2021

Fair Oaks Ranch TX

Business Management Consultant

Of The Year

"John is an 'exemplary publishing member' with Forbes Coaches Council. I use his profile as the example for new members to model their profiles after."

John Knotts Uses Forbes Councils Publishing to Build His Brand

~ Sara Adams

"I have had the privilege of knowing and working closely with John Knotts over the past year and can confidently attest to his outstanding professional capabilities and dedication to driving organizational excellence. John possesses an impressive array of qualifications, including a Master's Degree in Quality Systems Management, a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, and a Master's-level Certification in Change Management from Georgetown University. He is also certified in Prosci's ADKAR Change Management process, demonstrating a deep understanding of effective change strategies.

Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology through Walden University, John combines his extensive academic knowledge with practical experience gained during an illustrious career. After retiring from the United States Air Force in 2008, where he served as an internal strategic business consultant for 11 years, John founded Crosscutter Enterprises. He further honed his strategic and organizational leadership skills at Booz | Allen | Hamilton, a top consulting firm, and during his tenure as an internal consultant with United Services Automobile Association.

John's expertise spans various critical domains, including Strategy, Performance, Process, Change, Development, and Management. Throughout his career, he has showcased his strategic acumen by leading and overseeing numerous complex projects, such as strategic planning for the Belgium Air Force, development of Air Force's strategic planning models, and leading competitive outsourcing engagements. His visionary leadership was pivotal in major strategic mergers for the military and government, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes.

Additionally, John's impact extends beyond traditional corporate realms. He has held significant leadership positions in both European and U.S.-based nonprofits, showcasing his commitment to social and community development. His experience as President and Chief Editor of a local digital magazine and his patent-pending work on a Document Management Maturity Model (DM3) underline his innovative thinking and commitment to progress.

John's dedication to education is evident through his roles as Adjunct Faculty at esteemed institutions like Hallmark University and the National Graduate School. Furthermore, his participation as a Forbes Coaches Council Member and volunteer work with SCORE reflects his willingness to contribute to professional growth and mentorship.

John Knotts is a seasoned professional with a remarkable track record in driving strategic growth, enhancing performance, and navigating change. His blend of academic achievements, extensive professional experience, and commitment to community and education make him a true asset in any endeavor he undertakes. I wholeheartedly recommend John for his exceptional abilities, integrity, and positive impact on organizations and individuals like me!"

~ Ray Trevino

"I am immensely grateful for the incredible coaching sessions I have had with John. His guidance on Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, along with his insights on goal setting and strategy, have been truly transformative.
John's dedication and expertise have not only equipped me with valuable skills but have also inspired me to strive towards becoming the best version of myself. His support and encouragement throughout this journey have been exceptional.

Thank you, John, for being an outstanding coach and mentor."

~ Dhanalakshmi H

"One of my favorite aspects was having time with my coach, John. With his experience, insight, and mentorship, he helped me focus my efforts whether within the training or on current projects to challenge me and make a real impact in anything I do. I also enjoy our conversations."

~ Adam Wyatt

August 2023

"I’ve known John for nearly two years, and during that time I’ve enjoyed dozens of spirited conversations with him on a wide variety of subjects drawn from his decades of real-world practical business experience. John is super-energetic, highly articulate, wicked-smart and, possessed as he is by the demon of common sense, suffers no fools and takes no prisoners. If you’re looking for a business operations consultant or coach, I have good news: you can stop looking and call John.

John’s definitely the guy you want standing in your way when you can’t figure out how to get out of your own way."

April 2022

"Truly successful outcomes in any business consultancy emerge from the depth of the consultants' approach. Do they rigidly follow a one-size-fits-all scripted playbook, or do they take the lead in crafting bespoke solutions for their clients? Do they settle for dealing with the symptoms of a problem, or dive deep to find and fix the underlying causes?

You won't find John Knotts on the beaten path. John's a one-of-a-kind business advisor with a knack for taking you to the heart of the things that matter to you and equipping you with the tools and skills you need to fix them, once and for all.

As a business coach, he'll challenge and shape your thinking to help you become the best possible version of yourself. As founder and fractional COO at his company, Crosscutter Enterprises, he'll look beyond your company's numbers to help you build reliable and repeatable processes that will greatly improve them.

I highly recommend John as a superior business coach, a highly effective COO, a speaker of truth (including the inconvenient kind), and the kind of trusted ally you want on your team as you plan and execute on your business strategy."

