CAN's John Condon Retires
John Condon, a long-time account executive at California Apparel News, is retiring after 35 years with the publication.
Condon parlayed his experience in the apparel and textile industries to become one of the publication’s top-selling ad executives, landing large international clients such as Capital Factors, DuPont, Invista, Federal Express, CIT, Cotton Inc.,Wells Fargo, Paxar and Guess, as well as many small and mid-sized companies that serve the apparel community.
“No matter how large or small the company— or whether it operated on the local level or in the international picture, all my accounts were important to me,” Condon said.
After an early stint as a radio operator in the Navy, Condon attended Syracuse University in New York, graduating with a degree in fine arts and business.
His first industry job was as promotion manager of New York–based shirt maker Phillips-Van Heusen Co. He then spent a decade as director of apparel advertising in Monsanto’s textile division. But when Monsanto downsized the division and offered to transfer Condon to its St. Louis office, he opted instead to move farther west, taking a sales account executive position at California Apparel News.
“John has been a valued employee of this company, as well as a supportive friend to this industry, for 35 years,” said Molly Rhodes, publisher of California Apparel News. “He has not only been a top seller for our team but is a part of our family and will remain so. He is the consummate gentleman.”
Rhodes said the publication is planning to host a retirement party for Condon in the summer.
“John has a polite but persistent style that earned him respect in the industry and kept him at the top of his game,” said Terry Martinez, the publication’s director of sales and marketing. “He was like an honorary dad to the department and always had a cheerful attitude. He has been a pleasure to work with.”
Condon, recuperating from a hospital and convalescent stay, recently decided that it was time to retire.
“What I will miss the most are all the wonderful people with whom I have come in contact along the way—those who are my customers and the many people with whom I have worked with at the Apparel News,” Condon said.
Condon, a widower, lives in Woodland Hills, Calif., near his son and his son’s family.
He promised to drop by the industry to visit “once in a while.” Friends and colleagues can reach him at (818) 704-5034 or at jackecondon@aol.com. —Alison A. Nieder
