Cummins technician-turned-Area General Manager John D. marks 22 combined years of career growth

John D. is Area General Manager for Grand Rapids and Saginaw at Cummins Inc., a role he reached after a combined 22 years with the company. His interest in mechanical systems started in childhood, when he spent hours building creative and often unconventional contraptions with a metal erector set, and continued through high school courses in small engine and automotive repair and an automotive program he finished at the top of his class. After trade school he worked in oilfield services, served in the United States Marine Corps in a jet engine rebuild shop, and worked for a small gravel hauling company before returning to his hometown of Holland, Michigan, where he found his opportunity with Cummins. Cummins frames his progression from technician to Area General Manager as a clear example that meaningful career growth is achievable for those willing to pursue it.

Leadership has played a defining role throughout his career, and he says the support he has always received from his leaders impressed him and he tries to use it as his guide. His time as Shop Manager reinforced the importance of building strong relationships with supervisors, technicians and customers, and in his current role, which carries more strategic responsibilities, he says staying connected to employees remains one of his highest priorities. Asked what he enjoys most about the role, he answers simply: the people, and he tries to start his day by walking the building and interacting with as many employees as possible. Those daily conversations keep him engaged with his team and foster a culture built on trust, collaboration and continuous improvement, while his focus in the job is operational excellence, employee well-being and customer uptime.

Outside of work, John spends time outdoors with his wife, hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking and taking short motorcycle trips throughout Michigan. He is one of nine founders of Wreaths of Honor, a nonprofit organization in Zeeland, Michigan, where he helps place wreaths on veterans' graves in remembrance of their service. As he looks toward retirement and the next chapter of his life, Cummins writes that his legacy extends beyond the positions he has held to the people he has mentored, the teams he has led and the culture of service and continuous improvement he has helped strengthen.