John Yerger
John Yerger is a highly accomplished CEO with extensive experience leading both domestic and international companies, ranging from startups to $100 million enterprises. He has built his professional career growing companies, developing new technologies and bringing innovations into markets around the world.
In 2020, John invested in Eden Park Illumination (EPI) and, as CEO, led its development of patented products to respond to the COVID pandemic by continuously killing viruses in air while being safe for exposure to people. The company has been in the Inc. 5000 “fastest growing companies in America” three times. Previously, he led Advanced Diamond Technologies (ADT), which produced and sold innovative diamond mechanical seals. ADT deployed Argonne National Labs’ patented technology to produce diamond from methane gas. ADT grew 70%/year, doubled its gross profit and was sold in 2019 to the Smith Group (U.K.).
John’s experience acquiring and re-invigorating companies includes purchasing a bankrupt Electronic Manufacturing Services company in Indiana and growing it 20%/year (to $65 million in revenue) without external financing. Total Electronics expanded and diversified its customer base, implemented lean manufacturing (reducing order-to-shipment time by 90%), built a factory in Mexico and later merged with a company in California. It was then sold to Cal-Comp (Taiwan) and John continued to lead and grow their North American operations. For much of John’s career, he was central to Dover’s reinvention of factory automation equipment for printed circuit board assembly, through senior leadership positions with Universal Instruments (NY) and DEK Printing Machines (UK). This included two awards for the industry’s Best New Product.
John has been very active in leading non-profit organizations and is excited for the opportunity LSI provides to grow and develop this engagement. He serves on the Board of Directors of Social Venture Partners – Chicago and on his International Fraternity Board and is a leader in Cornell Alumni organizations; recently being named to the Cornell University Council. John has also served as the senior warden of his church. John enjoys cycling, racquet sports and travel. He and his wife Leslie have three adult children.