Listen to this articleThe basics:
- AACCNJ leader John Harmon wraps three-part NJBIZ series with insights on leadership
- Identifies AI, fintech, health care and manufacturing as key growth sectors
- Raises concerns about equitable opportunities in NJ’s business community
- Memoir emphasizes passion, resilience and lessons for entrepreneurs
This is the final installment of NJBIZ’s recent three-part series with African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey founder, president and CEO John Harmon Sr. – author of a new memoir, “Power Moves – The Life and Legacy of a Black Chamber Executive.” Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
The first two parts of our series with AACCNJ founder, President and CEO John Harmon Sr. hit on a number of critical issues that NJBIZ discussed with one of the state’s most prominent business leaders, including his take on the gubernatorial race and much more. The conversation continued exploring growth sectors, equity in business, Harmon’s book and more.
“Are there any sectors, industries – where you see some potential good opportunities, some growth, some things trending in the positive direction?” NJBIZ asked.
“I would say yes – and I also want to give credit to the Murphy administration,” Harmon told NJBIZ. “Phil Murphy, I have to say – I’m hoping that the next governor will be as engaging as Phil Murphy was. Now, he could have done a whole lot more – but I have access to him.”
Areas of opportunity
Harmon noted that the governor has been a regular attendee and speaker at the AACCNJ’s Juneteenth Black Business Expo.
“He’s there. That says a lot about him,” said Harmon. “The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Department of Labor have been, I would say, our top partners from state government. The DCA [Department of Community Affairs], they do could more – and they should do more, because their portfolio is all about our demographic. And many of the transit and the Port Authority and all those guys, we give them a thumbs up.
“So, in terms of the private sector, we have about eight health care systems that are members of the Chamber. All of them are not engaged at the same level. That’s an area of opportunity that I think they’re missing out on. I think if we could shore that up going forward.”
Harmon mentioned technology as an area with good upside.
“AI, fintech for the financial services sector. I think health care, technology, manufacturing – we work very well with New Jersey MEP. And I think AI and the innovation that’s going to take place, and the manufacturing sector in time to come. I think those three economies could be significant.”
World Cup woes
He said an area where he did not feel like his members and business community were getting good reciprocity is in the entertainment sector.
Read more
“On the entertainment side, are you doing anything in particular to ramp up for the World Cup? How are you thinking about that stuff in terms of making sure of proper representation there?” NJBIZ asked.
“Excellent question. We’ve been engaged. But I’m not optimistic that there’s going to be much trickling down,” said Harmon. “I’m not feeling that. I think there’s been some nice conversations. The big boys are still coming to the buffet – eating and taking bags home. Unless the people at the top insist on that, it’s not going to happen.
“So, what we’ve been working on is trying to educate our small businesses – our members that have entertainment venues,” Harmon explained. “That try to drive them as a place where they could see the game.”
He pointed to some lunch and learn discussions to talk about what’s going on the ground.
“We’ve teed up maybe a half-dozen or so venues so that we can get some of the residual impact. But I’m not optimistic,” said Harmon.
‘Desire, passion and purpose’
“John, let me come back to the book. You’ve had a remarkable journey. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned over these years?” NJBIZ asked.
“There’s a few – but I’m going to start off with this. And then I’ll give you a more succinct answer: desire, passion and purpose,” said Harmon. “As the CEO of this organization, I have truly found my purpose in life. The other things – I wanted to be an auto mechanic. I wanted to drive trucks. I loved that while I did it. And I wanted to be a banker. I did all of those things.
“But I found my passion.”
Harmon said he does not think you live until you truly find your life’s passion.
[I]f you could stay focused on where you’re trying to go – and not get marked down in your defeats or your losses, there’s victory at the end of the tunnel.
“And the unfortunate side, Matt, there’s going to be some heartache. There’s going to be some vulnerability. There’s going to some disappointment,” Harmon stressed. “But if you could stay focused on where you’re trying to go – and not get marked down in your defeats or your losses, there’s victory at the end of the tunnel.
