John Teets was the kind of business leader who didn’t just manage companies—he transformed them. As CEO of Greyhound and Dial Corporation during the 1980s and 1990s, he took sprawling conglomerates and reshaped them into focused, profitable powerhouses. But his impact extended far beyond the boardroom. Teets helped save the Phoenix Suns from relocation, brought Major League Baseball to Arizona, and quietly gave millions to charities that uplifted his community. Called “a giant” by those who worked alongside him, Teets defined leadership through action—not just words. This is the story of a self-made man who climbed from a suburban entertainment complex to the C-suite of Fortune 500 companies, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John W. Teets |
| Born | September 15, 1933 |
| Died | August 5, 2011 (age 77) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Cause of Death | Complications from Alzheimer’s disease |
| Key Companies Led | Greyhound Corporation, Dial Corporation, Viad Corp |
| Tenure as CEO | 1981–1997 |
| Major Achievement | Sold Armour to ConAgra for $2 billion, retained Dial consumer products |
| Sports Legacy | Helped keep Phoenix Suns in Arizona; first corporate investor for Arizona Diamondbacks |
| Philanthropy | Raised $5M for Boys & Girls Clubs; established ASU teaching awards |
| Spouse | Nancy Teets |
| Children | 4 daughters |
| Grandchildren | 5 |
Early Life and Background
John Teets grew up in Chicago, where he developed the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his career. Before joining the corporate world, he became a partner in a successful suburban entertainment complex that featured 16 shops, an ice-skating rink, and a 300-seat restaurant. By age 29, Teets had already proven he could build and manage a thriving business.
His big break came in 1963 when he joined the Greyhound Corporation. His assignment was to help develop restaurants at Greyhound’s subsidiary operating at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. That World’s Fair experience became a launching pad for one of the most remarkable corporate careers of his generation.
Career and Major Achievements
The Fast Rise at Greyhound
Teets moved quickly up the corporate ladder. In 1965, at just 32 years old, he became president of two food service subsidiaries—Post Houses and Horne’s Enterprises. This made him the youngest subsidiary chief operating officer in Greyhound’s history.
By 1975, Teets was president and CEO of Greyhound Food Management and group vice president of food service for the entire corporation. Under his leadership, the food service group grew an impressive 60 percent over four years. His responsibilities expanded in 1980 to include aircraft ground services, cruise ship gift shops, and airport duty-free businesses.
Restructuring a Giant
In October 1981, Teets became CEO of Greyhound Corporation, and he was elected chairman of the board in 1982. At the time, Greyhound was a sprawling conglomerate. Teets recognized that in order to keep up in a fast-paced world, readjustment was vital for a company to survive.
His restructuring strategy was bold and effective:
- 1983: Sold the Armour meatpacking company to ConAgra for $2 billion, while retaining the consumer products business that became the Dial Consumer Products Group
- 1987: Completed the sale of Greyhound Lines—the nation’s largest intercity bus provider—to Dallas investors for $350 million
- 1996: Divided Dial Corp into two independent, publicly traded entities—the $1.6 billion Dial Corp consumer product business and the $2.5 billion Viad Corp service business
The Dial Corp Transformation
Under Teets’ leadership, Dial became a household name. Researchers estimated that eight out of every ten U.S. homes contained at least one Dial product. The company’s products were sold in 78 countries and manufactured in 14 U.S. plants.
From 1991 to 1996, Dial stock outperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 50 percent. Teets retired in 1997, leaving behind a transformed company that was leaner, more profitable, and better positioned for the future.
Personal Life
John Teets married his wife Nancy, and together they raised four daughters. He was a devoted family man who is survived by his wife, four daughters, and five grandchildren.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Teets was known as an avid athlete who appreciated cultural arts and museums. He was particularly proud of his elaborate and rare French clock collection. Teets was also a familiar face courtside at Phoenix Suns games, reflecting his deep love for sports and community.
Financial Success
Teets built substantial wealth through his corporate leadership. His net worth was estimated at approximately $1 million at the time of his passing, primarily held in stock holdings. While not among the wealthiest CEOs of his era, his financial success reflected his focus on building sustainable, profitable companies rather than personal enrichment.
Major Achievements and Awards
Teets received numerous accolades throughout his career:
- 1980: Golden Plate Award from the International Food Service Manufacturers Association
- 1985: Silver Award Winner in the “Best CEO Survey” by the Wall Street Transcript
- 1986: CEO of the Year by LEADERS magazine
- 1990: Forbes Magazine Award for Top Business Speaker of the Year
- 1992: Honored by the American Academy of Achievement as a “Captain of Achievement”
- 1995: Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- 2008: Milton Friedman Transformational Leader Award
Interesting Facts
- World’s Fair Start: Teets’ corporate career began by developing restaurants at the 1964 New York World’s Fair—a project that would shape his entire future.
