Advancing the Leadership Mindset 
Finding Success in the Success of Others 
Paul Cynkar, July 2021 
 

This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to get an up close view of the traits and strengths of some of the members who provide leadership to this organization. 

Membership Spotlight: John Bader 
Entrepreneurial Activator and Advocate 
 

Tell me about yourself.  Give me three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes.   

From two marriages, (both spouses are deceased) I have a daughter in Worthington, son in Florida, and two grandsons. Also a stepdaughter in Galena and one in LA. I also have a foster son. The Galena stepdaughter has triplets plus one. I also have a twin brother in Colorado. I currently live in Powell.  Fifty years ago I lived in Worthington Hills and I was one of the co-founders of the Worthington Hills Fourth of July Parade. 

I went to Albion College, Mich. University of Michigan and The Ohio State Law School. I was never interested in corporate law but my law degree has served me well in business. I served in the US Air Force; did credit & bond ratings for a Wall St. firm, Employee Benefit Consultant for Ohio Banks, then started my investment and acquisition company in 1977. Over the years I have started over 35 businesses.  Some have been successful and some not, but I’ve learned something from each of them.  I wrote a book, “Straddling the Abyss: Creating Success through Perseverance, Timing and a Little Luck” about entrepreneurship which received a finalist award for the best business book in 2020. It was ranked in the top five out of 400 entries. I also serve on several boards and foundations and currently am a commissioner for the Delaware Park System. 

How long have you belonged to Rotary?  What’s the best thing about membership? 

I joined Rotary in 1980. My dad was President of clubs in Detroit and Portsmouth, Ohio. The best thing is meeting a diverse group of business people and forming many ongoing friendships along with leaving a number of footprints from service projects around the Dublin/Worthington communities. 
 

As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others?  Who was impacted and how?   

In business, I’ve worked with several struggling companies to right the ship and go on to be very successful. As a high school track coach for ten years with Coach Gary Smith, I saw many caterpillars turn into butterflies as they overcame insecurities, and went on to become outstanding athletes. Several made it to the Olympic trials. I also taught a course in finance for the Columbus School System with several students moving on to make it a career. 
 

As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally?  Why?  

Giving a purpose to live for my second wife who was battling a form of ALS. Although confined to a wheelchair, we carried the Olympic Torch in 1996; used a voice activated computer, supplied by the Rotary Foundation so she was able to write several children books, and she was acknowledged by Cornell University Lab of Ornithology as an expert in bird study with over twenty-two nesting boxes and feeders in her back yard. When she passed I established a bird sanctuary and lodge library in her name at a park in Delaware County where her grandchildren now go to remember her. 
 

Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on.  What was your role?  What was the result? What did you learn?   

I have had many, but closer to home involved the establishment of the Dublin/Worthington Foundation in 1987. Along with two other Club attorneys we put together the bylaws and charter with the mission statement to provide emergency assistance to people in need, with hands on involvement. The program was designed to fill the gap between the time that the emergency occurred and when other programs kicked into gear. Not all club members were on board, since some just wanted to write a check and move on. Some were upset that their pet project or charity would not be included. Over time however, our mission statement won out, and today our Foundation serves a unique purpose, unmatched by any others in the area. The Foundation Grant has become the first line of help for many in need.   
 
What are some things you are passionate about?  What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing? What makes your heart sing? 

I enjoy helping the younger generation get their careers and passions off the ground. For the past several years I have been involved with Eric Gnezda and Songs at the Center, a national TV production company featuring singers/songwriters. Helping young artist get exposure to a national audience has been very rewarding. 

 
What are you especially skilled at?  What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?  

I am probably the jack of all trades but the master of none. There are so many things I like to do. I have been told that my sense of humor keeps things lively. Being the only Sergeant-at-Arms at our Club for twenty years should attest to that. 

 
When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about?  What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet?  Is there something else you would like to accomplish?   

I never plan to retire since I am having too much fun. I am still involved with a half dozen businesses nationwide, enjoy traveling, playing tournament poker, golf, etc. Although I have been to several premiers, I would like to see the movie company that I am partnered with win a major award, however I am not planning to walk the red carpet anytime soon. I have a bucket list but I most want to spend time with my grandkids. 

 
If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why? 
 
It depends on who is buying. However, first on the list would be a number of deceased family members and close friends. Otherwise, I think it would be inspiring to meet Douglas Bader. He was one of the RAF's top combat pilots during the Battle of Britain, a squadron leader, innovator in fighter tactics, shot down over Germany, and successfully escaped capture. What made this more remarkable was that he did it all without legs, having lost them in a plane crash before the war started.  Douglas is among those on my family tree.  There is a book about his experience entitled “Reach for the Sky.”