Mr. John "Thunder" Thornton began his working life at Salem Carpets and Beaulieu of America and quickly launched a very successful career. In 1984, he founded American Rug Craftsmen, Inc., which became the nation's largest producer of decorative floor mats. American Rug Craftsmen was a supplier to Wal-Mart, and under John's leadership, was named Wal-Mart's vendor of the year twice. John was named Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1992, and American Rug Craftsmen was named to Inc. Magazine's list of "Fastest Growing Companies in America."

In 1991, John founded Thunder Enterprises LLC, a real estate development company. In 1992, he founded Thunder Air, Inc.

Beginning in 1991, John developed real estate properties in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Thunder Enterprises has developed high-end real estate communities in eight states, including several developments in Tennessee. His real estate operations in Tennessee include Tennessee National, The Ridges of Franklin Forest, Thunder Farms, Thunder Pointe, Jasper Highlands, Riverton, and River Gorge Ranch.

Before he began his career, John graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College with a Bachelor's degree in business management. In 1994, John was named TWC's Most Distinguished Alumnus.

In addition to his entrepreneurial work, John currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of, Hardwick Clothes and Genera Energy. John has served as a trustee for University of Tennessee, Bright School, Baylor School and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor's Round Table and the University of Tennessee Development Council. He was also one of the first inductees into the UTC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Chaired the Capital Campaign for the Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center and the Wolford Family Strength and Conditioning Center.

He is a past co-chairperson of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols Development Campaign and past chairman of Chattanooga United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society. John also served as member of the Board of Directors of Propex Inc., INBRAND Corp, Olan Mills Inc. and Med Center Display.

John resides in Chattanooga with his wife Eileen, children, and grandchildren.