John Garrett launched the first edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering the Round Rock and Pflugerville edition in Central Texas.
By September 2018, Community Impact Newspaper will have more than 200 employees and 26 hyperlocal editions of the newspaper across Texas and Arizona delivered monthly to more than 2 million homes and businesses.
John has received many awards for his work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the nonprofit RecognizeGood in 2017 for ethics in business and community, the 2016 Media Award from the Texas School Public Relations Association, and the Best Small Business CEO award from the Austin Business Journal in 2013.
In 2010, John received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Sam Houston State University. That same year, he was also the honoree for “Excellence in Leadership” at Concordia University Texas’ annual gala.
CI has ranked among Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing U.S. companies for seven straight years starting in 2010. The newspaper has also received awards for outstanding journalism, advertising design and digital innovation.
Before starting Community Impact Newspaper, John held advertising positions at the Houston Chronicle and the Austin Business Journal.
John grew up in north Austin and graduated from Pflugerville High School in 1993. John attended and graduated cum laude from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor of fine arts in radio and television. While at Sam Houston, he was awarded the Creager Award, given to the male student who contributes the most to overall student life.
John is married to Jennifer, and they have three daughters, Mollie, Ruby and Sophie, and live in Round Rock. They are active members of Cityview Bible Church. Over the years, John has served on many boards, including the Round Rock Area Serving Center and Round Rock Chamber, and continues to be actively involved in the community.