The Collegian

Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Focus

Everyday is "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day" for John Potter. He and his daughter Nancy Minix run six different corporations, including the men's club Potter's Pub, out of their office in Jackson, Mich.

From running outrageous commercials on late-night television to heading up companies devoted to real-estate development and investing, John Potter is a seasoned and calculated businessman.

"I've been in business for 51 years," Potter said. "I spent three years in the army jumping out of airplanes, and after I got out I went into business. At one time I owned 49 different buildings in Jackson."

He's owned a smoke shop, a tire shop, several restaurants and a 50-room hotel, all in Jackson. He also owned three different bars at one time, he said.

"He's a self-taught, self-employed man," Minix said. "He didn't go to school for business, and I never went to college either. We taught ourselves and we taught each other."

Minix, who lived as a housewife prior to entering into a partnership with her father, acts as secretary for him, while also operating her own limousine business.

"I jump from desk to desk answering phones," she said. "We both work seven days a week and it's hard to get away. This weekend, however, we're going to Vegas for a night club owner's convention where they showcase all the new products for the year."

Upon first glance, a father-daughter partnership for a strip club may seem outrageous, but Potter and Minix enjoy doing business together.

"I didn't want to be in business, but I got roped into it," Potter said. "I like it though, because it keeps you young."

Potter and Minix contribute to several charities, including the Special Olympics and the Humane Society.

Some of their employees think highly of them and their work environment.
Jodi Snitgen has been at Potter's Pub for fifteen years.

"I've been here the longest out of all the employees here," Snitgen said. "It has its ups and downs, but I like it. It's comfortable."

Potter's Pub began as a disco club, Potter said, but when the drinking age was raised from 18 to 21, business dropped.

"Someone suggested we turn it into a men's club because it was unique at the time, and it worked," he said. "It helped out business."

Hillsdale College Collegian 2008

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