John T. Jankowiak, retired president and CEO of Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd, Tonawanda, NY, died August 3, 2011. Jankowiak, who had served as the company’s chairman of the board since 2001, joined Great Lakes in 1975 and become president in 1989.
Great Lakes credits Janowiak with expanding the company and its international reach. He also founded the company’s employee-operated Christmas Families Fund. Organized by employee volunteers, the fund annually provides toys, clothing, and food for families in need during the holidays.
“John truly cared about our employees,” said James R. Kunkemoeller, president and CEO. “Each morning, he made it his personal mission to greet each employee by first name, and always had an open-door policy. He was frequently sought out for his candor and business insight.”
