Awards

Kelley School of Business Distinguished Entrepreneur - 2019

Bicentennial Medal - 2019

About Richard L. Johnson, Jr.

Richard L. (Rick) Johnson, Jr. completed a bachelors degree from IU's Kelley School of Business in 1981. He is president and CEO of Johnson Ventures, Inc. in Columbus, Indiana, an operating and investment company which specializes in niche opportunities to grow and add value to marketing and distribution organizations. Current operating companies include Johnson Agricultural, Lenny's Franchise Systems, and Black Jewell Popcorn. Previously, Johnson has owned Johnson Oil Company, Central Restaurant Products, Indiana Limestone Company, Johnson Construction Materials, and Stone Center of Indiana.

Johnson is active in many community organizations and continues to supports Indiana University through board and advisory service on the IU Foundation, the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Kelley School of Business, and IUPUC. He was instrumental in the work to establish the new J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program in Columbus as part of the IU School of Art, Architecture + Design.

Johnson's community and business boards include the Community Education Coalition, Columbus Economic Development Board, Envision Columbus, Exhibit Columbus, The Nature Conservancy, Wild Birds Unlimited, Velocities, and the Indiana Economic Development Board.