Jon Hyman, Partner and Coach at CEO Coaching International, brings over 30 years of experience as a leader, founder, and CEO across industries as varied as consumer products, construction, sports, and investment banking. With an MBA from Columbia Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Jon’s career journey began with a foundation in discipline and strategic leadership, shaped by his time as a Commissioned Officer in the Army. His leadership acumen has guided him through the creation, growth, and successful exits of multiple businesses, establishing him as a powerhouse in high-stakes corporate leadership.
Building and Scaling Industry-Changing Companies
Jon’s entrepreneurial accomplishments include founding and scaling Softspikes, an innovative golf shoe traction company that became the top-selling golf accessory worldwide. With more than 70 global patents and a reputation for excellence in both retail and OEM distribution channels, Softspikes exemplifies Jon’s ability to transform ideas into market leaders. His ventures continued with Sportgrass, a novel athletic playing surface, and CeraTech, a groundbreaking carbon-neutral cement company that pioneered environmental advances in construction materials.
Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated a knack for rapid growth and turnaround success. As the CEO of Greenfields Americas, he led the company from distress to profitability, boosting revenue by 40% and EBITDA by 233% within just one year. His accomplishments extend to the investment banking sector, where he drove over $500 million in transactional value while leading high-stakes negotiations that generated $21 million in fees.
Leading Through Focused Leadership and Cultural Alignment
Jon’s leadership style is rooted in the principles he learned from military mentors and business icons like Fred Smith and General Colin Powell. As he explains:
“As the leader, you set the vision, you’re in charge. You take care of your people, tell them what they have to do, hold them accountable, and things will take care of themselves.”
He believes that leadership is about setting an example, instilling accountability, and cultivating a strong organizational culture. Jon also emphasizes the importance of aligning talent with roles that leverage their strengths, fostering a cohesive environment where both the organization and its people thrive.
Top Takeaways from Jon Hyman
- Serve Simply: Don’t overcomplicate leadership. Effective leaders focus on setting the vision and empowering their teams to follow through.
- Put Your People First: With the right people in the right roles, a company can consistently achieve and surpass its goals.
- Embrace Learning from Failure: For Jon, failures have been some of his greatest teachers. He’s learned that success is built on the ability to pivot, adapt, and grow from every experience.
A Global Perspective and Personal Drive
Jon’s life beyond business is equally diverse and fulfilling. He is a Bronze Star Medal recipient, a combat veteran, and a world traveler who has visited over 90 countries. He shares a passion for basketball with his sons, both of whom play at the collegiate level. Alongside his wife and three children, Jon brings his commitment to integrity, service, and excellence to all areas of his life.
For Jon, business isn’t just about growth—it’s about making a positive, lasting impact. As a Partner and Coach at CEO Coaching International, he leverages his extensive experience to guide CEOs and entrepreneurs in achieving their biggest goals.
