Leading with Purpose

During a tense moment at a youth hockey practice in Austin, Minnesota, a young player storms off the ice, frustrated after a tough drill. John Kenyon, the team’s coach, calmly pulls the child aside, crouching to eye level.

With a few quiet words, Kenyon steadies the player, who returns to the ice with renewed focus.

“He’s great in those moments,” said Dan Zielke, a fellow coach who witnessed the exchange firsthand. Zielke and Kenyon are both team members at Hormel Foods. “I’ve seen John’s teams do well and I’ve seen his teams struggle,” Zielke continued, “but no matter what, he always brings it full circle for kids — here’s what happened out there, and here’s how we’re going to learn from it and grow.”

Kenyon’s steady leadership in the sports arena mirrors his role at Hormel Foods.

John’s Career

at Hormel Foods

2025

Assistant Vice President, Foodservice Distribution & K12

World Headquarters (Austin, MN)

2018

Director of Sales, Foodservice Distribution & K12

World Headquarters (Austin, MN)

2014

National Sales Manger, Deli

World Headquarters (Austin, MN)

2012

Area Sales Manager

Washington D.C.

2010

Foodservice Sales Corporate Training Manager

World Headquarters (Austin, MN)

2008

Account Executive

2007

Territory Manager AA

Memphis, TN

2006

Territory Manager A

Kansas City

2006

Foodservice Sales Representative

Kansas City

As assistant vice president of Foodservice distribution and K-12 schools, he brings the same patient, clear-eyed approach to his colleagues as he does to his young players. And though coaching children and directing co-workers differ greatly in execution, universal principles of leadership apply to both scenarios — setting clear expectations, pushing for excellence, building a winning culture, and holding people accountable in a way that builds them up.

“John is a fantastic leader,” said Lynn Egner, vice president of Foodservice sales at Hormel Foods. “He has this unique ability of providing clear direction and ensuring accountability while remaining thoughtful and approachable. His ability to align teams and drive results is exceptional.”

Accountability is Key

Kenyon tackles adversity with belief. Three years ago, his baseball team found itself trailing late in a state-tournament game on the brink of elimination, down by six runs.

“I pulled the kids aside, and I just told them, ‘Hey, we’ve got this,’” Kenyon said. “It’s easy to get down on yourself in those situations, especially when you’re dealing with kids, but I just said, ‘You guys can put up six, seven, eight runs in an inning. You’ve done it before. Let’s go do it again right now.’ When things get tough like that, they need to believe that they can still get the job done.” And in fact, they did, rallying late on their way to a thrilling walk-off victory.

The message then was simple, but the belief behind it was powerful, and it’s the same belief Kenyon brings to his professional teams. With 19 years in the Foodservice division at Hormel Foods, he’s seen how the right mindset can move a group through even the toughest challenges.

“It all starts with personal accountability,” said Kenyon, who in 2025 led the Austin Stars 12UAA baseball team to its first state championship in 21 years. “It goes back to the mindset of, ‘I own my goals, and I have to figure out a way to get there.’ That mindset is ingrained in so many of us in the Foodservice division at Hormel Foods, and the same concept applies in sports. You have to be able to trust that the person next to you is doing what they need to do to get the job done.”

That mentality has helped shape a culture of performance and accountability throughout the Foodservice division. No matter the challenge at hand, Kenyon is known for setting a clear tone and helping others rise to the occasion.

“John consistently sets a high standard of excellence, both for himself and his team,” said Joe Pichotta, a member of Kenyon’s team. “He provides guidance to help us challenge ourselves and find new solutions every day. His leadership establishes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and our team appreciates his clear and transparent communication.”

You have to be able to trust that the person next to you is doing what they need to do to get the job done.
John Kenyon

Kenyon leads teams across diverse segments in the Foodservice division — from broadline distribution to convenience stores to school lunchrooms — making sure each of his team members is prepared and empowered to succeed.

“There are leaders who demand respect, and there are leaders who earn respect. And based on the way he does things, I think John is definitely on the ‘earned’ side of that,” said Zielke, human resources business partner at Hormel Foods. “He doesn’t come in and force things. He demonstrates, sets the example but then holds high expectations based on that. He excels in maintaining that level of accountability, and that’s a big reason he’s been so successful both as a coach and as a company leader.”

Commitment to Community

Kenyon’s commitment to leadership doesn’t stop with his players or colleagues. It extends into the community he calls home.

In late 2023, Kenyon turned his attention to solving a problem he had experienced firsthand for years — limited access to high-level summer hockey camps in Austin. For years, local families had to drive 75 miles or more to attend quality off-season training. As a father of three hockey-playing children, Kenyon knew the need was real. And he saw an opportunity to help.

“He would ask, ‘How do we get these camps here?’ And he really took it from there,” Zielke said.

Kenyon tapped into his leadership toolkit — communication, collaboration, persistence — to bring together local officials, stakeholders and community members. The result of that work was the successful launch of Game Seven Hockey Camps in Austin. The six-week program, offering professional-level coaching to players of all skill levels, sold out in its inaugural summer of 2024. Even with increased enrollment capacity allotted for 2025, the program again sold out quickly, a promising sign that the camps are here to stay.

“It wouldn’t have happened without John,” Zielke said. “He went above and beyond for the hockey community here, but for those who know him and work with him, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. That’s just who John is. He sees a problem affecting his team members or his community, and he sets out to solve it.”

Whether in business, sports or his community, Kenyon’s purpose-driven leadership creates opportunities for others to thrive. His dedication to uplifting those around him shapes every aspect of his approach as a leader, both on and off the field.

“For me, it’s about giving back,” Kenyon said. “I think about all of the great coaches I’ve had over the years, all the incredible leaders we’ve had in Foodservice who mentored me and took accountability for my growth. I want to help others in the same way.”

Leading with Purpose

Accountability is Key

Commitment to Community

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