John Fitzpatrick is the CEO of Force Marketing, the automotive marketing company he co-founded in 2007.
Since then, the firm has made the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. for a nearly unheard of 9 years in a row as of 2017.
As Force Marketing has evolved from a focus on direct marketing, to a multi-channel emphasis, to a business model steeped in innovative technology (like Helix Technologies, the proprietary business intelligence and ad technology software it launched in late 2016), the accolades have added up.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards honored the company three times (2013, 2014, 2015); the University of Florida, Fitzpatrick’s alma mater, recognized him and his team with the Gator 100 Awards twice (2015, 2016). The company was even named to the list of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in the U.S. in 2016, 2017, and 2018, an honor that speaks to the business’s excellence as much as its culture.
Fitzpatrick maintains an open door policy for his more than 100 employees, and is always willing to assist them in any way he can. He leads by example, and has done his best to create a dynamic and invigorating company culture. The individuals who make up #TeamForce have become a true family, one that enjoys coming to work and collaborating daily.
Fitzpatrick’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven him toward other business ventures as well. He founded the Fitzpatrick Realty Group in 2012, and through that, has purchased 3 commercial office buildings in Atlanta. One of those buildings, 3098 Piedmont Rd. NE, acts as the current headquarters for Force, as well as 8 other local businesses.
Though Fitzpatrick remains extremely proud of his accomplishments in the business world, that continued success has never been enough– he felt a desire to give back in some way. He’s a longtime supporter of Bright Futures Atlanta, an organization aimed at improving the lives and education of youth in inner-city Atlanta, and in early 2016 he accepted a seat on the Board of Directors.
Fitzpatrick and a team of marketers from Force instantly got to work, streamlining marketing processes and building awareness of the organization throughout metro Atlanta. Bright Futures Atlanta offers year-round programming for its youth, including academic instruction through Bright Futures Academy, afterschool programs, and a summer camp.
Fitzpatrick strongly believes in the group’s goals, and works tirelessly to get involved in a hands-on way that makes an impact on the Bright Futures students’ lives.
Later in 2016, Fitzpatrick also accepted a seat on the Board of Directors of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a national non-profit organization devoted to research to eliminate childhood cancer.
The Foundation, which has a perfect 100/100 and 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, is one of the few foundations that allocates 91% of total expenses to its cause. Through his involvement, Fitzpatrick hopes to use all the resources at his disposal to further this incredibly deserving organization’s mission.
Fitzpatrick values the innovative work he’s doing with his company and the many opportunities he has to get hands-on within the community, but it’s a smaller community that truly defines him– his family.
Recently, he, his wife Kristina Fitzpatrick (On-Air Sports Correspondent for HLN/CNN), and children James & Audrey, welcomed their newest addition Evelyn Claire to the family.
