Meet the Zink Hospitality Team!

Meet John Manson: A Lifelong Commitment of Expertise with Zink Hospitality

John Manson’s extensive career in the Foodservice and Hospitality Sales industry, spanning over three decades, has made him a cornerstone in shaping the furniture portfolio at Zink Hospitality. A lifelong Chicagoan and a fourth-generation resident, John’s journey began with a marketing degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, leading him through pivotal roles at major distributors before founding his own firm, John Manson & Associates (JMA Marketing), in 2004.

Professional Journey

John’s deep-rooted connection to the hospitality industry is marked by significant achievements and transitions. After years of leading his own successful firm, JMA Marketing, John was approached by Zink Corporation in 2019, culminating in his role at Zink Hospitality beginning in January 2020. This transition, amid the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, saw John moving his operations from a showroom in Wicker Park to the beloved Zink’s Lisle, Illinois location, where we were expanding our Furniture portfolio with strong brands that have thrived under his leadership.

Role & Impact

As the Regional Vice President of Hospitality, John collaborates closely with territory managers across Chicago and Wisconsin, focusing on growing furniture sales while maintaining a holistic approach that presents Zink Hospitality as a full-line resource. His vast connections in the Architecture/Design and Contract sectors supported broadening our reach and influence. John’s efforts are also pivotal in supporting Multi-unit operators in these regions, ensuring their furniture needs are met with precision and creativity.

Advice to Clients

John’s advice to hospitality leaders is straightforward yet impactful: invest in quality. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing furniture firsthand at our local design centers, contrasting this with the risks of purchasing unseen products online. His approach not only ensures satisfaction but also supports longevity and aesthetic appeal in hospitality settings.

John’s Project Spotlight

John takes pride in his work with upscale Multi-unit operators, especially when Zink’s collaborations lead to national recognition. His excitement is palpable when discussing how Gar Products chairs, supplied through Zink, have been featured prominently on the front pages of renowned Restaurant Design periodicals, highlighting the aesthetic and functional impact of their products in high-profile dining establishments.

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Fun Fact About John

A lesser-known facet of John’s interests includes his deep appreciation for Chicago’s rich culinary history. For nearly a decade, he has been gathering stories and conducting interviews for a book on historic Chicago restaurants—a project he hopes to eventually turn into a documentary. This endeavor reflects his passion for the city’s incredible array of restaurants and chefs that have influenced the country and the world, and have great stories to tell.

Products and Services Solution

We have all sat in a restaurant with a wobbly table and had a good glass of wine or beverage in a precarious position. John champions the Flat table bases and Flat EQ glides, innovative solutions that address the age-old problem of wobbly tables—an over looked but critical detail that enhances the dining experience significantly by providing stability and comfort. No more wobbly tables!

Must-Have Piece of Furniture

In John’s view, a quality chair is fundamental to any dining experience, asserting that nothing else in a restaurant interacts with customers as much. His advocacy for investing in comfortable, durable seating is paralleled by his attention to table bases, which have grown into significant design elements themselves, especially with the shift away from traditional tablecloths to more visible, stylish bases.

Challenges and Solutions

One notable challenge John addressed involved replacing noisy metal outdoor furniture for a large Multi-unit operator. By recommending resin-based products from BUM outdoor, he effectively mitigated noise issues, showcasing his ability to tailor solutions to specific environmental needs.

What a Pleasure Meeting John

John Manson’s leadership at Zink Hospitality is a blend of years of industry expertise, a strategic vision for growth, and a personal passion for enhancing every customer’s experience. His story is a compelling narrative of dedication, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in the hospitality industry.

At Zink Hospitality, we are proud to have John as a part of our epic team, working together to transform your hospitality visions into reality. Visit our design centers to experience the luxury brands and elite collaborations that define our commitment to excellence.