We’re so excited to introduce the newest member of our Above Restaurant Leadership Team at our Wendy’s brand: John W. Mcknight. Welcome to the Spark family!
He joined the Spark Operations team on April 18th, 2022 as Market Director and will be taking the lead in our Dayton Ohio market once he completes training. He will be responsible for providing guidance, coaching and support and will be adopting his new role by late June.
John is a strategic contributor and a highly motivated leader with many years of experience strengthening restaurants profitability and growth. Also, he’s a results-oriented professional with a talent for tracking trends, formulating methods to improve customer service, and capitalizing on new opportunities. As an expert in improving financial performance by conducting inventory analysis, he retains top talent and creates strategic operational plans. He was recognized for the development and implementation of projects on time and business constraints in stride with enterprise direction and mission, while identifying areas needing improvement, reducing waste, boosting sales, and decreasing operational expense.
Superb communication, interpersonal, leadership and problem-solving skills are just some of his strengths, while he excels in challenging and deadline-driven environments.
In addition to this, he also has expert knowledge in:
• Retail management.
• Business development.
• Staff development.
• Budget planning and management.
• Inventory.
John has developed and promoted many restaurant management personnel and field support members that are now holding high management and executive positions in different companies such as YUM, Orion Landmark, O’Charley’s, Chemical bank (Now Chase), GE capital, MetLife, Aflac, and John Hancock insurance.
On a more personal note, John is a native New Yorker who lived in Clarksville Tennessee the past 20 years, but has relocated to Ohio for this new challenge in his successful career. Married to his best friend Marie, he has two sons and two wonderful daughters. Plus, two hairy best friends: Harley and Frankie.
Honesty, openness, direct communication, and humbleness are his fundamental traits, which lead him to success in all positions held. He has years of experience in Finance, Banking, Insurance, QSR Operations, Franchisee operations, Food Manufacturing, Business Consultant for US government and NASA.
Bowling, fishing, boating, and camping are some of his favorite activities. He volunteers at Clarksville Men's shelter, while also supporting his local church as well as Art's and Theater the Roxy! and L.O.S.S group with Treva Gordon. He’s all about helping people who have been through loss and depression, without judgment!
It is with great pleasure that we introduce John W. Mcknight at Spark, wishing him the best of luck in his new role. We’re excited and expecting great things from him!