Education: Associate’s degree in agriculture business administration from National American University. Harvard Business School program on high-level management skills, strategic planning, and business leadership.

Who has been a significant influence in your life and career? My third-grade teacher noticed that despite being a bright student, I was facing challenges. What stuck with me was my teacher’s approach of showing genuine care. Small acts of kindness and mentorship can have a lasting impact in someone’s life.

What is the best advice you’ve received? Learn something new every day.

What drives and inspires you? I have an entrepreneurial spirit which is deeply rooted in a desire to create collective success for everyone involved in any project I take on.

If you had to chose and alternate career path, and money wasn’t relevant, what would you do? Farming. I spent a great deal of time working on farms from an early age, which instilled a deep appreciation for hard work, the value of every job, and the importance of taking pride in my work.

John J. Hemmingson, an entrepreneur, business executive, and philanthropist, is co-founder and CEO of Lakeside Cos., which spans multiple business sectors, including education, aerospace, real estate, construction, agriculture, and oil and natural gas.

Lakeside Cos. and Gonzaga University are leading the Inland Northwest Consortium, which is forming an advanced aerospace manufacturing center that recently received federal designation as a “regional technology and innovation hub.”

Hemmingson also has leadership roles in several other companies, including Architerra Homes, ATC, KC Land Co., Century Farms, and Markham Builders.

He serves on the Gonzaga University Board of Trustees, the Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corp.-Jobs Plus Board. His foundation, the John J. Hemmingson Foundation, works to support long-term societal resilience and prosperity in the Inland Northwest.