Guiding Principles
The Johnson Group companies share a deep commitment to our six Guiding Principles, which shape all business decisions and strategies. Our principles are our foundation and remain integral to our continued success.
Conduct all business in an honest, forthright, and ethical manner.
Honor commitments and develop enduring relationships grounded in mutual trust, respect, service, and reliability. This applies to customers, teammates, investors, financial partners, vendors, and our communities.
Recognize what we do not know, actively seek knowledge and guidance in our decision-making, and acknowledge, learn, and grow from our mistakes.
Create long-term value by anticipating opportunities for profitable growth, satisfying the evolving needs of the customer, and embracing change while striving for continuous improvement. Exercise sound judgment and take calculated risks to deliver superior results.
Be decisive and passionately pursue opportunities with a sense of urgency while continuously adapting and refining strategies.
Reach our full potential by developing our talents, earning meaningful responsibility, and overcoming challenges as a team, and find purpose in the positive impact we have on our business, family, and community.
Strategic, sustainable developers
Exceptional partners in auto finance
Award-winning hospitality leaders
Who we are today
Develop enduring partnerships
The history of The Johnson Group began with Johnson Waste, a small business founded by George D. Johnson, Jr., and his brother, Stewart, in 1974. Johnson Waste was later purchased by Wayne Huizenga and Dean Buntrock of Waste Management. The strong relationship formed during this acquisition proved an essential catalyst for growth. Good partnerships would prove to be essential to the success of The Johnson Group and would later lead to the formation of five different companies over the next four decades.
Anticipate emerging opportunities
In 1985, Huizenga bought Blockbuster Video – then an 18-store chain – and contacted George D. Johnson, Jr. about franchising the concept. Beginning with just three stores, Johnson became the largest franchisee of Blockbuster in less than a decade, with 208 stores from Texas to Virginia. Driven by keen insight, the exponential growth of Blockbuster and its recurring revenue model became a prototype for success. The move underscored the importance of taking calculated risks with the initiative to act quickly and realize opportunities with huge potential.
Deliver superior results
Today, The Johnson Group continues to create lasting value with three primary operating companies. Building on a legacy of past success, Johnson Development Associates (1986), OTO Development (2004), and American Credit Acceptance (2007) are all poised to capitalize on future opportunities. Nimble, privately held, and well capitalized, The Johnson Group is fueled by exceptional talent and driven by a core set of Guiding Principles that continue to deliver superior long-term results.
