Get to Know: John O’Halloran

Work Experience

Yellow Book USA, Account Executive, January 2000 – August 2001
Oakton Distributors, Director of Sales, August 2001 – June 2007
WyDool Distributors, General Manager, October 2007 – August 2008
Almo Corporation, Key Account Manager and Regional Sales Manager, December 2008 – October 2019
Nationwide Marketing Group, MSM, October 2019-present

Education

University of Iowa, BA in Economics; Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, MBA with concentration in Marketing

Total years of experience with the independent channel/retail

I have worked in the Independent channel for 19 years in appliance/consumer electronics distribution.

What motivates you to get up and go to work for the Independent retailer every day?

The Independent retailer is the backbone of the American economy. They are our friends, our neighbors and sponsor our children’s sports teams. There is no better calling than to work on their behalf and help them compete.

Tell us about your role at NMG.

My role at NMG is to support our membership with the communication and tools they need to thrive in today’s evolving retail environment.

Why did you want to come work at NMG?

I joined NMG because they have the top leadership in our industry. I wanted to be part of the innovation that will take Independent retailers into the future.

Why do you think NMG is the best buying group for Independent retailers in today’s climate?

Leadership is the key to any successful business, and, as I mentioned, NMG has the top leadership in the industry. But our leadership is not just our executive team. Instead, it is made up of the 200 employees NMG has working on behalf of our Members, every minute of every day. And our team has the resources and talent to help our Members and all Independent retailers thrive.

What is the most important project you are working on right now, and why?

The most important project I am working on now is educating our Members on the innovative tools we have created to succeed in the new normal. It is imperative we make sure we protect the safety of our membership, their employees and consumers while making sure they can conduct business successfully.

What is your favorite memory from your time at NMG?

My favorite memory at NMG in the short time I have been here was being in Houston at PrimeTime. I have been going to PrimeTime for 5+ years, but this was the first time I experienced PrimeTime as a member of NMG. It was mind blowing to experience firsthand all the Member education seminars, the collaboration among Members and packing food for the No Child Hungry initiative. The whole experience was incredible!

What do you like most about your job?

Being a trusted resource for our membership, and helping them find resolutions to their challenges and support for their opportunities.

What else do you want people to know about you and NMG?

My ‘Why’ in life is my family: my wife of 14 years and my daughters ages 10 and 7. I strive everyday to be a better person for them and for all those that I am lucky enough to work with every day: our Members, my NMG teammates and others.