In the Environmental Health and Safety field, few stories resonate as deeply as Joe St. John’s. As the current EHS Director for Gerken Companies, Joe has not only carved out a niche for himself in a vital industry but also exemplified the importance of balance between professional pursuits and personal life.

Joe St. John learned the importance of a family’s love and support at a young age. Raised by a devoted single mother, he and his sister shared a strong bond. When Joe was young, their mother remarried, and a formal adoption was finalized for both him and his sister. “The adoption only made our family feel even more complete and connected,” Joe recalls. “It strengthened the bond we share today.”

From Steel to Safety

With aspirations of becoming an architect, Joe started working full-time right after high school. While employed at a steel processing plant in Perrysburg, he was tasked by his boss with documenting safety procedures for an upcoming OSHA inspection. That pivotal assignment, which led to Joe becoming an assistant to the plant’s safety director, prompted him to shift his educational focus to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

After earning an Associate’s Degree from Owens Community College, Joe began his career at First Solar as an entry-level Environmental Health and Safety professional. While working there, he attended the University of Findlay, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health and Safety Management. His hard work and dedication propelled him through the ranks, and in 12 years, he was managing all of First Solar’s safety programs worldwide. However, with young children at home, the frequent travel and time away from his family began to take a toll on him.

Joe is someone who follows his instincts and has confidence in himself. So, when O-I recruited him, he decided to accept an EHS position that involved significantly less travel. Five years later, he followed his gut again, launching his own firm, St. John EHS Consulting, with The Gerken Companies as his first major client.

“We had several large contracts, and the company kept growing,” says Joe. But soon, his passion for safety became overshadowed by the challenges of running a business. “My role became that of a business manager rather than the EHS work that I love.”

With its employee ranks growing through the additions of Kuhlman Corporation and M&R Ready Mix, The Gerken Companies offered Joe a full-time position as Environmental Health and Safety Director. In this position, Joe found a culture that resonated with his family-first philosophy and appreciated a workplace that values team member well-being. “I discovered a place that reflects what’s most important to me—family,” he recalls.

Beyond his immediate role, Joe is spearheading initiatives such as The JAG Center, a modern facility dedicated to hands-on workforce training. And, alongside Nick Badenhop and Hannah Montana, Joe helped redesign the company’s professional development and month-long training programs into a conference-style format called GerCon.

Joe is not only a leader at The Gerken Companies but also a mentor to the community. He actively engages with students by conducting career tours, speaking at local schools for career events, and serving on several advisory committees focused on vocational development. His message to young people is clear: there are many paths to success, and hard work can lead to fulfilling careers, regardless of traditional routes.

“Never count yourself out. If you have a passion, follow it. It is amazing what you can achieve with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude.”

A Life Centered on Family

Joe was born in Oregon, Ohio, and attended Clay High School. He met his future wife, Cari, during senior year, when they attended prom together. Now married 23 years, the couple has three daughters, ages 20, 17, and 12. The tightly knit family enjoys spending time together camping, traveling, taking vacations, playing games, and attending concerts.

“My motivation comes from my family,” Joe insists. “Since the day I met my wife, I have strived to be the best person I can be. That motivation grew stronger with the birth of each of our daughters. I feel truly blessed to have the family I do.”

Throughout Joe’s life, the positive impact of a father figure in his early years reinforced his belief in the significance of family. As a child, the love and stability he found in his new family dynamic gave him a sense of security and belonging. That realization would shape his personal values and professional goals, inspiring him to create environments—both at home and work—that foster strong relationships and community.

Joe St. John’s belief in the significance of family and friends has directly inspired his role in EHS. On a team some refer to as “the safety police,” Joe bases many of his decisions on what he values most: the safety of others. “I’m okay with being seen as the bad guy or having to make tough decisions when it comes to everyone’s safety. I would rather have people be mad at me than not make it home to their families,” he says. That realization has shaped his personal values and professional goals, inspiring him to create environments that foster strong relationships and community.

By encouraging others to pursue their dreams and invest in themselves, Joe reminds us to find our niche and cultivate a future where work and life coexist harmoniously.