Meet John Hargreaves, AbClo’s Passionate Business Director

John Hargreaves posing with the Queens Rugby team

Meet John Hargreaves, AbClo’s Passionate Business Director 

 

In the world of business development, few young professionals bring the same blend of scientific curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to sustainability as John Hargreaves, the Director of Business Development at AbClo

With a background in biochemistry and experience navigating both the research and business sides of healthcare, John brings a unique perspective to his role. 

His journey, shaped by early academic influences and hands-on experience, underscores his passion for innovation and creating sustainable solutions that make a tangible difference.

 

Early Years of Science and Problem-Solving

John Hargreaves in the early yearsNature was always a draw for John and visiting Canadian Provincial and National Parks continually re-ignited this strong interest in biological systems. Pictured above is John walking in the Bay of Fundy tidal zone.

 

John’s interest in science began long before his university years. Growing up as the youngest of three, John was often influenced by his siblings’ interests and paths. Some of John’s most memorable ‘lightbulb moments’ came from discussions with his sister who studied Biochemistry at Queen’s University while John was entering high school.

 

John with his siblingsJohn’s brother, Adam (Left), and sister, Samantha (Middle) pictured above during Christmas.

 

“She would share all the fascinating topics she was studying; cell development, genetic engineering, and the cutting-edge concepts she learned. I was captivated by the complexity and the uncertainty of science,” John recalls.

From an early age, John was drawn to problem-solving. Whether it was through playing with toys, where he would intuitively build and deconstruct, or through his fun interest in educational TV like BBC’s show Nova, his fascination with basic functionality of living things grew. An adventurous mind in his younger years ignited a pursuit for answers, ultimately leading him to biochemistry as he approached university. 

“Biochemistry questions boundaries of knowledge that consistently intrigue me. The idea that there’s so much more to learn and that we don’t have all the answers yet, that makes me want to get out of bed every day” he says.

 

John (right) with his high school classmates after receiving a top-of-class award in Science at Neil McNeil Secondary Schoo

From Biochemistry to Business Development

 

John’s path to business development followed a serendipitous winding road. Although he started with a strong academic foundation in biochemistry, his interests soon expanded to include project development and entrepreneurial innovation. His sister, an accomplished debater interested in IP law but later found litigation, had a profound influence on him. 

 

John Hargreaves posing with the Queens Rugby teamJohn (middle) was a student-athlete throughout his university career, playing for the Queen’s Men’s Rugby Team. He was lucky enough to share these memories with his housemates of 3 years (pictured above).

 

“She was planning on becoming a lawyer to defend scientists and their innovations,” John explains. “I wanted to bridge that gap between science and business, so I chose a different route.”

After completing his studies at Queen’s University, and following a few months of acclimating to the world of being a graduate, John met Chris Bass, CEO and Founder of InventoRR MD, and was offered an intern position.

The shift into business development, particularly at AbClo, was a natural progression following his roles throughout university. 

“I was drawn to the idea of how a company could make a meaningful impact on healthcare,” he reflects. “I wanted to know how to build something from the ground up and introduce innovative products into the healthcare ecosystem.”

 

Sustainability and Innovation as a Mindset

 

John’s approach to business development is deeply intertwined with his commitment to sustainability. This is shown no better than through his role as Director of Retrofits with Greenovations, a student founded and run club at Queen’s University that provides free in-home retrofits to student homes, making the community more energy efficient and sustainable. 

“Greenovations ran a few initiatives, all centered around creating a more accessible, sustainable community. My initiative included going into homes and making them more energy-efficient; installing low-flow taps, changing light bulbs, and insulating homes, as well as educating fellow students on how to make small, daily impacts in their lives” he recalls. “It was rewarding because I saw firsthand how small changes could have a big impact.”

At AbClo, sustainability continues to be a driving force. 

 

John at a conference showcasing AbClo & InventoRR MDPioneering awareness for AbClo is an essential function as Director of Business Developement. Shown is John while visiting LSU/UMC wearing his branded AbClo scrubs! 

 

“Sustainability isn’t just about recycling materials; it’s about creating systems that allow us to reduce waste and make better use of our resources,” John explains. “We strive to use recyclable packaging for our products, and I’m passionate about finding ways to develop new commercial options from renewable resources. At AbClo, we’re innovating in ways that not only address healthcare challenges but also consider benefiting our healthy planet.”

John believes that sustainable innovation has the potential to reshape industries, including healthcare. “The beauty of biochemistry is that it’s not just theoretical—it’s something that can be used to solve real-world problems,” he says. “Imagine using mycelium for packaging foam and home insulation or creating concrete from sustainable sources. That’s where the future lies.”

 

The Power of Data

 

A key component of John’s role in business development at AbClo is leveraging his background in research and data analysis. He believes that data is crucial for making informed decisions and building trust with customers. 

“The only way to prove a hypothesis truly correct is through fact-based findings. You have to be able to read scientific papers, understand the methodology, and translate those findings into something people can understand,” John explains.

This ability to sift through complex information and extract the most relevant insights is invaluable when building relationships with potential customers, especially in industries like healthcare where trust is paramount. 

“Numbers don’t lie. Understanding the nuances in data and being able to present it in a digestible format is essential,” he adds.

This approach has led to consistent success for AbClo and has driven the continual addition of impactful peer-reviewed data to an already strong clinical file. 

 

Building Relationships and Overcoming Challenges

 

John’s early career was marked by diverse roles that put him in direct contact with customers—from door-to-door sales to working in restaurants and on hockey rinks. 

“I’ve had a lot of customer-facing jobs, which helped me develop my communication skills,” he says. These experiences shaped his approach to building relationships, which are grounded in authenticity and a genuine desire to connect.

“People don’t want to feel like they’re just another transaction. By staying authentic and building a personal connection, we create an environment where things are smoother and people are more willing to help,” John explains. This personal connection, he believes, is key to creating strong, lasting relationships with customers.

Of course, the journey hasn’t always been easy. One of the biggest challenges John faced was making the leap from university into the professional world. 

“After university, everything feels less structured. The support systems aren’t as apparent, and the path isn’t as clear,” he reflects. “But through persistence, networking, and showing up every day, I was able to carve out my path.”

 

Looking Ahead with AbClo

 

Looking forward, John is optimistic about the future of AbClo and the field of sustainable medical technology. 

“I believe in the power of our product and the impact it can have in healthcare,” he says. “AbClo can help solve a huge problem in trauma and open abdomen procedures, and we’re focused on ensuring that the customer experience is top-notch. We want to push the envelope on innovation and never become stagnant.”

John’s vision for AbClo is clear: to build a company that is not only known for its groundbreaking products but also for its commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability, and innovation. 

“Good things are coming,” he says. “I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

With his scientific background, passion for sustainability, and relentless drive to push the boundaries of innovation, John Hargreaves is well-positioned to lead AbClo into the future and continue making a meaningful impact on both healthcare and the planet.

Browse our other team spotlights here.

 

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