Headline Surfer photos / Above, Mori and Forough Hosseini take their turn at the podium in honoring Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President John Johnson, also shown in front of the microphone, next to Marc Davidson, son of the late Herbert M. "Tippen" Davidson, former owner of the Daytona Beach News-Journal. DAYTONA BEACH -- When pre-teen Scott Johnson went to the barber for a haircut, he took his father's advice to heart of striking up a conversation: In doing so, he learned that the barber was a stockbroker for 12 years, or so he was told, thinking to himself, "And he cuts hair, too."
The lesson learned? "People are easy to talk to. They work and like to have fun."
Johnson, now 41, recalled how this became one of his early life lessons and how this resonates in his dealings with people in today's world. The advice came from none other than his father, John Johnson, president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
The elder Johnson, 66, was recognized with the "Herbert M. Davidson Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service" given by the Community Foundation of Volusia & Flagler. The foundation supports United Way programs that helps families and children in need.
More than 350 of greater Daytona Beach's business, civic, political and higher education leaders attended a dinner in Johnson's honor with that recognition bestowed upon him at the Daytona 500 Club on the grounds of Daytona International Speedway.
The Daytona 500 Club was packed for the dinner honoring Embry-Riddle President John Johnson.
The master of ceremonies was former Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey, who put on his dry humor, introducing a video highlight of Johnson's background, philanthropy and business acumen, quipping when it ended, "We had similar career paths except for that education thing. We both married up. He would have been a hell of a car salesman."
Among testimonials given of Johnson's humanitarian causes were husband and wife, Mori and Forough Hosseini, who took turns with a top 10 highlights list of their support and admiration for Johnson's community good works.Mori Hosseini, owner and CEO of ICI Homes, singled out Daytona Beach News-Journal Publisher Ron Wallace, pointing out that Johnson would especially cherish establishing a new Guinness World Record for getting his name in the newspaper for the umpteenth time.
After the limited ribbing, Johnson received a standing ovation when he was presented a special plaque by Marc Davidson, son of the late Herbert "Tippen" Davidson, former publisher of the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Johnson sad he felt humbled by the award and honored to be the 21st annual recipient, adding the award wasn't about him or any of his predecessors, but rather their efforts to give back and help those less fortunate served by programs like those fostered by the United Way.
"By giving to others, we're all truly blessed," the Embry-Riddle president said. "I feel that here. They don't need to look in a mirror. I find that in people who are successful."
Johnson said he and the community as a whole need to give back even more, citing 2,200 as homeless, either living in cars or in the woods. "Come on," he said rhetorically. "We're better than that."
Johnson concluded his brief remarks, saying in part that he's "very happy to be a citizen of Daytona Beach. This is a cool place."
Headline Surfer photos / At far left, former Volusia County GOP Stan Escudero (sitting) and County Chair Jason Davis attended the dinner fundraiser honoring Embry-Riddle President John Johnson, as did fomer State Rep. Fred Costello and his wife, Linda Costello, a member of the Volusia County School Board; and seated with them was Ron Wallace, publisher of the Daytona Beach News-Journal.Johnson was given one final standing ovation by like-minded community leaders such as Halifax Health CEO Jeff Feasel, retired foreign ambassador and former Volusia County Republican Executive Committee Chair Stan Escudero, newly-elected Volusia County Chair Jason Davis, Hotel and Motel Chairman Bob Davis and Dan Francati, head of the Daytona Kennel Club.
Former State Rep. and ex-Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello said of Johnson, "His vision goes beyond what other locals typically see and he has the guts to carry it out."
Phil Moroney chairman of the Daytona Area Chamber of Commerce, said Johnson is held in high regard for his higher education credentials, but his tireless work with economic development can't be stated enough.
Maureen France, a former DeLand city commissioner and Port Orange resident, was even more direct in giving kudos to Johnson: "He's building the next NASA. He's building something nobody else is going to have in our nation."
Maureen France, a former DeLand city commissioner and Port Orange resident, was even more direct in giving kudos to Johnson: "He's building the next NASA. He's building something nobody else is going to have in our nation."
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