Entrepreneur and Philanthropist John Paul DeJoria receives coveted “Lone Sailor Award” for lifetime achievement.
John Paul Mitchell Systems is one of the great “American Dream” rags-to-riches stories. And thanks to a solid work ethic, brilliant creativity, and ecological and social foresight, the company remains a leader and inspiration for all.
And now, the surviving founder of JPMS, Navy veteran, entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria has been honored for his service to country and community at the United States Navy Memorial’s 2012 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.
From humble beginnings in Echo Park, California as the son of immigrant parents, DeJoria served two years with honors in the U.S. Navy. Then, determined to help out at home, he worked his way to the top of hair care industry and in 1980, joined friend Paul Mitchell in creating John Paul Mitchell Systems®, what is now world-renowned professional hair care system and household name.Today he company is staunch supporter of a wide variety of philanthropic causes, totaling millions of dollars in recent donations of cash, products and services to non-profit organizations in the fields of health care, social services, athletics, environmental protection and awareness and the arts.
This capacity as businessman, environmentalist and philanthropist has earned DeJoria the privilege of advising the U.S. Government and the United Nations on such issues as energy, management, motivation and global thinking.
The Lone Sailor Award is presented to Sea Service veterans who have excelled with distinction in their civilian careers while upholding the Navy core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. In receiving the Lone Sailor Award, DeJoria joins an impressive list of men and women who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience.
“I joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school only to find that it would exceed all of my expectations. It afforded me the opportunity to visit many foreign shores on my aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet, while learning the personal management and teamwork skills that would help me later on in my career,” said DeJoria. “I am so proud and humbled to be acknowledged by the U.S. Navy Memorial with the Lone Sailor Award for continuing what I learned when joining the Navy as a 17 year-old.”
For more information on the Navy Memorial, please visit www.navymemorial.org or call (202) 737-2300.