Our Culture

At JOH, our culture is rooted in people, performance and doing what’s right. We roll up our sleeves, work hard and take care of each other just like we take care of our clients and customers.

Many of us have spent decades in this industry and we bring that experience, energy and commitment to everything we do. We care deeply about our partnerships and the results.

Since 1956, relationships have been at the core of our business. It’s how we’ve grown and it’s how we continue to win.

JOH History

Since 1956, JOH has grown from a small Boston-based food broker into one of the most respected sales and marketing agencies in the country. Harry O’Hare, Sr. would be proud to see how far we’ve come. What began as a local brokerage is now a team of more than 550 people with 17 offices. We’ve built a strong presence in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic, and expanded into North Central. We’re also a proud owner and member of OSMG America, with more than 35 offices and 1,600 associates providing unmatched coverage across Food, Drug, Mass and Club accounts nationwide. Through it all, we’ve stayed true to the values Mr. O’Hare believed in: integrity, relationships and results.

JOH is founded by Harry O’Hare
New office opens in Brighton, MA
Arlington, MA office opens
JOH Sales is formed
Chip O’Hare purchases the company
Private Label Division is launched
Produce Division is formed
Corporate office opens in Billerica, MA
Specialty Division is established
Confection Division is launched
Metro Division is formed
Upstate New York office opens
Mid-Atlantic Produce Division is launched
Fresh Division is established
JOH celebrates 50 years
OSMG is founded
John Saidnawey becomes President & COO
Mid-Atlantic office opens
JOH unveils new brand identity
Chip O’Hare named “Person of the Year” by MFA
Kids 360 Charity is launched
Grand Rapids office opens
Chicago office opens
JOH celebrates 60 years of success
Matt O’Hare becomes President & COO
John Saidnawey becomes Chairman & CEO
Chip O’Hare becomes Chairman Emeritus
Milwaukee offices open
Minneapolis offices open
eCommerce Division, KartSmartr, is launched
Kids 360 celebrates 10th anniversary
Commerce Marketing Division is launched
Matt O’Hare becomes President & CEO
John Saidnawey becomes Executive Chairman
North Central Produce & Fresh Division is formed
JOH acquires Six60 to fuel CPG growth & innovation

Community

At JOH, giving back isn’t just something we say, it’s something we do. It was woven into the fabric of our company by our founder and it continues to guide us today.

Learn More

Harry O’Hare Award

Each year, the Harry O’Hare Award honors the JOH’er who best embodies the values our company was built on: hard work, integrity, urgency and a people-first mindset. These principles were instilled by our founder who believed in doing the right thing, knowing the business inside and out and treating clients, customers and teammates like family.

John Saidnawey

2024 Award Recipient

Melissa O’Connell

2023 Award Recipient

Ron Briggs

2022 Award Recipient

Robin Johnson

2021 Award Recipient