John Arwood – founder of Arwood Site Services, a demolition, cleanup and waste management site service company based in Jacksonville, Fl – started his path to success with humble beginnings. Growing up in challenging circumstances, John learned early that nothing came without hard work and perseverance. At the young age of five, he would accompany his father—a hardworking welder and preacher—on side jobs on the weekends, taking on roofing, painting and almost any task that could help him provide for the family. Through it all, his father taught him not only the value of hard work but also the joy of giving back to others.  This work ethic and discipline instilled in John from a young age helped him create the foundation he would follow throughout his personal and professional life, helping him overcome hardships and build something meaningful

While John attended primary, middle, and high school, he decided to start his own side business to help support his family. Collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans, he developed a quiet passion for recycling and focused on turning the “rubbish” others discarded into something useful. Once John hit high school, more doors opened for his business to grow. He took a leap of faith by placing a simple ad in the Florida Times-Union for “Light Hauling and Junk Removal” helping him gain quick traction. Additionally, he recycled wood and paint from his jobs, handmade signs, and nailed them to trees across North Florida while heading to his next cleanup. Those simple signs and John’s humble persistence captured the attention of Summer Homes, the largest developer at the time,who was having issues with the cleaning process and dumpsters on their construction properties. With around 900 homes getting built annually, this meant the work for John was going to increase significantly. To achieve the success that was ahead of him, John’s father quit his job to help him grow and build the largest privately owned waste company in North Florida.

Because of the experiences he gained throughout the years of showing up every day and working diligently, John became a successful businessman who went on to build more than 20 different businesses, all stemming from the waste and recycling industry. John challenged the notion that a college degree is a prerequisite for success, yet he remained a lifelong learner. Self-education, real-world experiences, and always seeking wisdom from the people around him enabled him to become a master of the industries he chose to explore in the future. With that being said, he is a big believer in education, both in school and through experience. “The people you speak to and decide to work with along the way, can forever help you set the course of your path,” he says “If you find someone who understands your mission and cares as much as you do, never let them go. This applies to personal, business, and financial decisions.”

Just as John is passionate about giving back and making a positive impact, he sees that same purpose reflected in Cogent Bank’s values. Their shared commitment to integrity, innovation and community strengthens the trust he places in them as a true financial partner.

Today, Cogent Bank’s tailored financial services continue to support John while he scales Arwood Site Services. He understands the value of having a banking partner who not only understands the obstacles entrepreneurs face but also helps navigate the path with confidence and clarity. John knows he can rely on Cogent Bank for trusted guidance when it comes to his banking solutions.