John Rylee
Jeffersonville, IN
Last updated:
03/10/2007
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After LHS
I completed a BS degree in Marketing, with a minor in
Journalism, from KU, and followed that with additional marketing education,
including sessions at the Kellogg Business School in Chicago.
Employment
Within a year after graduating from KU, I began working for J. Walter Thompson
(JWT), a large
global advertising agency headquartered in New York. For
10 years, I worked
in JWT's Detroit office. During this advertising
portion of my career, I had the pleasure of working with a
lot of well-known sports, film and television celebrities.
They included Orson Wells, James Garner, Tom Bosley,
Jack Klugman, Hulk Hogan, Bill Goldberg, Tim Allen, Mohammed
Ali, Reggie Theus and Dick Vital. I also worked with a lot
of well-known companies and brands, such as Ford Motor Co., Burger King, Gallo
Wines, Kawasaki, Kraft Foods and Kodak. Currently, I am the Director of Global Marketing
for a division of Dover Corporation. Our division specializes
in the development and manufacturing of vehicle lifting
equipment and electronic software used to raise up vehicles so
technicians can work under them for repair, service and
maintenance. These products can be found under the brand name
of Rotary
Lift, Forward and Revolution in dealerships, fleets, mass
merchandisers, independent repair shops and residential
garages worldwide. My company is the world leader in our
industry. I have now spent a total of 32 years in my chosen
profession working with several companies. In addition, I've
received product marketing development awards for
work I've done for Eaton Corporation and True Value; have been
the keynote speaker on
marketing strategy at Business Marketing Association national
conferences; and am listed in the Top 100 U.S. Marketing Executives,
as determined by
Business Marketing Association.
Hearth & Home
My wife, Mary Ellen, and I have been married for nearly 17
years. We have three children—a son Michael and two daughters, Michelle and
Lindsey. Our daughter Lindsey resides on the
Indiana side of the Louisville metro area. Our other
family member, Cindy, is an English Springer Spaniel.
The Other Stuff
When not working I play golf, sing karaoke and root for the Packers.
But mostly I try to keep "tabs" on the whereabouts of our 14-year-old daughter. That, in itself, is a
full-time job! If I truly ever grow up, I'd probably just
relax, enjoy life and travel. Maybe I'd start or join a
great 60s band or vocal group, which isn't out of the question.
My Memories of LHS
I fondly remember the A Cappella Choir rehearsals and trips, R. Wayne Nelson, and
the great legacy of our football team. And of course, the many
friendships with fellow classmates. I'm sure none of us will
ever forget Nov. 22, 1963, being in school that
day and the long weekend that followed. Also losing that
fateful football game that broke the longest wining streak in
the country. I believe it may even have been the
homecoming game that year. |
