John F. Bergstrom is an American entrepreneur, restaurateur, hotelier, and philanthropist.[1][2] He is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Bergstrom Automotive, a major car dealership based in Neenah, Wisconsin.[3]
John F. Bergstrom | |
|---|---|
| Born | Neenah, Wisconsin, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Marquette University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Lawrence University |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Organization | Bergstrom Automotive |
| Title | Executive Chairman |
Early life and education
editJohn Bergstrom's entrepreneurship journey began after graduating from Marquette University.[2] Along with his brother Dick Bergstrom, he transformed a former post office site in Neenah into a small bar called The Old Post Office.[4][3] He later decided to pursue the retail automotive business.[1]
Career
editIn 1974, John co-founded Bergstrom Automotive in Neenah.[1] The group expanded its operations through acquisitions and opened its first store, a Chevrolet outlet, in 1982. By 2019, the business had grown to 30 dealerships and 35 brands. In 2020, Bergstrom Automotive acquired Cliff Wall Automotive's Subaru, Mazda, and Mitsubishi dealerships in Green Bay.[5] As of 2023, it operates 40 dealership locations across Wisconsin.[6]
Philanthropy
editBergstrom has served on the boards of Associated Bank, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, WEC Energy Group,[4] the Green Bay Packers, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.[1][7]
He was a member of the Marquette University Board of Trustees in the late 1990s, where he supported the School of Dentistry's initiative to construct a new facility and revise its curriculum. His involvement included advocating for state funding and operational changes to improve the school's financial stability. He received several awards from Marquette University, including the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award in 1988 and the All-University Alumnus of the Year Award in 2003.[2]
Bergstrom participated in philanthropic efforts in the Fox Valley. He contributed to projects such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and an outdoor skating rink in downtown Neenah. He was involved in fundraising for organizations like the Menasha Boys & Girls Club and Bubolz Nature Preserve. He led a project to create an ice rink in downtown Neenah, which was modeled after Rockefeller Center's rink.[1]
His company supported the establishment of a new Boys & Girls Club in the Fox Cities area, which resulted in him receiving the Janet Berry Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015. He purchased an elementary school property from the Neenah Joint School District and donated it to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah.[1]
In September 2020, Bergstrom raised funds for children with critical illnesses. On October 16, 2023, he donated 3½ acres of land for the Neenah Animal Shelter project and contributed to its capital campaign.[8][9][10]
Awards and recognition
edit- 2015: Janet Berry Volunteer of the Year award.[11]
- 2019: Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award.[12]
- 2019: Top 100 Board Members of Fortune 500 Companies (National Association of Corporate Directors).[13][14]
- 2023: Honorary doctorate from Lawrence University.[15]
- 2023: Inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame.[4]
- 2023: Recognized as one of four award winners by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin at their 33rd Annual Event.[15]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Staff, BizTimes (2022-12-02). "John Bergstrom - Wisconsin 275 Most Influential Business Leaders". BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News.
- ^ a b c "Award Recipients // 2018 Alumni National Awards // Marquette University". www.marquette.edu.
- ^ a b Behnke, Duke. "John Bergstrom progresses from Neenah bar owner to Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame". The Post-Crescent.
- ^ a b c Ruffing, Molly (2023-06-08). "Founder of Bergstrom Automotive goes down in Wisconsin business history". WLUK-TV.
- ^ Bollier, Maureen Wallenfang and Jeff. "Bergstrom Automotive to buy Cliff Wall dealerships in Green Bay". Green Bay Press-Gazette.
- ^ "John Bergstrom on EVs, OEM relations, building an outstanding company culture, and more". CBT News. 2023-10-11.
- ^ "How to build a strong culture at any car dealership regardless of size or volume - John F. Bergstrom". CBT News. 2020-12-23.
- ^ Prinsen, Jake (7 October 2020). "Bergstrom Automotive raises more than $165,000 to help children with critical illnesses". The Post-Crescent.
- ^ staff, WBAY news (2023-10-17). "New animal shelter in Neenah breaks ground Tuesday". WBAY-TV.
- ^ McCarthy, Darby (2023-10-17). "Relief coming: Over-capacity Neenah Animal Shelter breaks ground on new building". WGBA-TV.
- ^ Wallenfang, Maureen (21 April 2015). "Bergstrom honored for efforts to launch new 'clubhouse'". The Post-Crescent.
- ^ "2019 ALL STAR - JOHN BERGSTROM". Auto News.
- ^ Ansari, Hibah (June 28, 2019). "John Bergstrom named one of the top 100 CEOs in the U.S. by Glassdoor". The Post-Crescent.
- ^ "Harold Jordan; John F. Bergstrom to receive honorary LU doctorate degrees". Insight on Business. 2023-05-30.
- ^ a b Behnke, Duke. "John Bergstrom progresses from Neenah bar owner to Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame". The Post-Crescent.