John Mathews

At 18, I was homeless, addicted to IV drugs, and had no diploma. Years later, I became a County Vice Mayor, serving in leadership roles few would expect, given where I started. Most never knew I had overcome addiction, incarceration, and multiple rock bottoms. Recovery gave me more than a second chance. It gave me purpose. I became a father, a firefighter-paramedic, earned an MBA, and stepped into public service.

In 2016, I helped lead the response to the Gatlinburg Wildfires, one of Tennessee’s worst disasters. That experience shaped my leadership and prepared me for executive roles, including serving as VP of Operations for a multimillion-dollar firm.

Now, through JM Consulting, Wisdom at a Cost, and the Stay the Course Institute, I help others rebuild and lead with purpose. Rock bottom wasn’t the end. It was the start.