For John Zegers, manufacturing has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. He grew up in a manufacturing environment where childhood chores meant working in the family business. By his teens, he conducted quality control and operated machines.
“I’ve been a manufacturer my whole life,” he said. “I’ve learned hands-on about most processes.
Those early experiences laid the foundation for the career John would build. After college, he started his own business, representing dozens of manufacturers. He later became the director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Manufacturing.
In 2016, John joined the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech. As the region manager for Northwest Georgia, he connects manufacturers with the right experts and resources.
“Helping companies improve their operations and solve their problems is a great feeling,” he said.
That same drive extends beyond manufacturers and into the communities they call home. In 2017, John helped establish iWORKS Northwest Georgia, a collaborative workforce initiative, where he serves as co-chairman. Through that initiative, he helped develop Project Purpose and Project Purpose — Justice-Impacted to Manufacturing Pathway, which prepares high school graduates and non-violent offenders for manufacturing careers.
“It’s really feel-good work,” he said. “We’re helping individuals, communities, and manufacturers.”
Although John lives and breathes manufacturing, he has several interests outside the factory. He loves music, especially bluegrass, jam bands, and rock, and he has seen the Grateful Dead more times than he can count. He has also recently returned to golf and swims nearly every day. But he most enjoys spending time with his two young granddaughters (with a third grandchild on the way).
After a lifetime in manufacturing and more than a decade with GaMEP, John has no plans to slow down.
“Retirement is not even in my plans,” he said. “I enjoy helping people and making a real impact. It’s a great job to have and a great place to work, and I enjoy every day of it.”
To learn more about our services in Northwest Georgia, contact John Zegers at john.zegers@innovate.gatech.edu.
