Spending 50 years in the same industry is a remarkable achievement, but staying with the same company for five decades is virtually unheard of.

The Seminole Producer, which turns a century old on March 1, 2027, has an employee who has been with us for nearly half of the institution’s life, and more than half of his.

His name is John Lewis (more affectionately known as “Johnny”) and he serves as the Producer’s Circulation and Production Manager. Not only does he run the press (not many operations print their own newspapers anymore), but he, along with Laurie, his wife of 46 years, makes sure the news gets delivered to our readers despite any challenges that present themselves. One such challenge was the May 2022 tornado that inflicted serious damage upon the Producer’s office at 121 Main Street.

“Even the tornado that damaged our building couldn’t stop us,” Lewis recalls. “We published our paper from my dining room out in the county for a month. Something I learned from Stu [Phillips] was that the paper has to go out no matter what.”

In April 1974, Lewis started as a carrier for the Seminole Producer, delivering papers to Route 2 on his bicycle. He eventually began using a motorcycle, and in January 1976 he also started delivering Route 29 and soon picked up two additional routes.

In late 1978, Lewis started delivering to the newsstands and carrying papers off the press while it was running. When Ricky Withrow, cameraman and press journeyman, resigned to go to work in the oilfield sector, management offered Lewis that position. Since he had just gotten married, he jumped at the chance to move up.

A few years later, after learning more and more about the press, Associate Publisher Carroll Sciance spotted John’s ability with mechanical things. Soon, Frank Bell retired as pressman, so John took over running the press full time while delivering papers on the side. He also took pictures for the paper for many years alongside C.J. Vigil and future publisher Stu Phillips. Sometimes you would see at least two of them at the same accident or fire.

“I love having the opportunity to spread the news, from behind the scenes, to all Producerville residents,” Lewis said.

Stu named John as Circulation Manager in March 1996. In June of that year, Production Manager Gary Ogle became ill and had to retire. On January 1, 1997, Stu named John Production Manager. He holds these titles today and still loves delivering papers to loyal customers that want home delivery.

“I have been very lucky to have worked for the Phillips family all those years. I always felt as though I was a part of a family of brothers and sisters that also worked well together to bring the news to Seminole County. I hope to continue for many more years of bringing the news to Seminole County residents,” Lewis said.

John’s plans for the future are to continue doing what he does best.

“I continue to run the press. I plan to continue as long as I am physically able and as long as I’m useful,” Lewis said. “I hope I have had as big an impact on everyone’s lives as they have impacted mine. My family has worked for the Producer off and on, especially my wife, who has been here 42 years. Thanks to Ted Phillips, Stu Phillips, Carroll Sciance, Mike Gifford and all the people I have worked with over the years. Everyone is special to me,” Lewis stated.

“We are extremely proud of Johnny’s achievement and the Producer is very fortunate to have a pressman with his experience,” said Publisher Mike Gifford. “He is regarded as one of the best in the state.”

Here’s to another 50 years, Johnny. In the words of famed rock and roller Chuck Berry, “go Johnny, go!”

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