~ Al Cini

"John is one of the most generous with knowledge, information, and connections that I've ever met. He is legitimately an expert in such a wide variety of things, and somehow both bon vivant and critical at the same time. An absolute gold mine for your personal development in business, and valuable strategic partner if one is lucky enough to combine efforts."

~ Scott Boddie

"I met John when he led a strategic planning session for a chamber board of directors, of which I was a member, in 2019. The energy and time he put into the preliminary work, assessments, recommended strategies and follow up/through inspired me and my colleagues as well as proved beneficial for the organization.

John and I reconnected as members of a Toastmasters club where his contributions, engaging presentations and ability to think creatively helped raise our club’s membership, leadership and experience.

Fast forward to today: he leads an incredible business (which he makes look easy) yet he manages to give back often. He possesses an amazing ability to ask hard questions, and put things in perspective. Conversations with him turn into teachable moments, and bring out really effective solutions. Beyond that, John truly cares about people. He’s a great friend, makes time to check in, listens, encourages, and shows up. John, thank you for who you are. #successincubator #inthearena"

~ Pat Rodriquez

"Practical, personable, professional.

A great man."

~ William Skaradek

"Over the course of the past 9 months, John and I have had a handful of meetings and every time we meet, I learn so much from his business wisdom. Whether you need a fractional COO, personal development (coaching) or are having issues in your business and you need a brilliant business consultant, you will be well served to work with John. His effectiveness is based on the deep, probing questions that he asks to get you to think. And then he asks more questions to get you to think even more. The result will be that you and your business will greatly improve and that to me is what an effective coach/consultant is all about. I value my relationship with John a great deal and I know you will too."

~ Dean Wiener

"John, has provided me with some excellent advice, and guidance. This has enabled me to become much more structured in my approach to organisational improvement, process management and become a more strategic thinker. Over a short period of time his guidance has significantly contributed to my personal development and knowledge management. I would highly recommend John to anyone wishing to develop themselves grow their business or organisation."

~ Charlie Tindill

"I would like to thank John for his assistance and guidance with providing me with a better understanding of the Lean Six Sigma principles. Due to John’s continued support, I was able to obtain my Green Belt certification. I would highly recommend John to anyone that is looking to further their career development."

~ Michael Scarpignato

"I have known John as a LSS coach for black belts practitioners, and through our month of working together he has demonstrated a vast knowledge of project flow, six sigma statistical analysis, focuses on what's important, and practical cases examples that are the result of his experience in the engineering field, he is a great coach."

~ Angelo Daonil Diaz Guerrero

"John was the catalyst that turned a mature, sluggish, expensive set of processes into lean, focused and agile ones through his in-depth process engineering knowledge and strong people skills. But more importantly, he was the catalyst that changed the culture of the entire organization into one that was focused on process excellence and management by fact."

~ Mark Still

"Strategic, compassionate, engaging, confident, and altruistic are "top of mind" phrases about John Knotts."

~ Monica Hayes

"John is one of the best strategic planners and process engineers I know."

~ Richard Agee

"John is one of those people who are drivers of change. He is proactive, creative, and full of energy."

~ Dr. CMSgt (Ret) Jose LugoSantiago

"When I think of the Air Force Sergeants Association and Europe, I see John’s face. I have not seen or meet anyone since who was better at this position than he…John is a natural leader."

~ CMSgt (Ret) Vickie Coleman, CEO

"John provided rock-solid analysis and leadership for Booz | Allen | Hamilton and Air Force Personnel"

~ Kraig “Bear” Kroft

"When you need a hard job completed, John has the track record, aptitude, management, and more importantly, leadership skills to make it happen."

~ CMSgt (Ret) Jack De Forrest III

"John is an intelligent, skillful and committed professional who strives for excellence in his craft. He is intentional in understanding client business needs and endeavors to effectively meet the return on expectation and investment. An invaluable asset!"

~ Dr. Sydney Savion

"John is a superb manager and visionary with a broad spectrum of capabilities that lead to success in any organization"

~ James Fleming

"John is a true change agent, whether it be in government, corporate America, or even in his personal life. He's one of those rare breeds who is self-motivated, thrives on constant improvement, and checks his ego at the door."

~Amber Cargile

"In my 20+ years of professional experience, John is the most talented and knowledgeable strategic planner I have met."

~ Dan Bredeson

"Embodies the spirit of "servant leader" both for his direct reports and the clients that he serves. He's a true consultant in that he not only provides advice but he also executes and takes a stake in the success of whatever he recommends."

