You’ve probably seen the name John Neville Blakemore III pop up if you follow Kentucky politics or the Louisville business scene, though most people just call him Neville. Honestly, he’s one of those guys who seems to have a hand in everything. One minute he's running for state treasurer, and the next he’s helping a mid-sized company navigate a complex merger. It is a career that doesn't follow a straight line.
Most people recognize him as the husband of Jessica Bird—the powerhouse author who writes the Black Dagger Brotherhood series under the pen name J.R. Ward—but reducing him to "famous spouse" ignores a pretty massive resume. Neville has spent over 30 years jumping between the high-stakes world of private equity, manufacturing, and public service.
Who is John Neville Blakemore III?
Basically, he is a strategist. Born into a family with deep roots (the name "Neville Blakemore" has been around for generations), he didn't just rest on his laurels. He went to Macalester College for his undergraduate degree in history before snagging an MBA from Boston University.
He isn't just a "suit," though.
Earlier in his career, he actually taught high school history. Imagine that—going from grading 10th-grade essays to managing multi-million dollar budgets. He eventually climbed the ladder at Great Northern Building Products, eventually becoming the Chairman. That’s where he really cut his teeth on the operational side of business.
A Pivot to Politics
Neville isn't shy about the "Democratic" label in a state that has trended increasingly red. He ran for Kentucky State Treasurer in 2015. He didn't win, losing in the primary to Rick Nelson, but he didn't exactly disappear from the public eye. He later ran for Jefferson County Clerk in 2022.
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Why does a business guy keep running for office?
During his campaigns, he talked a lot about "transparency" and being a "watchdog." He’s got this vibe of wanting to apply private-sector efficiency to government "red tape." Even though he hasn't held those specific constitutional offices, his influence in the Kentucky Democratic Party remains significant. He's been a member of the DNC and has worked with everyone from grassroots organizers to high-level lobbyists.
The Business Broker Era
Lately, Neville has shifted his focus toward M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions). If you look at his work with firms like Pursant or his profile with the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), you see a guy who specializes in the "un-sexy" but vital industries. We're talking:
- Logistics and distribution.
- Light manufacturing.
- Construction materials.
- B2B services.
He’s the guy you call when you’ve spent 40 years building a family business and finally want to sell it so you can retire to Florida. He understands the "emotional" side of selling a business, not just the spreadsheets.
Why his perspective on M&A matters
Most brokers just want the commission. Neville’s background as a CEO and a former Chairman means he actually knows what it’s like to sit in the big chair. He’s seen the "guts" of a company. He has served on over 30 non-profit boards, from criminal justice reform groups to arts councils. That gives him a weirdly broad perspective on how a business fits into a community, which is something you don't usually get from a standard investment banker.
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Clearing Up the Confusion
If you search for "John Neville Blakemore," you might get a bit lost. History buffs might stumble upon General John Neville from the Whiskey Rebellion or a John Neville who arrived in Maryland in 1634 on the Ark and Dove.
This Neville—the third—is very much a modern-day Kentuckian.
He lives in Louisville with Jessica and their daughter. While his wife is busy building vampire empires in her novels, Neville is usually found in the "real" world, dealing with balance sheets or civic committees. It’s a bit of a "power couple" dynamic, but they keep a relatively low profile considering their respective levels of success.
What You Can Learn From His Career
Neville’s trajectory teaches a few specific things about staying relevant in a shifting economy.
First, diversify your skill set. Don't just be "the marketing guy" or "the finance guy." Neville has been a teacher, a marketing director, a CEO, and a political candidate. That makes him "anti-fragile." If one industry tanks, he has four other rooms he can walk into and be the smartest person there.
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Second, civic engagement is a long game. Even if you don't win the election, the connections you make and the reputation you build as a "serious person" carry over into your professional life.
Lastly, focus on the "boring" stuff. While everyone else is chasing the next tech startup, Neville has made a killing in building products and logistics. There is massive wealth in the things people take for granted, like the materials used to build your house or the trucks that deliver your groceries.
Next Steps for Business Owners
If you are looking to exit your business or need a consultant who understands both the private and public sectors in the Midwest, looking into Neville’s work at Pursant is a solid move. You should also check out his contributions to Louisville non-profits like the YMCA Safe Place or Volunteers of America Mid-States to see how he approaches community leadership.