“So, I want to be encouraging to folks by saying, in this book – you may find a part of you. But at the end of the day, if someone else has done something successfully, you can do it as well.”
Entrepreneurial advice
“And what would your message to be a would-be entrepreneur – either young or someone advanced in their career who has an idea? What would your message to the would-be entrepreneur about taking the plunge despite all of the challenges?” NJBIZ asked.
“Success in business does not come to fruition through emotion,” said Harmon. “You must have a plan that is defendable. The numbers don’t lie. People lie to the numbers. So, when you construct your business plan and you get all your questions/answers – when, what, how, why, etc.; ultimately, you are bringing a solution to the marketplace.
“If you cannot provide a solution or the relevance of why you should exist – keep your nine-to-five. There’s always money for a solution. There’s always money for a good idea that could be monetized. Don’t get so caught up on the headwinds. Headwinds are always going to be there.”
Staying relevant
“And now at the Chamber, any upcoming areas of focus; things you’re thinking about as we finish out 2025?” NJBIZ asked.
“Well, Matt, I think one of the most important things that I’m thinking about – that keeps me up at night – is, are we going to get a reset moment with this new administration? Are people really going to take into account that this disparity study, and the inaction, is a stain on New Jersey?” said Harmon. “It’s a stain on being one of the most diverse states in the country – and you have not really delivered for the people of this state in an equitable way.
“So, we’re laser focused on this governor’s race. Our upcoming Business Leadership Conference in September [24] is all about policy opportunity and how to position yourself for opportunity – and how to position yourself for opportunity. But also, being relevant. Even as a business owner, you have to be relevant. Even as a Chamber, you have to be relevant. And so, we’re laser focused on staying relevant in the current environment.”
“What excites you most about getting to lead this organization every day?” NJBIZ asked.
“It’s the members,” said Harmon. “When they look you dead in the eye and they’re either telling you – because of their involvement, we’re grateful; or we need your help because we’re catching some headwinds, and we need you to make a call. We need you to make a connection. We’ve made this submission – we think we’re close; can you do something?
“There’s some desperate times out there for some people. Everybody’s not living at the same level. Those things keep me on alert – and they keep me engaged. And they keep me showing every day to do the best job I could possibly do.”
Page turner
“And John, I’ll close with this – and I really appreciate the time and candor, as always. For anybody who gets to read the book, what’s the key message or takeaway that you want them to have?” NJBIZ asked.
“Well, first they can find the book at Barnes & Noble or Amazon,” said Harmon. “I think the key message – and there’s a few. But you don’t know what you don’t know. And you don’t know what you can achieve until you step out there, right? You’re not in the game, Matt, unless you got dirt on the uniform.
“This is not for the faint of heart.”
Harmon noted how he was only one in his family of seven kids who completed college.
“Blue-collar family – my parents, neither finished high school. I’m supposed to be a statistic, right,” said Harmon. “But somehow, I was able to believe in myself.
“Another takeaway throughout the book – there’s always somebody out there that’s willing to help you. But they got to know you exist. And that takes some vulnerability. Some people, it’s hard for them to say – ‘Hey man, I’m struggling.’ Hey man, I slept on an air mattress for a year in the basement of my niece’s house.
[M]y story is a part of my foundation, of who I am. And so, if you don’t have these experiences in your foundation, you can’t call upon them when you have some turbulence.
“They look at me today and the suit and tie – I’m always buttoned up. I’m on TV. I’ve gotten all these awards. But you don’t know my story. But, in order for someone to invest into this reinvented story – my story is a part of my foundation, of who I am. And so, if you don’t have these experiences in your foundation, you can’t call upon them when you have some turbulence.
“You can’t call upon them to call on a colleague or resource to get you in a better place. There’s no free lunch in this game of success. And if you’re not willing to deal with that, keep your nine-to-five.”
