John Garrett

FOUNDER & CEO

John Garrett started Community Impact Newspaper from the game room of his home with his wife and best friend, Jennifer. The belief that everyone—not just the insiders—should know what is happening in their own backyard prompted him to leave news company giants and start his own news organization. John and Jennifer launched the first edition of CI in 2005 with the Round Rock/Pflugerville paper.

Growing up with parents who worked hard as small-business owners gave John a deep appreciation of how Main Street is the community. Helping local businesses thrive isn’t just part of CI‘s mission statement—it’s in the company’s DNA. John is vested in his community, and he encourages his employees to be involved as well. He aims to set an example by serving on local community boards and nonprofit organizations.

John is the first to devote his time and energy to strengthen and transform the company. He has been named Best CEO by the Austin Business Journal and a Distinguished Young Alumnus by Sam Houston State University. He also won the KPMG Executive Leadership Award from the Austin Chamber of Commerce, among other accolades. John and Jennifer live in Round Rock and have three daughters.

Three things you should know about John …

1. Although John is proud of the printing plant CI opened in 2016, he is actually color blind. But he hired some pretty amazing color technicians.
2. John may be the biggest SHSU fan in the world. Eat ‘em up Kats!
3. He is a proud follower of Jesus Christ.

The best advice he’s ever been given …

Never tire from doing what is right.

What inspires him …

People who give generously of their time, knowledge and resources to nonprofits.

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• 2016 Media Award, Texas School Public Relations Association