This fall, “the big cheese” at Young’s Jersey Dairy will be changing. John Young, fourth-generation Young’s family member and current Chief Imagination Officer, Internet & Otherwise (CIEIO) will take the helm as Chief Executive Officer at Young’s Jersey Dairy, effective Nov. 1, 2025.
“This is an essential next step for the ongoing success of our family business, and one that has been in the works for several years,” said Dan Young, Young’s Jersey Dairy CEO since the 1970s, and father to John.
“We’ve been thoughtfully preparing for the next chapter of Young’s leadership. This isn’t a sudden decision; it’s the result of careful, strategic planning by our family board of directors,” he added. Dan will transition into the role of Chair of the Board for the business, focusing on strategic vision, long-term planning, and mission alignment.
“Leading Young’s for the past 48 years has been the privilege of my lifetime. We’ve grown from a small farm selling ice cream and sandwiches to what we are today: a place where families come to create memories together. Our Family Board has been preparing for this transition for four years, and I’m incredibly proud that John will be taking Young’s into its next chapter. I’ll be stepping back from day-to-day operations to spend more time with Cathy, my wife of 49 years. I’ll be around occasionally, checking that we never lose sight of what matters most – creating fun for our Guests,” Dan added.
The Board of Directors of Young’s Jersey Dairy – composed of seven family members who currently work in the family business, and three who have built careers elsewhere – voted in the spring of 2025 to appoint John as Young’s next CEO.
“I feel truly honored by the confidence our family board and leadership have placed in me. I’m excited to continue our tradition of creating fun for our customers, building on the legacy of our family and driving innovation that benefits our community” said John.
has been involved in the family business since he was a teenager, from dipping ice cream to waiting tables, to working at Udders & Putters. In recent years, John has directed the company’s marketing efforts, spearheaded technology upgrades, managed the building and opening of Cowtherine’s Carousel and introduced other new initiatives.
has been involved in the family business since he was a teenager, from dipping ice cream to waiting tables, to working at Udders & Putters. In recent years, John has directed the company’s marketing efforts, spearheaded technology upgrades, managed the building and opening of Cowtherine’s Carousel and introduced other new initiatives.John has been involved in the family business since he was a teenager, from dipping ice cream to waiting tables, to working at Udders & Putters. In recent years, John has directed the company’s marketing efforts, spearheaded technology upgrades, managed the building and opening of Cowtherine’s Carousel and introduced other new initiatives.
“John embodies the spirit and values of Young’s Jersey Dairy,” said Dan. “He understands the role of Young’s in the community. I am confident that he will continue to put Guest service first and bring innovative ideas that create fun for our customers.”
As the top executive at Young’s Jersey Dairy, John will direct management, oversee daily operations, and lead the formulation and execution of the company’s Strategic Plan. John will retain his farm-fun acronym of CIEIO, with his official title changing to: Chief Ice Cream, Entertainment & Inspiration Officer.
A graduate of Wright State University, John first pursued a career in early childhood education before following his entrepreneurial spirit to launch Shout It Out Design in 2010, a digital marketing and website design firm. Under his leadership, the business now serves more than 100 ongoing clients, and he continues to serve as an advisor for the company. John is a member of the Ohio Tourism Advisory Board, a position appointed by the Governor of Ohio, Vice Chair of the Global Impact Stem Academy School Board and a Member of the Springfield YMCA Board.Young’s Jersey Dairy is planning a sweet send off for Dan as he transitions into an advisor role this fall. Stay tuned for details!
