Meet John

John Mathews is a seasoned executive, speaker, and author whose life embodies resilience and transformation. He developed a drug dependence at 13 and spent the next decade making choices that led to homelessness, IV drug use, and incarceration. At 22, strung out and out of options, he hit rock bottom. However, with grit, determination, and a decision to stay the course, he rebuilt his life from the ground up.

In the two decades since, John has become a proud father, served as Assistant Mayor for Sevier County Emergency Services—where he led during the historic 2016 Gatlinburg Wildfires—and later took on the role of Vice President at a multi-million-dollar construction firm.

Today, through JM Consulting and his book, Wisdom at a Cost, John helps others strengthen their leadership, solve complex problems, and rebuild from adversity by establishing meaningful goals and choosing to stay the course—regardless of the circumstances.