversary in 2010, Vita-Mix continues to expand into both household and commercial markets around the world.
As the president and chief executive officer of Vita-Mix since 1999 and executive chairman beginning in 2009, John's dedication to Vita-Mix has been a life-long commitment. As the grandson of the company's founder, W.G. Barnard, Sr., John spent his high school summers and weekends demonstrating and selling Vita-Mix machines at fairs and shows throughout the United States.
Upon college graduation, John left Vita-Mix for employment with the Carborundum Corporation as a product development engineer. Later he joined Ingersoll-Rand Corporation as a sales engineer for industrial air compressors and other industrial products. This entrepreneurial experience impelled him to co-found the Progressive Equipment Corporation where he served as Secretary/Treasurer. In 1981, he rejoined Vita-Mix Corporation in Olmsted Township.
John chairs the Board of Directors for Vita-Mix and is also a board member of the local BBB and Olmsted Falls Alumni Association. John has been instrumental in supporting the education of employees and others through Vita-Mix scholarships and tuition reimbursements. In addition to taking Vita-Mix product lines to higher levels of performance, he has been successful at building and maintaining a team of employees that possess the same dedication, values and integrity that he and his family share. John is passionate that Vita-Mix products are worth more than their price and have a positive impact on people’s health and the environment.
Since John has been involved, Vita-Mix has had three major building expansions in Olmsted Township. All products are assembled in Olmsted Township with a major portion of the components suppliers being within 20 miles. The total impact on the Greater Cleveland economy and employment is very significant.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and earned an MBA degree from the University of Buffalo. He currently resides in Olmsted Falls with his wife Linda.
