John H McLaughlin is co-founder and President of McLaughlin Family Companies. In addition to being a skilled marketing and manufacturing professional, he is a devout Christian. His business philosophy is based on what he calls the 5 “Ps”: People, Product, Principles, Persistence, and Prayer. At least 5 times persistent, prevailing prayer kept the Company from closing its doors. In his spare time, John has lent his time and talents in over 30 countries for short-term mission projects, as well as contributing to major mission projects in Haiti and other countries. Currently, he serves on the board of several Christian organizations including; One Mission Society, Radio 4VEH, Resounding Hope and is President of the Men for Missions cabinet in the United States. John’s faith is at the heart of who he is.

Psalms 117:91 says, “It is good for me that I’ve been afflicted.” McLaughlin Family Companies’ prior parent company, Scranton Mfg., originally manufactured farming products and equipment. However, in 1984 farmers struggled to make ends meet and many couldn’t afford to buy new products during the depression. When all hope seemed to be lost, a solution arose and Scranton Mfg. decided to purchase New Way, a small garbage truck company. “That adversity led us to what we do today”, John relates.

John grew up on an Iowa farm and was active in 4H and FFA, graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural broadcasting. His first career was in radio and television as an agricultural broadcaster. Those Iowa roots eventually brought him back home where he was led into a new career of manufacturing.