Our Founder

John H. McConnell

Majority Owner, Chairman & Governor (1923–2008)

Mr. Mac 2008 Scholarship Winners

A Legacy of Leadership And Service

John H. McConnell was the Columbus Blue Jackets’ majority owner, chairman, and governor. A highly respected business leader, philanthropist, and founder of Worthington Industries, Mr. McConnell believed very deeply in “The Golden Rule” and its core message of treating others as you would like to be treated was the foundation for his enormous accomplishments in business and the many lives he touched throughout the community.

“Mr. Mac” passed away on Apr. 25, 2008.

CBJ Check
Founder

Humble Beginnings

Born on May 10, 1923, in Pughtown, West Virginia, Mr. McConnell was the son of a steelworker and grew up during the Great Depression. He served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga during World War II and married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Rardin, upon discharge from the Navy.

He then used the GI Bill to attend Michigan State University, where he studied business and played football.

Bringing the NHL to Columbus

In 1997, Mr. McConnell led the effort to bring the National Hockey League to Columbus. The Blue Jackets played their first game in 2000, but even before they took the ice, he ensured the franchise would serve the community.

He established the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation in March 2000 to improve the quality of life in central Ohio.

A Champion for Columbus Sports

Beyond hockey, Mr. McConnell was also an early investor in the Columbus Crew Major League Soccer franchise and previously held ownership stakes in the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Columbus Destroyers Arena Football League team.

Mr Mac

Remembered and Honored

In September 2008, Mr. McConnell posthumously received the Lone Sailor Award from the United States Navy Memorial, recognizing veterans who exemplify Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Over the course of his life, he received numerous honors, including:

  • CEO of the Year – Financial World
  • Excellence in Management – Industry Week
  • Horatio Alger Award
  • National Football Foundation Gold Medal Award
  • Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni Award
  • Ohio Governor’s Award
  • 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason
Founder

HE WAS ALSO INDUCTED INTO THE:

  • Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame
  • Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame
  • Columbus Hall of Fame

Enduring Impact

Through his work ethic, business vision, philanthropy, and unwavering sense of community, John H. McConnell left an indelible mark on Columbus, the steel industry, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

Worthington Industries

While working for Weirton Steel Corp., Mr. McConnell identified a niche in the industry for custom steel processing. In 1955, using his 1952 Oldsmobile as collateral, he launched Worthington Industries. The Columbus-based company grew into a global leader, employing 10,000 people across 81 facilities in 10 countries, with annual sales of approximately $3 billion.

He served as chairman until 1996 and retired from the board in 2002. His leadership style, grounded in the Golden Rule — “We treat our customers, employees, investors, and suppliers as we would like to be treated” — continues to define the company culture. His 2004 book, Our Golden Rule, explores this philosophy in depth.

The company turned 70 in 2025, two years after it successfully separated into two standalone public companies: Worthington Enterprises and Worthington Steel.

Business leader. Community builder. Lifelong changemaker.

A Commitment to Community

Mr. McConnell was widely recognized as one of Columbus’ most generous citizens. His humanitarian efforts included a more than $15 million donation to establish the McConnell Heart Hospital at Riverside Hospital — the largest gift ever received by the institution or its parent company, OhioHealth.