Catch people doing something right. That simple creed shapes how Jon Katz leads, and it has helped him reimagine what a mission-driven enterprise can achieve. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Bestwork Industries for the Blind Inc., he has expanded both the business and the community it was built to serve.
When Katz arrived in 2021, the organization centered heavily on textile manufacturing and carried real concentration risk. He set a clear strategy to diversify the revenue engine and widen the footprint so employment would not be limited to those who could reach the Cherry Hill campus. Under his direction the company grew from one line of business into four that now span textile manufacturing, e-commerce, document scanning with digital imaging, plus kitting and light assembly. Three satellite locations opened across the state, and a reimagined model brought work closer to where people live.
Transportation has long been one of the greatest barriers to employment for people who are blind or visually impaired, and by removing it Katz increased access to jobs, training and upward mobility. The financial results were striking, but the mission impact mattered more, nearly doubling blind employment in five years while reducing portfolio risk and strengthening long-term sustainability.
He treats advocacy as a core leadership responsibility, authoring a white paper, testifying before legislators and championing a newly established services center that will bring vision screenings, low-vision exams and accessible technology to South Jersey. The values he fosters begin with mission-driven purpose, tying every strategic decision back to lasting impact, and extend through integrity, inclusive leadership, empowerment at every level and continuous improvement.
A three-year strategic plan now positions Bestwork Industries for the Blind as the most innovation-forward social enterprise employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in New Jersey, growing impact without losing the culture and discipline that made its transformation possible. Built on growth, transformation and expansion, that plan guides the path, including a targeted diversified revenue model, exploration of accessible technology-enabled offerings that team members can lead, and continued statewide reach through additional hubs.
His recognition among the 2026 Philadelphia Titan 100 Hall of Fame Honorees reflects a leader focused less on personal credit than on institutional durability. His stated aim is to put Bestwork Industries for the Blind in a position to thrive long after he is gone, building a deep bench of managers, promoting from within and ensuring financial resilience through diverse revenue streams and disciplined stewardship.
The counsel he offers the next generation carries the weight of experience. Lead by example, he urges, because people follow what you do rather than what you say. Surround yourself with great people and let them lead, stay a student of leadership and anchor everyone to the same guiding purpose.
Away from work, Katz recharges on two wheels, logging thousands of miles a year, and he dreams of taking all four grandchildren to Orlando together. His story is one of a Titan who turned a single mission into an expanding promise of dignity and opportunity.
Editorial Note: This profile reflects information submitted by the honoree at the time of their Titan 100 recognition in September 2026. Professional roles and affiliations may have changed since publication.