Alumni Spotlight – John Lewis ‘82

For most people, building a company from nothing into one of the area’s fastest growing would be “success,” but for John Lewis it’s the completion of one challenge and a search for the next.  In fact, he’s not totally comfortable with defining “success.”

He attributes some of this ambition to the examples set by his Susquehannock teachers. In particular, he remembers science teachers Ron Leese and Ken Alwine.  On the surface, science teachers seem unusual mentors for someone opting for a business career, but John’s explanation makes perfect sense: “They instilled a passion for learning in me. Their classes were about expanding your mind.”

He also credits his middle school math teacher, Darryl Engler, for conveying one of life’s most valuable lessons – “that nothing’s fair.”

As a student, John was a member of the school’s first track and field team, specializing in 400 meters, 800 meters, and relays. “We didn’t even have a track at the time,” he recalls. “We ran around the parking lot and our meets were away. But we contended for the county title.” He adds Coach John Sparmblack (another science teacher, by the way) to his list of mentors. “His enthusiasm and passion as a leader really rubbed off.”

He also wrestled for SHS in his freshman and junior years, but competed in a Maryland club program as a sophomore, placing second in that organization’s state tournament. He was a good student, earning membership in the National Honor Society, and was a member of the yearbook staff.

After SHS graduation, he went to Bloomsburg University, later transferring to Shippensburg, where he continued his track career as a middle distance runner. He graduated in 1986 with a business degree – concentration in marketing. “My passion was for the creative side of business,” he explains. “If someone had asked me what I wanted to be when I was 12, I would have said an architect.”

Out of college, he took a job as a marketing representative for Advance Business Systems in Maryland, later moving to Phillips Office Equipment in York.  But he soon realized that he would not be satisfied working for someone else and resolved to own his own company someday.

In 2004, he took the leap, realizing that for someone in his late 30’s, it was now or never. John says, “I sold just about everything I owned to raise the money and started DOCEO Office Solutions.” His search for a unique, trade-marked name concluded with “doceo,” which means “to teach” in Latin. He credits his ninth grade son, Seth (now a senior at Shippensburg) with the suggestion.

He remembers the early years as a pretty scary time. “We lost money for the first two years, but I was determined to make it work,” he reflects. “Then it started to come together.” He opened a second office in Hanover, started a second business – DOCEO Printing – and the company was recently named to Central Penn Business Journal’s list of the area’s fastest growing businesses.

His credits his success to the people he hired, explaining his leadership philosophy this way: “A company is nothing more than a collection of people, and the key to creating a successful business is bringing the right collection of personalities together – the right ingredients.”

From his position as a community business leader, John devotes a substantial portion of his time to community service. His activities include board leadership roles in the York County Chamber of Commerce, York County Economic Alliance, Southern York County School District Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and he is the incoming chair of the York County Literary Council.

He feels blessed to have attended Susquehannock and becoming immersed in its culture. Not only does he see himself as a “country boy at heart,” he appreciates the grounding he received. “Kids didn’t have a sense of entitlement. SHS was fighting for reputation in the county and we all understood the value of hard work,” he says.

Outside work, John is an Orioles fan, a gardener, and a cyclist, launching many rides from the York County Rail Trail, which is close to his current home. An automobile accident prevents him from his former running career, but he takes bike rides in the 100 to 200 mile range.

As for “what’s next,” John looks at continuing to expand his business, expanding his share of the area’s printing market, and starting an advertising division. He also looks for new opportunities to serve the community.

Thanks to John Lewis ’82, for making us Warrior Proud!