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KEANmag
For Kean alumnus
John Turner, ’92, ’97,
there is no substitute for hard
work and education in the game of life. The combination changed the
changed the trajectory of his life, and much of the credit belongs to
his alma mater.
“My dad instilled in us the importance of an education and hard work.
He probably broke every child labor law,” Turner said jokingly, as he
fondly reminisced how his father encouraged him to accomplish a job
as early as age seven. “And Kean gave me the foundation I needed.”
The son of a lifelong nurse and Navy serviceman-turned-contractor,
Turner transferred to Kean in 1990 and quickly climbed to captain of
the school’s football team. The New Jersey native graduated in 1992
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education Adult Fitness, becoming
the first in his family to earn a college degree. He later went on to attain
a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Kean in 1997.
Turner who, in 2005, attained an MBA from Regis University and
a leadership certificate from the University of Pennsylvania - The
Wharton School is also now halfway through his pursuit of an MS in
Risk Management and Insurance from Florida State University.
For Turner, leading by example is a constant in his life. “Leadership is a
participation sport. I would never ask anyone to do what I wouldn’t do.”
Leaders see in others what others cannot see in themselves. They
are builders, makers, and motivators. Leaders meet challenges with
enthusiasm and anticipation, not trepidation or expectation. Turner,
CEO and president of Corporate Synergies Group since 2010, is no
exception.
Turner exemplifies the determination, perseverance, and giving spirit
that has become synonymous with many Kean graduates. These
qualities also enabled him to overcome obstacles along the way.
Turner successfully leads his Mt. Laurel, NJ-based insurance and risk
mitigation company by tapping into more than 20 years of experience,
focusing on high-impact, service-driven strategies.
“Business is a team sport, not an individually contributing sport. The
only way to achieve success is to develop people and their talents,”
said Turner whose passion to foster growth is apparent both on and off
the field. “I like to put my employees in situations where they can grow
and develop themselves. If you don’t develop the right team, you don’t
get the right results.”
With that philosophy in mind, he has recently instituted a leadership
development program at his company, where people are given the
experience and support needed to grow.
The hard work and commitment to a collaborative environment has
obviously paid off. Turner’s company has been recognized with two
SmartCEO Circle of Excellence Awards, and two SmartCEO 100 Best
Run Companies Awards.
Turner is passionate about everything he does, whether he’s taking
on the challenge of a 300-mile bicycle ride in Costa Rica, empowering
his two daughters to make a difference by following their own paths,
or supporting the efforts of Adventist University and Orlando, Inc. by
serving on their boards.
He is also an ardent supporter of education, and his community here
in Union, NJ. In June of 2016, he was appointed a Kean University
Foundation Board Member, and also serves on the Board of Kean’s
College of Business and Public Management.
“Giving back is not just writing a check. It requires participation.”
John
Turner
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