Inspire. Teach. Coach. Lead.

“Coach Hughes”

Meet John Hughes, also known as “Coach” Hughes. He embodies the spirit of coaching and mentorship, striving to make a meaningful impact on everyone around him.

Growing up in a family of passionate coaches and educators, Coach Hughes developed a deep respect for the transformative power of coaching and teaching. This upbringing fueled his appreciation for helping others reach their highest potential and highlighted how it positively impacted everyone involved. These personal experiences shaped him into a compassionate leader, equipping him with the insights necessary to inspire those around him. At the heart of his guiding philosophy is the belief that prioritizing the needs of others is key to achieving success, both personally and professionally.

What makes Coach Hughes’ journey even more inspiring is the resilience he has shown in overcoming learning challenges during his formative years, including ADD and dyslexia. This journey has not only shaped his character but also deepened his commitment to teaching and mentoring others who might struggle or feel like they don’t fit in. As a devoted father of three amazing children, particularly one who has autism, Coach Hughes is passionately dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities in the workplace for individuals with special needs. This personal connection to inclusivity drives his advocacy in all aspects of his life. Embracing the mantra of being a “Student of Learning,” he remains committed to mentoring, coaching, and empowering others on their unique paths.

With over 40 years of experience in training and coaching, Coach Hughes proudly holds the title of the longest-tenured employee at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems. His incredible journey began at the original Mike’s Subs in 1984 when he was just 19 years old, just before the brand transformed into the beloved Jersey Mike’s in 1986. Throughout his tenure, he has played an integral role in developing transformational training and leadership programs that have contributed to Jersey Mike’s impressive growth, which now boasts over 3,000 locations worldwide, with plans to expand by an additional 1,000 locations on the horizon. His innovative training initiatives have elevated Jersey Mike’s to a prominent position among restaurant chains across the nation. Throughout his distinguished career, Coach Hughes has taken on many influential roles within Jersey Mike’s, starting as a part-time employee while pursuing his college studies. He has progressed through the ranks to notable positions such as Store General Manager, Franchise Systems Director of Training, and eventually the Director of Operations. Currently, he proudly serves as one of the Senior Vice Presidents, acting as the Brand Ambassador for Leadership, Coaching, and Culture. In this key role, he works passionately to influence and nurture the lives of others, shaping the next generation of leaders. One of his proudest achievements is the creation of a comprehensive training curriculum that serves as a fundamental pillar in positioning Jersey Mike’s as a leading franchise in the country.

Coach Hughes' commitment to leadership and service extends far beyond the corporate realm. He has actively participated in the Council of Restaurant and Hotel Trainers and the National Speakers Association while also serving on the Board of Directors for the Robert Greenleaf Servant Leadership organization. His unwavering enthusiasm for service shines through in his relentless pursuit of opportunities to positively impact his community. This dedication was exemplified by his founding of the former JT Foundation for Autism Awareness, where he tirelessly advocated for the rights and needs of individuals with special needs.

Today, Coach Hughes is wholeheartedly focused on what he lovingly calls his “Passion Project”—a personal development platform known as Be BEST You. This dynamic initiative features a series of engaging podcasts that include interviews with authors, thought leaders, and other inspiring voices, all united by the belief that authentic leadership begins with a commitment to personal growth. There is also an inspirational BLOG and other valuable resources designed to guide individuals on their journeys to become the best versions of themselves. Additionally, he is currently writing his first book, set to be released in 2025 or 2026—an exciting endeavor indeed!

Stay tuned for uplifting stories and insights about Coach Hughes, his inspiring family, and the dedicated Be BEST You team—there’s a wealth of inspiration just around the corner!