Testimonials for John Savey

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The entire OOH industry was deeply impacted by the news of John Savey’s tragic passing.  Insider wanted to pass along a few of the many comments we received from those who knew John or were impacted by this tragedy.

John Savey

“Both of us worked for Whiteco back in the 80’s, but I never met him until we met in Ocala, FL in 1989. He with Whiteco and me with POA. I had been there about 2 years when he arrived from Ohio. He contacted me to have lunch and wanted to learn the lay of the land. That began a great relationship that lasted until last Friday. He was a good friend and a good competitor. We respected each other’s business and fought local legislation together.

I moved to Orlando in 1993 and so we saw each other less frequently. However, we reconnected again when we both worked for Jim McLaughlin at Chancellor a short time in 1999-2000, but in different markets. After Chancellor sold,  John started his own company, Longview Outdoor and I had moved to Colorado with Triumph Outdoor. I moved back to Orlando in 2000. We again saw each other for occasional lunches with Jim McLaughlin.

Jim and I moved to Atlanta in 2005 to start Olympus Media and Jim recommended John to run Signal Outdoor for the Wicks Group. As luck would have it, we once again joined forces in 2013 when MSouth Capital Partners acquired Signal and recruited Jim and me to manage it for them. John stayed on for about six months during the transition and was extremely helpful to give us the lay of the land. Quite ironic how our paths crossed so many times.

John loved the OOH industry and made many friends during his career. He always treated everyone with respect and a ready smile. He was easy to work with and always gave it his best. He treated his employees with kindness and fairness. He was a devoted father and husband. Simply put, John was just a wonderful, good natured man who you wanted as your next door neighbor. We will miss him.

Ray Moyers, Insite Street Media

 

“This one is a tough one to comprehend. A great generous person with a great family. He would give me a ring out of the blue frequently just to check up and see how things were going. Fun-loving generous brother in the 00H industry. Please pray and lift up Lisa and her family during this beyond difficult time.”

Steve Guild, Triad Business Journal

 

“John Savey was a great guy. He worked with me at several companies and was widely known in the industry on both the traditional billboard side, and the street furniture side. John was intelligent, loved a practical joke, and was quite witty.  He will be missed by those who knew him.”

Jim McLaughlin

 

“I had the opportunity to work with John Savey for eight years at Signal Outdoor. I remember John enjoyed life, always had a smile on his face and I never saw him get angry at anyone.  He was an avid sports fan and would frequently quote sports trivia.  Of course, he loved the outdoor industry, but his main priorities were family, friends, and Ohio State Football.

Rick Newcomer

 

“This is a tragic, senseless and heartbreaking loss for the Savey family and the OOH family. Thoughts, love and prayers being sent to Lisa and hope for swift justice for this perpetrator.”

Jennifer Cater, Wilkins Media

 

“I worked with John to plan for and install advertising bus shelters on Long Island and in dozens of communities along the East Coast. He was a caring man with empathy for people standing out in the rain and snow dependent on public transit. He was the best “boss” I ever had and gave me wide latitude to do my job. He was always good-natured and fair to his employees. I pray for his wife Lisa’s recovery and for consolation on the senseless death of their son James.”

Mike Licitra

 

“I remember John well. He was a wonderful student and professional, talented, inquisitive — and always with a pleasant smile. We kept in touch after his graduation. We grew up in the same town. Our fathers worked together and were close friends. I was his advisor here and he completed several advertising classes with me.”
“This is beyond tragic. The world needs more people like John. One of his talents was to make those around him better because of his ability to quickly forge strong and lasting relationships. He was a friend to all.”
“This is heartbreaking.”
Tom Peters, Ohio University

 

 

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3 Comments

  1. Marvin Kirchler
    August 4, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    So sad, worked with John while I was with Whiteco, I handled public affairs and John was a GM, we would laugh and have a great time when I visited his market, gone too young and will say prayers

  2. Judi Hughes
    August 6, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    John brought me to Florida 27 yrs ago to work for Whiteco in Tarpon Springs. And then brought me aboard to start and run Signal Transit Advertising in Tampa. He was a true gentleman and the best boss I’ve ever had. In each position I had he made me a better person. A great mentor. Prayers and love to Lisa and family. John will be greatly missed by many.

  3. Kerry Ann Graber
    August 9, 2020 at 9:06 pm

    I will never forget sitting at his desk in
    1991. At this time, I was an Art Assistant. I remember telling John why he should choose me as the next Florida Whiteco Art Director. He didn’t blink an eye and told me the job was mine.

    I was so grateful to him and all the sales reps who supported me when my Mother died.

    Although its been years since I saw him, I never forgot what an Awesome Boss he was.

    May he rest in peace. Prayers for Lisa and their family.