Mr. Mac
In 1955, a young salesman for Weirton steel saw a need for custom steel processing. Using his 1952 Oldsmobile as collateral for a loan, he turned that need into an opportunity and founded Worthington Industries. We at Worthington Industries would like to honor our founder and our friend John H. McConnell.
Born in 1923, John H. McConnell was the son of a steelworker in Pughtown, W.Va., He served aboard the USS Saratoga during World War II and used the GI bill to attend Michigan State University, where he studied business and played football. He began working in the steel industry upon graduation and soon after founded a company in Columbus, Ohio, that would be recognized for its employee-based philosophy and as one of the Best Companies to Work for in America.
As CEO, McConnell was often seen walking the floors of Worthington facilities; he talked with employees and knew many by name. His views on open door policies and two-way communication were highlighted by those who studied best practices in management. Tom Peters highlighted the company's policies in his book Thriving on Chaos.
"I don't wonder how I will be remembered. That doesn't matter to me. What has made this whole journey worthwhile is that the way we have led Worthington Industries for 50-plus years is, plain and simple the right thing to do," McConnell wrote in his 2004 book, Our Golden Rule.
Doing the right thing was at the center of everything in McConnell's life. Through this philosophy, he became widely recognized as one of Columbus' most generous citizens and lovingly referred to as "Mr. Mac." His donation to Riverside Hospital led to the McConnell Heart Hospital at Riverside, which provides treatment and prevention services for heart-related illnesses.
When there was an opportunity to bring an NHL team to Columbus, Mr. Mac led the charge, not because he thought it was important for him, because he believed it was the right thing to do for Columbus. As the owner of the Blue Jackets, he continued to ensure community enrichment by establishing the Blue Jackets Foundation to help improve the lives of central Ohioans.
Mr. Mac will be missed on the floors of Worthington Industries, on the streets of Columbus, on the Blue Jackets ice and in the hearts of those who called him father and friend.
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