We’re operators turned entrepreneurs, looking to carry on the legacy of a great American industrial business. We cut our teeth in engineering shops and warehouses across the US.
Vertex is our vehicle to do what we love: solve real problems, lead great people, and grow resilient American businesses.
Prior to founding Vertex Growth Partners, John spent ten years at McMaster-Carr, a multi-billion-dollar industrial distributor, where he led initiatives that transformed pricing, sourcing, and supply chain operations. In addition to leading the day-to-day operations of a 65-person region, he developed a predictive pricing system that accelerated updates by 400%, improved margin control, and implemented cost-alignment strategies that reduced procurement expenses by 10%. He also created a demand forecasting model that expanded product offerings and increased sales.
Before joining McMaster-Carr, John worked on defense projects at Draper Laboratory, where he designed and tested advanced inertial guidance systems for the U.S. Navy. He then joined Siemens' Engineering Leadership Development Program, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, manufacturing, and business operations within a Fortune 500 company. His ability to integrate engineering, data analytics, and operational execution has been a key driver of his success.
John earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech with Highest Honors. He was selected for the prestigious Steven A. Denning Technology & Management Program, where he was recognized as the Outstanding Scholar. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, John is an avid tennis player and enjoys hosting pizza parties for friends and family (he's a certified pizzaiolo). He also has a passion for exploring new technology and cultural experiences.
Prior to founding Vertex Growth Partners, John spent seven years at McMaster-Carr, holding senior management roles. Most recently, he led the 75-person product launch organization responsible for bringing tens of thousands of products to market annually. Before that, he managed the pricing and finance departments, navigating unprecedented supply chain disruptions and material cost inflation during the pandemic.
Earlier in his career, John co-founded a fast-casual restaurant service in Los Angeles, Wake & Late (WNL), holding P&L responsibilities, managing inventory, hiring, and setting-up the initial operations. This laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit and honed his problem-solving skills. WNL was bootstrapped to profitability and still has a team running its three locations in Southern California. Before starting WNL, Shoemaker worked at PA Consulting, a leading management and technology consulting firm based out of London, in its biotechnology and life sciences group. He primarily focused on investment research in the wearable space, performing due diligence on early-stage acquisition targets for a Fortune 500 client.
John received a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, and his MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and is an avid Cavs fan. John and his wife Ali reside in New York City, and he loves to golf, watch college basketball, and travel.
