Following in his father’s footsteps, John Hockey also decided to attend Purdue University. However, it was the influence of a high school teacher, Mr. Embry, that led him to building construction management. After completing a course taught by Mr. Embry called “Project House” in which students built a home throughout the school year, John knew that construction was his niche.
After graduating from Purdue, John joined IBM as a staff project manager in their real estate and construction division—the youngest project manager in IBM history. Next, John moved on to Hensel Phelps Construction Company in San Jose, California, as the director of marketing and business development focused on procurement for their western region. John continued to move up at Hensel Phelps before pursuing his own business. In 1998 John founded JA Hockey Ventures Inc.
The company operates as a construction, consulting, development, and real estate firm offering services in both commercial and residential markets. The corporation is heavily involved in land speculation and residential construction and manages Arcadia Homes Inc., a $12 million a year residential contractor in Port St. Lucie, Florida. “The three greatest attributes of my success are hard work, the selection of good mentors, and the application of creative thinking,” says John.
John resides in Palm City, Florida, with his wife, Julie, and children.
This was originally written for the Distinguished Technology Alumni Awards in 2006.