• Leadership Development
• Leadership Experiences
• Leadership Resources
  • Online Library
  • Speakers Connection
  • Publications
    • Franklin University Press
    • Leadership Articles

John H. McConnell

Majority Owner, Columbus Blue Jackets and Founder, Worthington Industries

John H. McConnell purchased his first load of steel using his car as collateral and founded Worthington Industries in 1955. A company that later would be hailed for its financial success, business philosophy and employee relations, Worthington Industries has grown to become the country's leading intermediate steel processor and manufacturer of metal-related products with annualized sales of approximately $2 billion. Today, the company employs approximately 8000 people, with 61 facilities in 10 countries and 22 states. McConnell's business philosophy, which has been studied at Harvard University, led to Worthington Industries repeatedly being named one of the top 100 Companies to Work For In America.

McConnell took his first job at Weirton Steel, but after working for only about a year, enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga during World War II. After the war, he attended Michigan State University on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in business administration in 1949.

While closely associated with the remarkable success of his steel business, McConnell is now also becoming widely known as one of central Ohio's most generous citizens. The most recognizable example of McConnell's charitable contributions is the McConnell Heart/Health Center at Riverside Hospital.

A sports enthusiast, McConnell is majority owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets National Hockey League franchise. He was also one of the early investors in the Columbus Crew professional soccer team and was previously a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball club. His community involvement continues with the Columbus Blue Jackets through the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.

McConnell has received numerous honors and awards, including Financial World Magazine's Outstanding Chief Executive Officer of the Year award, Horatio Alger award, Ohio Governor's award, National Football Foundation Gold Medal, Industry Week award for Excellence in Management, and membership in the National Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.

Return to the Online Library.

Franklin University Press

Explore books by our publishing company!