‘Outstanding Brother’ honoree Watson lives to serve others – 'We all have a role to play'

Recently recognized by Suburban Marquee as an "Outstanding Brother," South Holland Economic Development Director John Watson gives a lot of credit to the team he works with day in and day out. 

From his assistant, Angela Harris, to all the other departments and the village board – as well as the businesses in the community – Watson said that the things they have achieved, they have achieved together.

“If I had to identify what we have accomplished during my tenure in South Holland that I am most proud of, I would mention two things,” Watson told Suburban Marquee. “One of them would be the securing of what I call the “trifecta' of popular fast-casual-dining establishments – Panera, Chipotle and Starbucks.”

It was made clear to Watson from his first day how important securing those anchor establishments was for the community, he said.

“The other would be in retaining and expanding existing business throughout my tenure,” Watson said. “Many people see and like the new businesses that are recruited, but no business is more important than the ones that are already operating in the community – and in South Holland’s case, we have many that have been here for a long time.”

Even during the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and as far back as the Great Recession, the community lost very few businesses in the industrial corridor.

“That’s what happens when the community works as a team,” Watson said. “We all have a role to play.”

Watson pointed also to the importance of reinforcing the pride South Hollanders take in their community, as well as retaining an attitude that constantly moves forward, such as through the efforts to repurpose the six car dealerships that went out of business either shortly before or in the early days of his tenure.

Born and raised on the Southeast Side of Chicago, Watson wants to encourage all residents of the South Side and South Suburbs to recognize that each of them should take the role of a leader in their communities. And the primary way someone distinguishes themselves as a leader is by serving, he said.

As someone who never set out to be a leader despite the multiple leadership roles he has held, Watson said that for him becoming a leader has always begun with seeking ways to benefit others, and he still wakes up every day thinking about what he can do for other people.