Why John Shave ’89 Ensures the Lasting Legacy of Beta Phi
Having gone through formal recruitment in the mid-’80s, John Shave ’89 was immediately drawn to Delta Tau Delta, especially the quality of the diverse individuals. “The bottom line is that the Delts were in a league of their own in terms of academics, Greek life, athletics, and epic social events—I was sold on the best fraternity at The Ohio State University,” he recalled.
As CEO/entrepreneur/investor, John has always been the CEO and typically the founder/investor in his enterprises. “My gift is the ability to identify trends, deploy capital, and develop a winning culture of individuals that walk through walls to execute the corporate mission.” He began in 1992, selling telecom services to businesses in Chicago. After resigning in 1993 from MCI-Worldcom, John founded a telecommunications company, Globalcom, which he sold in a windfall exit in 2008. “In life we are always selling, and our confidence sets the tone for how we envision our potential,” he shared. “Be confident, think big, be ethical, and good things will happen.”
John’s biggest challenge was learning how to navigate and succeed when monopolistic oppression by nemesis AT&T relentlessly tried to put them out of business with regulatory pressure, deep pockets, and anti-competitive behavior. “We persevered, kept the course, and success followed.” He considers constantly building a world-class team of dedicated individuals that are empowered to thrive as one of the ingredients in the secret sauce of success.
The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur? “It’s been a few benchmarks, financial gain, dedicated employees that follow the vision, observing individuals grow professionally and advancing, always winning over your competition, and most importantly keeping a balanced life.”
When it comes to the Beta Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta, John is grateful for the brotherhood and lifelong friends he created. John hopes the Beta Phi: Doorway of Opportunity campaign will accomplish three main things for Beta Phi: (1) top-notch housing, (2) attracting the best of the best in a competitive environment, and (3) guaranteeing the winning legacy of Beta Phi Delts continues. “I am thankful to the local alumni that for decades have relentlessly supported the Beta Phi Chapter through many challenges, so financially supporting the chapter was easy for me,” he shared. He believes in the importance of sheltering the Beta Phi Chapter to continue to develop leaders after graduation.
“So many Delts have lifelong friends and great memories, but many Delts met their future wives and now have children all from likely meeting at an epic Delt social event,” he recalled. “It is powerful to give back so the tradition and Delt legacy continues at The Ohio State University.”
John resides in Naples, Florida, with his family. If any Beta Phi brother is in town, you can send him a note at jtshave@gmail.com.