~ James Grant

"What has impressed me most is his perspectives on determination, strategy, leadership, and communication. His background and experience is a testimony of his commitment to process improvement, and being a solution provider."

~ Eric Pena

"A seasoned coach and trainer in leadership and managements, the niche he seems to have learned, accumulated real life skills and experiences. John seems to have captured extreme details ( what other leaders seems to have ignored and taken for granted) of what happens in organizations across the world."

~ Mwithia Livingstone

"John is a strong leader and a skilled coach and teacher. He is always willing to lend a hand with a team in coaching or rolling up his sleeves and digging in to finish a project. I would gladly work with for or around John at a moment's notice!"

~ Nicole Pauley

"If you're looking for someone to help you with Leadership Development, John is your guy."

~ Deborrah Ashley

"He is an individual with a high caliber. His actions are clear and goal-oriented. Some of his superpowers include Program Management, Change Management, Leadership Development, Business Process Improvement, etc. Over that, he is a great human being with a golden heart. He aims at giving back to the community by sharing daily insights via his informative posts."

~ Suprabhat Das

"Incredibly knowledgeable about setting business strategy & vision, goal setting, and strategic leadership practices. His vast business experience enables him to help business owners on many levels. He’s a “Success Incubator” because he truly cares about helping individuals and organizations to learn, grow, and reach their full potential."

~ Krista Spence

"Showed great team player attributes and has the highest integrity and is a role model for many of his peers and colleagues. He is also a natural leader outside work. He is analytical, bright and works hard to find practical solutions that he is able to bring others with him to implement."

~ David Bradshaw

"John is a coach's coach. He's patient, articulate, and cuts through what seem to be complex issues in my own head - with real clarity. More than anything, John helps me uncover answers myself, calls me out on areas I need to improve, and helps keep me accountable. And I know from working with him, he walks his own talk. If you are looking for clarity, or help just being your best self, no question I recommend John."

~ Ray Green

"Knotts is a well thought out leader, coach and mentor. His interview prep guide has helped various people like me. Highly recommend anyone that needs a mentor and or a strategic problem solver."

~ Shri

"I had a great time working with John Knotts! We were able to identify key steps to take and develop a strategy in how to reach each step. I would highly recommend John to any business, small or large, that's seeking guidance identifying growth opportunities and create a strategy for the future."

~ Kyle Weckerly

"John Knotts' book - Becoming Unbelievably Successful is a must-read. Once I began to read it, I couldn't stop until I finished! Extremely powerful novel, I highly recommend this to high school and college students, especially because it can change our perspective on life and provide us with entrepreneurial tools we need to lead the future of tomorrow. As always, John's extensive business experience has led him to publish an influential book for our generations! So excited for all that's to come in the future John!"

~ Selvi Arora

2025

"John is the kind of leader who leaves nothing but success in his wake, as he always says.It's his goal. From the moment I met him, John has provided incredible value—not just to me but to countless others. His deep knowledge of business structure and strategy makes him an invaluable resource for new entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners who are looking for new direction. He is exactly what we imagine a business coach/consultant to be. 

Beyond his hands-on guidance, John has also written numerous books on business success, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. His insights are not theoretical. They are practical, hands on, and designed to help business owners achieve real results. My favorite book is Becoming Unbelievably Successful, which is a more like business manual. It's a powerful "how-to" guide.

2022

"John doesn’t just share advice; he actively helps people, as he did me, to implement strategies that drive growth. His generosity, insight, and commitment to seeing others succeed make him someone every business owner should have in their corner. I highly recommend connecting with him if you’re looking to scale, refine your approach, or gain fresh, actionable strategies. You'll be glad you did."

2020

"I first met John when he spoke at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. He is an excellent speaker who holds his audience's attention and keeps them engaged. He is a natural mentor and coach. He knows how to get people thinking by asking thought-provoking questions. John is passionate about all of his endeavors. He is a truly successful human being, not just in business but in life."

~ Jane Lehman

"I connected with John on LinkedIn, about a year ago as a contributing writer through Global Business Playbook (GBP). Since then, I have always enjoyed his highly informative articles in GBP, thought provoking posts and comment engagements on LinkedIn, and his various other publications.

I always appreciated the self-reflection and empowering nature of his content, which I also experienced in a 2.5-hour value packed one-one conversation, I recently had with him. The awesome conversation included so much giving, sharing, and mentoring by John. What really stood out for me is the calm and expertise he spoke with, which clearly reflected his real-life experiences of having been there and done it. And what truly impressed me is - he has been doing what he does best for so long, that now it is no longer work but second nature to him. As he discussed his experiences, I learnt that he lives by the strategies he shares and coaches people on. His success is proof of the success one would achieve, if his suggestions are followed right, because he tries and tests them first.

