John Thornton, Founder and CEO

Leadership, a focus on excellence, and the drive to stand out among competitors are all second nature to John Thornton, founder and CEO of J2T Interactive.

A veteran of the NFL for nearly a decade, Thornton's expertise building, inspiring and guiding teams has distinguishing depth. He is well-practiced at the processes of surveying needs, positioning talent and solving creative challenges, as evidenced in his success as the Bengal's Captain on the field, and his work building solutions for companies off the field. This duality led to the launch of J2T Interactive - a logical move for Thornton given his long- standing interest in blending technology and creative problem solving to drive business results.

Background

John Thornton's work in the NFL began in 1999 following an All-American collegiate career at West Virginia University. He was drafted in the second round by the Tennessee Titans. His rookie year was earmarked with achievements, including a post-season charge to Super Bowl XXXIV and an appointment to Pro Football Weekly's All-Rookie team. He remained with the Titans for four successful seasons.

In 2003, Thornton became a free agent, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals under the guidance of then new Head Coach Marvin Lewis. Thornton brought professionalism, hard work, dedication and discipline that inspired his peers to eventually elect him team captain. It also led to the Cincinnati Chapter of Pro Football Writers, who honored Thornton with the 2005 "Bengals Good Guy" award.

Community

Thornton's drive for results extends beyond the field and his successes with J2T Interactive clients. He is passionate about giving back to the community. His commitment surfaced early in his career through collaborative mentoring efforts with Papa John's in Nashville. Today, Thornton hosts"Bowling for Autism" an annual event in Cincinnati that raises money and awareness for the Autism Society of Cincinnati. Managing every aspect of the initiative, Thornton demonstrates the power of building the right team.