Acheson, Alberta
John is the Chief Executive Officer of Supreme Steel, bringing more than five decades of experience in steel fabrication, construction, and business leadership. Widely regarded as a “steel guy who happens to be a successful CEO,” John has built his career on technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep commitment to people—both within the company and in the broader community.
John’s journey began in the early 1970s, when he and his father took on small fabrication jobs, including erecting a fire escape for a local university. In 1972, he co-founded what would become Supreme Steel, transforming it from a small shop with only a few employees into one of Canada’s leading steel fabricators and erectors. Under his leadership, Supreme has contributed to some of the nation’s most iconic projects, consistently raising the bar for quality, safety, and innovation in the industry.
Beyond business success, John is known for his people-first philosophy. He has always emphasized mentorship, giving employees opportunities to learn, take responsibility, and grow, even if it meant learning from mistakes. This approach has helped foster the family-like culture that continues to define Supreme today.
John is also a long-time community builder and philanthropist. Together with his wife, Sally, he has supported numerous charitable initiatives, most notably Rehoboth Christian Ministries, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The Leders helped launch the annual Rehoboth Hoedown, an event that has grown into a cornerstone of community support and connection.