Congratulations! John for the wonderful work you are doing. Your title ‘Success Incubator’ is very fitting, considering your own success and the success you help others achieve, through your personal and professional life journey. Wishing you the best."

~ Sushma Mamindlapalli

"John is the master at helping you organize and promote your LinkedIn account and activities. Through his superb tools, tips and techniques, anyone would benefit from getting his advice. I’m sure by following up on even some of what he taught me will pay off greatly. Thanks John!"

"I have known John for several years. Extremely knowledgeable in strategic planning, SWOT analysis and business process engineering. Always found him great to work with."

"John pushed me to grow personally and professionally. His extensive work experience, ability to explain complex topics, and attention to detail are just a couple of the things that stand out about my time with him. If you are looking for a coach or a consultant I highly recommend reaching out to John!"

~ Scott McClurg

"John is a dynamic and process-driven leader. He is passionate about processes and is very active in consulting and building businesses to be better. I am very happy that we get to spend a short time getting to know him and learning from him."

~ Avery Duke

"If you’re looking for a standout mentor or coach, John is the one you need in your corner! When I returned to LinkedIn after a two-year hiatus, it seemed like I was learning to navigate a new planet! Much had changed, and my posts were receiving little engagement; I felt ready to quit. On a whim, I reached out to John -and it has since been a continual upward journey of successful growth and learning. John has a brilliantly organized mind and a passion for efficiency. What truly sets him apart is his deep desire to help others become the best version of themselves. He also has this innate ability to draw out the best in you by identifying those self-imposed blocks, illuminating them, and then helping you tear them down. Through his critical-thinking style, he has taught me to dig deep, discover the root cause of my limitations, and weed them out. To ALWAYS be curious, and never afraid of not knowing the answer. The ultimate mentor, John, is an invaluable asset for anyone seeking success in their professional, personal, or business lives."

~ Cynthia Soares-Harfoush

"John is brilliant and standouts when it comes to developing a personal strategic plan. His biggest strength is to help individuals with his step-by-step approach, discussions, and eventually breaking down into smaller pieces to articulate the plan."

~ Vikram Sarveiya

"He provided insight into which areas to focus on in moving my own business forward and was very generous with his time and experience. The wealth of experience and knowledge he possesses will address your success challenges."

~ Darryl Treadwell

"I have no words to describe how awesome you were as my coach.

I learned so many new skills that I can apply not only to my professional environment but also to my personal life.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Mo."

~ Murilo (Mo) Pinto

"John was my Coach while I completed my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification through Gemba Academy, and I cannot say enough about how valuable his guidance was to the experience. John recognized that I tend to overanalyze and overthink (probably due to my engineering background) and through the course of the program if he noticed I was struggling to progress past some arbitrary bottleneck, he kindly challenged me to just go for it and see how things play out. A perfect example of this was before I took the last test, he sent me a message and told me to not waste time studying and reviewing my notes before the test, something similar to " You know this material already! Just take the test!"

John continued to give me guidance after the black belt program was complete, while I started my consulting business and began building partnerships with clients. John helped me connect with an awesome company looking for a Lean consultant to help improve their operations culture and his recommendation helped me secure a contract with a company that I love working with and find the work they do to be really fascinating! John cares about the success of those he mentors and interacts with. He is an excellent communicator and I am so thankful to have had him to guide me through my Black Belt certification and I'll continue to watch out for the knowledge he shares through his social media posts and books and his blog."

~ Tanner McClure

"John is a well rounded individual that believes not just in the short vision of helping an individual / organization, but the actual long term holistic growth. I totally understand what he meant as when he referred to be a professional coach incubator, he really loves sharing knowledge and devotes to see purpose grow in each individual as he reaches deep for ways of thinking that most of the times prevent us from becoming a fearless version of ourselves.

During our coaching calls he was always promoting a scientific problem solving approach as well as self-discovery of solutions (kata); and he didn’t shy away from sharing real experiences. 

Is easier to follow a leader when you see that the person has spent a fair share of time in the trenches; John is that type of leader, someone that leads by example.
I most definitely recommend John for any endeavor you may face ahead specially if you feel or believe that the future is uncertain or you feel unprepared, he will bring you back to earth."

~ Carlos Pereyra