John F Bergstrom is an American businessman and philanthropist, currently serving as the Executive Chairman of Bergstrom Automotive. Bergstrom also sits on the board of directors for several organizations including The Green Bay Packers, Inc., the National Association of Corporate Directors, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.[1]

Education

Bergstrom graduated from Marquette University School of Business in 1967. He was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award by the College of Business Administration in 1988, as well as the All-University Alumnus of the Year Award in 2003.[2]

Career

Bergstrom and his brother Richard established the Bergstrom Corporation 1974. Their first venture was a small bar and restaurant in his hometown of Neenah. The brothers also worked as restaurateurs and hoteliers before creating Bergstrom Automotive.[3]

Currently, Bergstrom, alongside his son Tim serving as CEO, oversee Bergstrom Automotive. It is one of 50 largest automotive dealership groups in the United States, comprising over 35 dealerships.

Recent recognition includes being into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame, a recognition that also benefited Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.[4] In 2020, Bergstrom Automotive was recognized as the best dealership group to work for by Automotive News.[5] He was recognized as Time Magazine’s Dealer of the Year in 2003.[6]

Philanthropy

Under the leadership of Bergstrom, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s board of directors and a group of volunteer fundraisers ran a campaign to raise $45 million.[7]

Bergstrom also took the lead in fundraising efforts that helped build a Boys & Girls Club in Menasha, WI[8] and create the Fox Cities Environment Learning Campus at the Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton, WI.[9] He also lead a group of investors that contributed between 4 million and 5 million dollars to fund a downtown ice-skating rink for public use in Neenah.[10]

In 2023, Bergstrom Automotive launched a fundraising event with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. This supported the wishes of children from Northeast Wisconsin.[11]

Personal Life

John is married to his wife Dianne. Together they have three children: Christopher, Timothy, and Elizabeth.

References

  1. ^ "How to build a strong culture at any car dealership regardless of size or volume - John F. Bergstrom". CBT News. 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  2. ^ "Award Recipients // 2018 Alumni National Awards // Marquette University". www.marquette.edu. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  3. ^ "John Bergstrom progresses from Neenah bar owner to Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame". The Post-Crescent. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  4. ^ Ruffing, Molly (2023-06-08). "Founder of Bergstrom Automotive goes down in Wisconsin business history". WLUK. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  5. ^ Bollier, Jeff. "Bergstrom Automotive named 2020 Best Dealership Group to Work For by auto industry magazine". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  6. ^ Staff, BizTimes (2022-12-02). "John Bergstrom - Wisconsin 275 Most Influential Business Leaders". BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  7. ^ "The Dream Becomes a Reality | Fox Cities Performing Arts Center". 2022-12-29. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  8. ^ Wallenfang, Maureen. "Bergstrom honored for efforts to launch new 'clubhouse'". The Post-Crescent. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  9. ^ Horse, Dave (2018-07-27). "Donors get a special look at the vision for Bubolz". Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region -. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  10. ^ Behnke, Duke. "'Game-changer': Bergstrom-led group will give $4 million to $5 million ice rink to Neenah for public use". The Post-Crescent. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  11. ^ Ruffing, Molly (2023-05-30). "Car dealership launches fundraising effort to benefit Make-A-Wish". WLUK. Retrieved 2023-10-25.