John Q. Hammons

John Q. Hammons (born James Quentin Hammons on February 24, 1919) is an American businessman and one of the nation's premier developers of upscale luxury hotels and resorts. With over 50 years of experience in the hotel industry, John Q. Hammons has built and developed nearly two hundred (200) hotels. While many of the early hotels were Holiday Inns, today's portfolio of hotels include Marriott brands (Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott, and Residence Innby Marriott), Hilton brands (Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites), and several independent properties including those named University Plazas and the award-winning Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri.

Education

John Q. Hammons grew up in Fairview, Missouri, attended Fairview Elementary School and graduated in 1937 from Fairview High School. He was one of 12 graduating students that year. Immediately following high school, Hammons attended the Monett Junior College and the Southwest Missouri Teacher's College (now known as Missouri State University) where he received his teaching certificate in 1939.

Early career

Upon graduating in 1939 with a teacher's certificate from Southwest Missouri Teacher's College, Mr. Hammons began teaching science, history, and physical education to junior high school students in Cassville, Missouri. His teacher's salary for the first year was $40 per month and was raised to $45 per month in the second year. During this time, he served as a Cub Scout Cubmaster and the junior high school basketball coach.

The entry of the United States in World War Two, following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forever changed history and Mr. Hammons's life. In early 1942, John Q. Hammons left the academic world and joined the Lytle Green Construction Company of Des Moines, Iowa to work as a cost accountant on the Alaskan-Canadian Highway project which was also known as the Alcan Highway and nicknamed the Road to Tokyo. This was to be Mr. Hammons's first experience in the construction industry and one which would shape his future. During his time in Alaska, Hammons saved every penny he earned and invested in the stock market. Upon completion of the highway and his return from Alaska, Hammons had managed to amass nearly $60,000 in savings.

From 1943 to the end of the war, John Q. Hammons served in the Merchant Marines on a supply ship supporting troops in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. When the war ended, John Q. Hammons had achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG (junior grade).

Sports Enthusiast

Mr. Hammons's interest and fondness for sports began during his childhood years. He played basketball, which was to become one his life's passions, during all four years of high school. At approximately 5'9" in height, John Q. Hammons was not particularly tall, but he could shoot the ball extremely well and was usually the high scorer.

He continued his interest in basketball during his teaching years as a junior high school basketball coach. In two year of coaching, his team lost only one game in the first year and went on to be undefeated in the second year.

He also played several years on the baseball team during high school and developed a passion for another sport in which he would play a key role in later years. His passion for baseball culminated in the construction of one of the nation's premier baseball parks in Springfield, Missouri. At a cost of $32M, Hammons Field opened in April 2004 and is a first-class, state of the art stadium, and serves as home for the Springfield Cardinals. The Springfield Cardinals are a Double A affiliate team of the St. Louis Cardinals and play in the Texas League.

Personal life

Born on February 24, 1919 to James O. and Hortense Bass Hammons. His sister, Wrenna Quentilla, was born on December 20, 1921. Grew up in Fairview, Missouri. Married Juanita K. Baxter on September 2, 1949 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri.

Originally used the name "John Q." when he would introduce himself to city leaders or organizations as a way to convey the message that he was there representing the general public and progress. After a while, the name stuck and he has forever become John Q. Hammons.