John Collins '83

John is a serial entrepreneur and technology investor with extensive software and consulting experience ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies.

John founded Nolij Corporation and served as President and CEO from inception through its acquisition by Lexmark International in 2012. Under his leadership, Nolij grew from a single customer in 2002 to hundreds of colleges and universities across the US and around the world. Never one to shy away from a challenge, John has taken his experience with technology startups and applied it to a more recent passion: brewing.

John’s obsession with cutting edge technology led to his becoming the principal inventor on several US software patents and is the driving force behind the high level of technology built into the Great Marsh Brewing facility. It is his attention to detail and lifelong interest in continuous process improvement that has enabled him to perfect his unique approach to brewing. John is a longtime volunteer in the local community and currently serves on the boards of Care Dimensions, Northeast Hospital Corporation and The Community House of Hamilton. He also advises a variety of early-stage technology startups; something he's enjoyed doing since his work with the Columbia Entrepreneurship Coaches Network in 2014. John enjoys directing the brewery’s philanthropic and outreach efforts in the surrounding area and beyond.