To show our appreciation for those that strive to better their community, we are highlighting Jack Conway Go-Givers in a series, and John Vaughn is up next!
John joined Conway Country in 2018. He works at the Mattapoisett office, and takes an active role in his community, volunteering at a food pantry every week, playing music for the Council on Aging luncheons, and getting involved with ZERO— The End of Prostate Cancer non-profit organization.
How are you involved in your community?
“Probably the most consistent thing I’ve done in the last few years is volunteer at the food pantry in New Bedford at Saint Anthony’s Church,” said John. “Every Thursday morning, we distribute food to about 200 people a week. We unload I would say 6 pallets of food, set it up on tables and then people come through and pick and choose what they wish.”
John said that it is a very needed thing these days, and the demand for volunteers and support is only growing.
Aside from the food pantry, John also plays the saxophone. He received a degree in music, and now he plays for the Council on Aging luncheons with a friend who plays piano.
Why did you decide to get involved in your community?
When John stopped working for JCPenny, he had time on his hands that he was looking to fill. He has always been interested in volunteering but did not always have a schedule that allowed for it. While looking for his next work opportunity, John decided to call the food pantry and ask if they needed help, and they said yes.
He said working for Jack Conway and in real estate has been a perfect fit because he has the opportunity to continue his volunteering.
When he was raising his family, going through the house-buying process, purchasing of furniture, and his job in retail, it left very little time to do anything other than work. He always wanted to volunteer, and now he can.
What is a core memory you have from your time volunteering?
“I got involved through running the Prostate Cancer Awareness Race in Boston: the Boston Prostate Cancer Run. I started supporting the organization called Zero: The End of Prostate Cancer, and have done lobbying to support Prostate Cancer Research.”
Knowing the impact that going through Prostate Cancer can have on you, John decided to give back in another way by becoming a mentor for men who were recently diagnosed.
“A couple of these guys in particular have become really close and have always expressed gratitude and I think those, those relationships, because they’re so close and so intimate, have really stood out to me as being something that has been very touching to me.”
How has service impacted your life professionally?
“As I got into real estate, I had time and control of my schedule and I knew I didn’t have a huge sphere of influence, so I knew I needed to get out there and make myself known, so I joined the Lions Club, and I joined the Knights of Columbus and I’m an elected official now in Mattapoisett, in Housing Authority.”
John knew that networking and being known in your community is important for real estate agents. He said that he has gotten a couple of direct deals from his time volunteering, but it has never been his motivation.
“You’re known out there, so therefore, referrals do come a little bit, perhaps easier or whatnot. Or when you’re handing out a business card to somebody, somebody may know you from those other organizations and that sort of thing.
How have you benefited from giving back to your community?
“The best thing is knowing that nobody can repay you. That’s the best act of charity.”
John said that when he gives back, he has no anticipation of receiving anything back because he knows that he can’t receive back, and that is the true gift.
“If I could encourage anybody to, try volunteering at something that they feel comfortable doing, I would just encourage them to do it and see how it goes.”
Thank you, John, for all you do to support your community, for representing Jack Conway so well, and for being a true Go-Giver.
