john w teets net worth & Biography
Class of 1951
Born: September 15, 1933 | Died: August 5, 2011
Phoenix, AZ
John W. Teets was one of Arizona’s most influential business and community leaders, leaving a significant impact both locally and globally. With a career spanning more than four decades, his leadership in business and philanthropy shaped the state’s growth and success.
A self-made entrepreneur, Teets began his career at the age of 29 with a partnership in an entertainment complex in suburban Chicago. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly propelled him into the corporate world. In 1963, he joined Greyhound Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in the development of its food service subsidiaries. By 1965, at the age of 32, Teets became president of two subsidiaries, marking the beginning of his rise to leadership.
By 1981, Teets was appointed CEO of Greyhound Corporation and chairman of the board by 1982. Under his leadership, Greyhound transitioned from a sprawling conglomerate into a streamlined, profitable company. Notable achievements during this time include the sale of the Armor meatpacking company and the acquisition of Dial Consumer Products Group, which later became the foundation for Dial Corporation.
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Teets oversaw the separation of Dial Corp into two entities in 1996—Dial Corporation, a consumer goods company, and Viad Corp, a service-based business. His strategic management resulted in Dial becoming a global powerhouse, with its products reaching 78 countries and earning a reputation for quality.
Beyond his business acumen, Teets was deeply committed to community service. He led numerous charitable initiatives, contributing over $36 million to Arizona-based organizations during his time at Dial. He was particularly passionate about supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs, raising millions for their 50th Anniversary Campaign, which funded new facilities and scholarships for at-risk youth.
Teets also played an instrumental role in securing the future of professional sports in Phoenix. In 1987, he helped keep the NBA’s Phoenix Suns in the Valley with a major investment from Greyhound, and as CEO of Dial, he helped bring Major League Baseball to Arizona with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
His contributions to public policy include championing the Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Arizona Constitution, ensuring that crime victims have a voice in the justice system.
Teets was widely recognized for his leadership, earning numerous accolades, including the Forbes Award for Top Business Speaker of the Year and the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. His legacy lives on through his visionary leadership, community contributions, and dedication to making Arizona a better place for generations to come.
Major Achievements
- 1980: Received the Golden Plate Award from the International Food Service Manufacturers Association
- 1981: Became Chairman and CEO of Greyhound Corporation
- 1983: Sold Armor Meatpacking Company to ConAgra for $2 billion
- 1987: Helped secure the Phoenix Suns’ future in Arizona
- 1991: Oversaw Dial’s stock performance outpacing the S&P 500 by nearly 50%
- 1996: Spearheaded the split of Dial Corp into two independent companies
Awards and Honors
- 1990: Forbes Magazine Top Business Speaker of the Year
- 1992: Honored as a “Captain of Achievement” by the American Academy of Achievement
- 1995: Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- 2008: Milton Friedman Transformational Leader Award