- Rare Clock Collection: Teets was a passionate collector of rare French clocks, reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship and history.
- Builder of Phoenix: He helped design the distinctive Viad building in midtown Phoenix and maintained a small sixth-floor office there until just months before his death.
- Sports Savior: When the Phoenix Suns faced relocation after a drug scandal, Teets stepped in with a $6 million investment from Greyhound to keep the team in Arizona.
- Baseball Pioneer: Dial became the first corporate investor in the Arizona Diamondbacks expansion team.
- Philanthropic Leader: As general chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ 50th Anniversary Campaign, he helped raise over $5 million in just 10 months.
Community Impact and Philanthropy
Saving Phoenix Sports
Teets’ impact on Arizona sports cannot be overstated. In 1987, when the Phoenix Suns were on the verge of relocating due to financial struggles following a drug scandal, Teets orchestrated Greyhound’s $6 million investment to keep the team in the Valley.
Sports icon Jerry Colangelo, who worked closely with Teets, credited him with helping bring Arizona its first Major League Baseball team—the Arizona Diamondbacks—and revitalizing downtown Phoenix with what became the US Airways Center.
“He encouraged me to put a deal together. He was my mentor, and I respected him dearly. Our community has lost one of our great leaders.” — Jerry Colangelo, former Phoenix Suns owner
Charitable Giving
Teets was a “strong community giver” who should be remembered for his work with Phoenix-area charities and cultural activities. During his tenure at Dial Corp, contributions to Arizona charities exceeded $36 million. In 1981, he created Dial’s community giving program, which provided $5 million per year for hundreds of charities and community projects.
His work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix was particularly impactful. His fundraising efforts made possible:
- A new Boys & Girls Club in Avondale, Arizona
- A scholarship fund for vulnerable children
- New computer labs in all nine clubs
- A $1 million endowment fund to ensure financial security for programs and services
The Teets Teaching Awards
Perhaps Teets’ most enduring legacy is educational. In 1999, he established the John W. Teets Outstanding Teaching Awards at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
What makes these awards special is that they are entirely student-directed—all nominations, deliberations, and selections are made by students.
His daughter Heidi Teets explained her father’s vision: “It is one thing to have acquired higher education; it is quite a different skill to actively and accurately convey that knowledge to others in a meaningful and effective manner.”
Today, these annual awards continue to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching, graduate teaching, and teaching assistants, ensuring that Teets’ commitment to education lives on.
Conclusion
John Teets exemplified what it means to be a transformative leader. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to the highest echelons of American business, he never lost sight of what mattered most: building sustainable companies, supporting his community, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Those who worked with him remember a man who “defined leadership”—a no-nonsense, energetic manager who inspired awe through his relentless drive and vision. Yet for all his corporate achievements, Teets may be best remembered for how he used his influence to make Arizona a better place to live, work, and play.
Whether saving the Phoenix Suns, bringing Major League Baseball to the Valley, raising millions for the Boys & Girls Clubs, or establishing teaching awards that continue to honor educational excellence, Teets left an indelible mark on everything he touched.
He passed away in 2011, but his legacy endures through the companies he reshaped, the teams he saved, the charities he supported, and the educators he continues to inspire through the awards that bear his name. As Jerry Colangelo said, “Our community has lost one of our great leaders”—but his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was John Teets?
John Teets was a self-made businessman who served as CEO of Greyhound Corporation and Dial Corporation during the 1980s and 1990s. He restructured both companies into streamlined, profitable organizations and played a major role in keeping the Phoenix Suns in Arizona.
Q2: When did John Teets die?
John Teets died on August 5, 2011, at his Paradise Valley, Arizona home. He was 77 years old.
Q3: What was the cause of John Teets’ death?
Teets died from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, according to family friend Steve Roman.
Q4: What companies did John Teets lead?
Teets led Greyhound Corporation, Dial Corporation, and Viad Corp. He also served as chairman and CEO of Armour & Company, a Greyhound subsidiary.
Q5: How did John Teets impact Arizona sports?
Teets helped save the Phoenix Suns from relocation with a $6 million investment in 1987. He also made Dial the first corporate investor in the Arizona Diamondbacks expansion team.
Q6: Is there a memorial or award in John Teets’ name?
Yes. The John W. Teets Outstanding Teaching Awards at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business recognize professors and teaching assistants chosen by students as the best teachers. The awards were established in 1999.
Q7: What was John Teets’ net worth?
At the time of his death, Teets’ estimated net worth was approximately $1 million, primarily held in stock holdings.
