Young Ones to Watch: Joe Johnson

As President and CEO of Wireless Zone, Joe Johnson moves at a fast pace to keep up with technology

SPONSOREDUpdated 2:14PM • 03/01/16

Just like the phones and devices they sell, Wireless Zone has come a long way since it debuted as “The Car Phone Store” back in 1988. On the road to becoming the nation’s largest Verizon Wireless retail franchisor, the brand has had to be nimble in order to adapt to the explosive growth and ever-changing cell phone landscape. As Wireless Zone nears three decades in business, it is thriving behind the leadership of a top executive not too many years older than the company itself.

Joe Johnson has injected a positive energy into the brand since taking on the role of president and chief executive officer of the Connecticut-based brand in the spring of 2015. Johnson has made strides during his first year at the helm to enhance cohesiveness across the brand’s 450 locations in 36 states, while improving operations and driving increased traffic to make franchisees more profitable.

Why do you love franchising?

What is great about franchising is the passion that you get from a local owner. What motivates me is knowing that I play a small part in helping small business owners achieve their dreams and positively impact their communities.

What is the top challenge facing young people in franchising?

I am not sure if there are challenges that are unique to young people. I try not to pay attention to age, as it is just a number – but I definitely value wisdom that comes with experiences and we would be foolish not to recognize that generations have their differences. But differences are good and it is important to understand them so you can figure out how to bring them all together.

What is your dream position/goal?

Being a great husband and father are most important to me. I have been blessed with a great career, but that is just what I do, not who I am. As a kid I wanted to be the starting shortstop for the Minnesota Twins but I had to give up on those aspirations long ago.

To connect with Joe Johnson on LinkedIn, click here.