Starting at 19 years old as a manager of the original Mike’s Subs, now the 2600+ unit Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, John Hughes(A.K.A. Coach Hughes) has served many roles with the growing and award-winning franchise. From store GM to the Franchise Systems Director of Training, Director of Operations, and now in his current role as SVP Brand Ambassador of Leadership, Coaching, and Culture, John continues to positively impact the lives of thousands and develop our future leaders.

Coach Hughes is the son of teachers and has a passion for learning, teaching, and coaching. (Father was SHU Class of 59). As a child, John persevered through adversity and overcame his learning challenges, making him a better teacher and coach. As a father of a son with Autism, he is a passionate advocate for Special Needs opportunities in the workplace. His experiences have given him extraordinary insight and a unique skill set to teach and coach others who aspire to be the best versions of themselves while committed to our philosophy to make a difference in the world. He has learned and believes that you will prosper in business and life by putting other people first.

John designed and created the Leadership Experience Training Curriculum, which has helped propel Jersey Mike’s to the status of #3 Franchise with the goal of #1 in the next few years. He is a member of CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers) and NSA (National Speakers Association) and is a sought-after expert in Culture and Leadership Development.

Most recently, John discovered his “Passion Project” and founded a Podcast and Personal Development platform called BeBestYou, where he interviews authors, thought-leaders, and other like-minded individuals who believe that to lead others, you need to be the best version of yourself. After all, no one should have to follow a mess! He is working on his first book and hopes to be released in 2025.