Behind every successful organization are leaders who not only excel at solving problems but also inspire others to grow alongside them. At Pro-Tech Design, one of those leaders is John Vaughn, the General Manager at our Santa Fe Springs, CA headquarters. John is a seasoned engineer, a servant-minded leader, and someone whose career journey embodies thoughtful growth, curiosity, and purpose.
From Engineering Roots to Purpose-Driven Leadership
John’s story begins with a strong footing in engineering. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a foundation that gave him both technical depth and analytical rigor. Immediately after college, he landed at Motorola in Chicago as part of an engineering rotational program — a plum opportunity for any aspiring engineer.
His early years at Motorola were formative. From automotive pressure sensors to engine control modules, he learned how to design with precision and purpose. One of his proudest early accomplishments was designing a pressure sensor that went into every Ford Explorer. It was a patented device that monitored the closed-loop fuel system pressure to comply with increasing regulatory standards, while maintaining critical vehicle crash safety standards. These years gave him more than technical expertise — they also instilled a disciplined approach to problem-solving and an appreciation for regulatory compliance that he still carries today.
After Chicago, John moved to Phoenix with Motorola, and his work shifted to cellular network computing. While working full-time, John earned his MBA from Arizona State University and became certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt — a testament to his commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
A Journey Across Industries
Over the years, John’s career evolved beyond pure engineering. He moved into manufacturing and operations roles where he could influence both process and people. At Callaway Golf in Carlsbad, CA, he helped build a new manufacturing plant from the ground up, earning certification in lean manufacturing along the way.
From there, his path led him to the medical device industry, particularly DonJoy (now part of Enovis), where he managed and improved production of medical-related products including nerve stimulators, orthopedic braces, and compression socks.
This theme continued at Oliver Healthcare Packaging in Anaheim, where he was a Plant Manager and site leader and helped grow that facility’s revenue by roughly double over the course of five years.
Each step along the way in his career sharpened John’s understanding of what drives him most – work that contributes to something bigger than himself — whether that is improving products that serve people’s needs or helping teams reach their potential.
Why Pro-Tech? Why Now?
When an executive recruiter approached John about the opportunity at Pro-Tech, he saw a chance to marry his engineering background with a leadership philosophy grounded in lean principles and people development.
John reflects on this chapter of his career like this:
“I’ve always been driven by meaningful work — products and teams that matter. At Pro-Tech, I get to help create products that serve patients and customers while building a company culture where people feel empowered to take ownership and grow their careers.”
His leadership style isn’t about titles or hierarchy — it’s about enabling others to excel, share ideas, and contribute to a shared purpose. This servant leadership mindset, rooted in lean thinking, resonates deeply throughout Pro-Tech’s operations and culture.
Life Beyond Work
While John’s professional story is rich, so too is his life outside work. He is a dedicated husband and father of two, and he passionately engages in several interests outside of the office.
A lifelong enthusiast of the outdoors, John makes the most of local trails with regular hikes around Southern California. A few years ago, he and his son took on Angel’s Landing and The Narrows in Zion, an experience that sparked a tradition of adventuring, which they now look forward to each spring break.
John also enjoys playing guitar and singing. He even has a personal recording studio at his house, and over the years he’s recorded three albums spanning genres from Rock and Blues to Jazz — a creative outlet that complements his analytical mind with expressive freedom. He has passed along this musical passion to his daughter who also sings and performs.
Leading with Purpose — and Heart
At Pro-Tech Design, we are fortunate to have John at the helm in Santa Fe Springs — guiding the team with a blend of technical insight, operational excellence, and care for people.
John’s journey reminds us that a meaningful career is not always linear — it is shaped by curiosity, commitment, and the pursuit of work that makes a difference.