John Owens

John Owens retired in 2023 after 45 years in the family HVAC business, Owens Companies. Founded by this late father, Bob Owens 66 years ago, Owens Companies is a leader in the commercial and residential service and energy management business. The company was recently recognized by the Minnesota Keystone program for 40 years of giving 5% of profits to charitable organizations.

John became involved in Livestrong after his brother Jim was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 1998. Jim passed away in 2009 but John gives much credit for his 10-year survival to the inspiration and support of Livestrong.

He has been an active and one of the top Challenge fundraisers for over 20 years. He has been a Livestrong Leader and advocate as a part of One Voice Against Cancer for several years.

John is a lifelong Minnesotan and he and his wife of 37 years, Pat Strong, have three grown daughters and two grandchildren. He has always been active in the community and is the current Board Chair of the Minnesota North Dakota Better Business Bureau, the first chapter in the country going back over 100 years.