John Schweizer

John was fortunate enough to grow up in aviation. Prior to launching an entrepreneurship career, he worked as a machinist, aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot and flight instructor for his family’s aircraft company, Schweizer Aircraft. Then with a mechanical engineering degree and MBA in hand, he hired himself out and orchestrated turn-arounds for Rossignol Ski Company, Exel Composites and Karhu and Otter Creek Brewing. Between these projects, he started Merrell Footwear, Garmont and Rowing Innovations. Currently, John’s focus is on angel investing in start-ups and serving as chairman of Audubon Vermont. His free time activities include pounding nails at his compound in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, playing with grandchildren, birding, reading history plus skiing, hiking and tennis with his wife Jennifer Lucas.