“John has a deep appreciation for the connection between a successful community and a successful business. John also has a passion for life, and what he loves, that is very contagious. That combination works wonders for the communities John calls home. He invests the time and energy to grow his own company, companies around him and the entire community. He continues to have an impact on people and organizations long after his formal connection has passed. I am elated that John is now calling the Cape Fear region home.”
Our Firm & Leadership
Business Management Consultants: The Journey Made Efficient and Enjoyable
Rooted in three decades of founding, scaling, and crisis-tested enterprise ownership across North Carolina.
Firm Philosophy
“While every leader is on his or her way to creating a unique vision and blazing a trail — our coaching can make the journey more efficient and enjoyable.”
Finding momentum, designing a strategy, locating resources and executing often take more effort. This is where Owens Management Group comes in. While every leader is on his or her way to creating a unique vision and blazing a trail — our coaching can make the journey more efficient and enjoyable.
The guidance you receive from us is not theoretical — we have lived it. Owens Management Group is a group of experienced leaders committed to partnering, mentoring and providing access to other leaders. Our services include coaching and development, strategic guidance, capital connections and a professional advisory board assembled to provide access and advice in key specialties.
Whether you are just investigating the leadership game, are looking to take your venture to the next level, or looking to create new meaning in your endeavors, our consulting addresses every step along the continuum.
Founder Biography
John Owens
Serial Entrepreneur • Author • Former UNC Charlotte Baseball Alumnus • Corporate Strategist
John Owens is a serial entrepreneur who has seen his companies grow, fail, and grow even stronger. As CEO of the Ameritrust companies, he was put to the ultimate test amidst three financial industry meltdowns since 1998 — including the unprecedented subprime mortgage collapse of 2008.
Yet, his Ameritrust brand was able to survive and prevail while other financial service and mortgage companies were imploding at every turn. Owens’ success inspired others who wanted to know his operational playbook, resulting in the founding of Owens Management Group in 2009.
Growth in demand and preference for Owens’ Showcase Baseball Academy (SBA), founded in 2010, is a shining example of what can happen when corporate culture is a strategic initiative and the underlying basis of competitive advantage. Launched in Matthews, NC, SBA expanded to 30 teams and graduated over 40 collegiate athletes annually prior to its acquisition in 2018.
In 2019, John expanded Owens Management Group’s headquarters to Wilmington, North Carolina, bringing executive leadership development, culture benchmarking, and valuation consulting to the dynamic Cape Fear economic corridor.
Executive Coach
John Owens • Founder & CEO
Ameritrust Corporate Headquarters: Under John Owens' leadership, Ameritrust grew into an Inc. 500 enterprise and #1 Best Place to Work during national market turmoil.
Chronology of Growth
Milestones & Entrepreneurial Track Record
Key markers in John Owens' three decades of enterprise building.
1995
Founding of Ameritrust Mortgage
Launched residential lending firm in Charlotte, NC, expanding into a regional powerhouse recognized twice by Inc. 500 for explosive growth.
1998 & 2004
Crises Weathered & Chamber Honors
Successfully navigated the 1998 liquidity crunch; honored at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Awards at The Westin Charlotte.
2005
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist
Recognized alongside premier Southeast enterprise founders as an E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year finalist at The Westin Charlotte.
2008
Charlotte Business Journal “Best Places to Work” (#1 Rank)
Ranked as the top midsize employer among 40,000+ businesses and the only mortgage firm honored in the Carolinas during the Great Recession.
2009
Founding of Owens Management Group (OMG)
Established in response to persistent demand from peer CEOs seeking John's executive playbooks for corporate culture, change resilience, and growth.
2010 – 2018
Showcase Baseball Academy (SBA) Demonstration
Built premier collegiate development academy proving culture as an insurmountable competitive moat; scaled to 30 teams before its sale to Will Simmons in 2018.
2019 – Present
Wilmington, NC Expansion & UNC Partnership
Expanded consulting operations to Cape Fear coast; partnered with the University of North Carolina system to pioneer scientifically validated culture metrics.
Complete Client Transcripts
Executive Endorsements & Verified Impact
Unfiltered testimonials from leaders across chambers of commerce, enterprise banking, electric utilities, and private aviation.
“John has a passion for ideas, a commitment to people, and proven resilience. He is one of the people who has not only seen, but demonstrated that new fortunes are created on the upside of seemingly negative events.”
“John has continually challenged me to build a great company around a great culture, and today, I am proud to say, the culture of Movement Mortgage is one of our most valuable assets. Over the past five years, we have been named the fastest growing mortgage bank by Inc Magazine and this success would not have been possible without the consistent culture focus John instilled in our thinking from inception.”
“I thought we were set up fine in the management area, but once I took a good, objective look at the situation, I realized there was a lot to learn. John is an excellent coach. He tests you to take a good long look at yourself in an honest and constructive way. There have been several key benefits to the work with John. Turnover is down significantly ... the management team is functioning more efficiently ... communications with teammates is becoming open and honest ... and individually, I have grown as a manager. Working with John has been an amazing experience that has tested our abilities and has paid off in all areas of my expectations.”
“Davinci Jets (f.k.a. JETPOOL) is a private aviation resource that manages private aircraft and provides concierge services for private and corporate clients. Our work with John Owens and his team at Owens Management Group aimed to implement a business development plan to expand our growth, streamline our operations, and provide additional quality assurance. During their work, they helped us develop and produce a playbook for future success. In a very short time that they have been working with us we have seen over 80% growth in client assets and over 85% growth in production. O.M.G’s discipline, accountability, and process in which Owens Management Group implemented were the vehicle that has driven our recent success. More exciting announcements will follow due to the work at Owens Management. What we appreciate most about working with Owens Management Group is their methodical process in which they implement strategies, unfold new opportunities, and deliver results above and beyond what is expected.”
“John is a true entrepreneur. He does not take no for an answer. He doesn't quit and loves life. He has done the introspection that many leaders find uncomfortable and has taken a close look at himself and what drives him. As a result, he inspires and motivates everyone around him.”
“John helped transform my business unit from a 'win at all cost' culture into one where results are still at the forefront, but my employees feel part of a team with a common goal. John assessed my personal strengths and weaknesses allowing me to take my leadership skills to another level. His experience, passion and communication skills sets him apart.”
Executive Playbook
Download John Owens' Corporate Cure Summary
Learn the exact operational principles John Owens used to scale businesses across three recessions and turn workplace culture into a measurable revenue driver.