Led by Business Operators, Not AI Theorists
Most AI consultants come from tech and try to learn business.
We came from business first.
AI Growth Partners brings 65 combined years of operating experience across 17 industries, including 500% revenue growth at Wilson Lumber and 450% growth at Kudzu Millwork. We understand leadership, operational pressure, and what actually creates business value — because we have lived it ourselves.
That perspective changes how AI gets implemented.
About John
John’s career spans forty-plus years across seventeen industries. 500% revenue growth at Wilson Lumber. 450% growth at Kudzu Millwork and AllTemp Windows. Three-time C12 Member of the Year. Baylor Division I athlete. Called the “Ultimate Buffalo” by C12 CEO Mike Sharrow — the buffalo that runs into the storm to get through it faster.
John Marshall has spent his career leading businesses through growth, complexity, and operational pressure. Long before AI became mainstream, he was helping companies improve execution, scale operations, develop leaders, and navigate strategic decisions in highly competitive industries.
That operating experience shapes how AI Growth Partners approaches AI today.
John believes most businesses are asking the wrong question about AI. The conversation should not start with tools. It should start with leverage: how capable leaders can use AI to improve decision-making, execution, communication, and operational clarity inside the business.
His work combines practical business leadership with structured AI implementation designed specifically for mid-market operators.
In addition to his work with AI Growth Partners, John has spoken and written for organizations and platforms including C12 Business Forums, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, LBM Strategies, and hbsdealer.com.
Outside of business, John is passionate about mentorship, faith-driven leadership, family, and service through initiatives like Resurrected Rides.
WHY COMPANIES WORK WITH US
We came from business first.
John brings 40 years of operating experience across 17 industries. We have led companies, managed teams, grown revenue, navigated operational challenges, and made high-stakes decisions in real businesses long before AI entered the conversation.
That matters because AI does not create value in isolation.
It creates value when experienced leaders know where to apply it.
AI Growth Partners helps companies bridge the gap between AI capability and real operational impact — with structured workflows, leadership coaching, practical implementation, and measurable accountability.
In an Industry Built on Relationships,
The Human Side of AI Matters Most.
We believe AI should help businesses become clearer, stronger, and more effective — not more chaotic.
We believe leadership still matters more than technology.
We believe measurable business value matters more than hype.
And we believe the companies that win with AI over the next decade will not necessarily be the most technical. They will be the ones led by disciplined operators who learn how to apply leverage better and faster than everyone else.
Testimonials
Rob Wilson – CEO of Wilson Lumber
“Two words best describe John; intensity and discernment. Intensity because John does not suffer problems for long and is dedicated to finding the best possible path forward. His intense focus on always improving is a sure way to avoid being stuck. For discernment, Time and again I have seen him choose the best path forward; sometimes with lots of information and when it required, very little information. That in itself, is a rare talent.”
Craig Webb – Consultant to LBM dealers and manufacturers
“I first met John when he was writing a profile of Wilson Lumber when my magazine named it ProSales Dealer of the Year.
John was COO at the time, and it was immediately clear that this guy knew how to run a top-notch lumberyard and lead a team. Wilson’s executives had high expectations and worked hard to achieve their goals. Then and now, John searched constantly for ways to improve processes. His work in artificial intelligence combines with all his past experiences to make his recommendations especially valuable.“
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