Four Leaf Communications Founder & President John Laughrin, a 2005 UW-Green Bay graduate, has announced a contribution to UW-Green Bay Athletics in support of the Phoenix Rise initiative. The gift reflects Laughrin’s lifelong connection to the Phoenix and his commitment to helping the program compete and win at the highest level.
Four Leaf Communications officially celebrated its launch on Tuesday, August 12, with a ribbon cutting at its headquarters inside the Startup Hub, powered by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce on NWTC’s campus. The event drew dozens of community members, elected officials, business partners, family, friends, and local media, all gathered to support the company founded by longtime news leader John Laughrin.
Among those in attendance were Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, State Senator Jamie Wall, State Representative Ryan Spaude, and Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. Mayor Genrich and Senator Wall both addressed the crowd, offering words of support for Laughrin and emphasizing the importance of thriving small businesses in Northeast Wisconsin.
For Laughrin, the show of support was hard to put into words. In his remarks, he compared starting a business to riding a rollercoaster. “It’s thrilling, terrifying, and sometimes you close your eyes and just pray there is still track ahead of you,” he said. “Today is one of those thrilling days, to see so many amazing people standing with me. You are my village, and it takes a village to build something special from scratch.”
Advisory Board member Brad Heinkel also addressed the group. Laughrin and Heinkel worked together at two television stations, and Laughrin described him as both a mentor and a friend. “When John asked me to join the board, I didn’t hesitate,” Heinkel told the crowd. “His leadership, vision, and ability to connect people are clear indicators that Four Leaf will be successful.”
The event was also covered by WFRV, which highlighted Laughrin’s transition from television news to business ownership and showcased the Startup Hub’s role in supporting new businesses across the region.
Family support was a visible part of the celebration as well. Laughrin’s wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Clover, the inspiration behind the Four Leaf name, were by his side, symbolizing the personal roots of the company’s journey.
For Laughrin, who spent 25 years leading newsrooms before founding Four Leaf Communications, the ribbon cutting was more than ceremonial. It marked the beginning of a new chapter. “Launching Four Leaf isn’t just about starting a business,” he said. “It’s about building something meaningful with the people who believe in me. Having this village behind me gives me the confidence that we’re going to do great things together.”
In June 2025, Four Leaf Communications established an Advisory Board to help guide the company’s growth and long-term strategy. The board includes three respected media veterans: Jim Arneson, Brad Heinkel, and Mike Smith, who bring decades of experience in broadcasting, sales, and executive leadership. Their insight will help strengthen Four Leaf’s mission to support small and mid-sized businesses across Northeast Wisconsin.
After decades of dedicated service to Northeast Wisconsin’s viewers, FOX 11 News Director Juli Buehler is retiring. Juli’s leadership, commitment to excellence, and unwavering journalistic integrity have left a lasting mark on local news and on those of us lucky enough to work alongside her.
Four Leaf Founder John Laughrin was honored to be included in this tribute piece alongside fellow newsroom veterans, sharing stories and reflecting on Juli’s incredible career. From major elections to community coverage, her guidance helped shape the way news was delivered in our region.
Watch the full story from FOX 11:
Juli Buehler Retires: Tributes from Newsroom Colleagues
After 25 years in local television news, John Laughrin made the leap into something entirely new, and deeply personal. He recently had the honor of being featured in a story by WFRV Local 5’s Timothy Littau, who captured not only John’s career journey, but also the heart behind launching Four Leaf Communications.
🎥 The video and article take you inside the highs, the challenges, and the “what if” that became a “why not.”
📖 Take a look, and thank you for being part of this next chapter.
👉 https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/john-laughrin-reflects-on-25-years-in-green-bay-news-launches-four-leaf-communications/
