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John Ouzounis

John OuzounisJohn OuzounisJohn Ouzounis
Reach Out

(416) 722-0206

John Ouzounis

John OuzounisJohn OuzounisJohn Ouzounis
Reach Out

(416) 722-0206

What's Up?

Right Now

Looking back at my journey so far, I’m pretty proud of how far I’ve pushed myself, especially when it comes to mountains, endurance sports, and giving back.

My Mountains

Mountaineering has become a big part of my life. I’ve been fortunate to stand on the summits of some of the world’s most recognizable mountains and to trek through some pretty incredible places along the way.

Mount Kilimanjaro — Tanzania, January 2017
At 5,895 metres (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. The climb takes you through an amazing range of environments, from tropical rainforest to alpine desert and, eventually, the summit.

Mount Elbrus — Russia, June 2018
At 5,642 metres (18,510 feet), Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. It’s a dormant volcano in the Caucasus, and the climb was a completely different experience from Kilimanjaro.

Low’s Peak, Mount Kinabalu — Malaysia, April 2019
At 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), Low’s Peak is the highest point in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The mountain is famous for its incredible biodiversity, dramatic landscape, and challenging summit climb.

Everest Base Camp — Nepal, September 2025
A roughly 130-mile, two-week trek through the Himalayas, reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres (17,598 feet). Unlike the other climbs, the goal wasn't the summit of Everest—it was the journey to the base of the world’s highest mountain.


Each mountain has given me something different. Some were physically demanding, some mentally challenging, and others were simply about putting one foot in front of the other and continuing when I would rather stop.

More Than Mountains

The mountains are only part of my athletic journey. I ran my first marathon in 2015, which was a pretty significant milestone for me. Completing 42.2 kilometres taught me a lot about endurance, pacing, and, probably most importantly, not quitting when things get uncomfortable. I’ve also spent years playing ice hockey, both as a forward and a goaltender. The two positions couldn't be more different. As a forward, you're thinking about creating opportunities, moving the puck, working with your teammates, and attacking. As a goalie, you're often alone with your thoughts, reacting in a split second and trying to recover immediately after making a mistake. Between hockey, running and mountaineering, I've learned that athleticism isn't just about being physically fit. A big part of it is developing the mental discipline to keep going when things get difficult.

What It Has Taught Me

My athletic experiences have shaped the way I approach the rest of my life. Mountains have taught me patience. Marathons have taught me endurance.

Hockey has taught me teamwork, resilience and how to recover from mistakes. And all of them have reinforced the same basic lesson: set a goal, keep moving toward it, and don't worry too much about how far away the finish line looks. I've also tried to combine my love of athletics with philanthropy and giving back. Challenging myself physically is rewarding, but being able to use those experiences to help others gives them a greater purpose.

For me, the journey isn't really about collecting mountains, races or accomplishments. It's about seeing what I'm capable of, continuing to challenge myself, and hopefully using the experience along the way to do some good.


Philanthropic Initiatives:

  

Giving back has been an important part of my life for many years. I’ve always believed that contributing to a community doesn’t necessarily mean doing something extraordinary. Sometimes it’s simply showing up, lending a hand, serving a meal, sitting on a board, or helping where you can.

Sponsoring a Child in Peru

For several years, while my own children were young, I sponsored a child in Peru through World Vision. Supporting another child while raising my own gave the commitment a special meaning for me. My sponsorship helped provide access to education, healthcare and other basic necessities, while also supporting the broader community. For me, it was less about writing a cheque and more about recognizing that children should have opportunities regardless of where they happen to be born.

East York Meals on Wheels

I served for three years as a board member of East York Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels provides an important service to seniors and people with mobility challenges by helping them access nutritious meals while also providing a connection to the community. Being involved at the board level gave me the opportunity to contribute in a different way, helping with the organization's direction, operations and long-term success.

The Scott Mission

One of my longest-running volunteer commitments has been with the Scott Mission, where I’ve volunteered for roughly 20 years.

Much of my time has been spent working in the kitchen and serving meals to people who are experiencing homelessness or are otherwise struggling.

There’s something very grounding about volunteering in this way. You don't need a title or a complicated strategy. You show up, put on an apron, serve some food and spend time with people who may be having a very difficult day. Twenty years later, I still value the opportunity to help in a small, practical way.

Muldrew Lakes Cottagers’ Association

I also served for four years as a board member of the Muldrew Lakes Cottagers’ Association. My contribution was a little different from some of my other volunteer work. I helped maintain the association’s website and supported various community initiatives, including gathering donations for the annual silent auction. It was a good combination of community involvement, technology and organization—and another reminder that volunteering isn't always about doing the same thing. Sometimes you contribute simply by using the skills you already have.


Why I Volunteer

My volunteer experiences have taken me into very different settings, from community kitchens and boardrooms to helping support a child thousands of kilometres away. What they have in common is pretty simple: show up, contribute, and help where you can. I’ve received at least as much from volunteering as I’ve given. It has introduced me to people and experiences I wouldn't otherwise have encountered and has given me a much broader perspective on community, opportunity and the importance of helping others.



Work

My career in IT management is both diverse and impressive, with significant experience across multiple industries. Here's a more detailed breakdown of my professional background:

Current Role:

  • IT Project Manager at SMTC (Contract Electronic Manufacturing Services) – I am currently responsible for overseeing several IT Projects of all aspects of IT, infrastructure, system implementation, and ensuring smooth      operations across various technology platforms. My role is pivotal in ensuring that the organization’s IT projects align with its broader business objectives.

Professional Experience:

  • 20+ Years in the IT Industry – With over two decades of experience, I've developed a broad range of skills in technology and management. I have expertise in system design, implementation, security, and optimization, as well as leadership in managing teams and IT strategy.
  • IT  Management Positions – Over the years, I've held several leadership roles, demonstrating my ability to manage complex IT projects, lead cross-functional teams, and drive innovation within IT departments.

Industry Experience:

  • Banking – Experience in the banking sector exposed me to highly regulated environments, secure transactions, and enterprise-level IT infrastructure.
  • Insurance – In the insurance industry, I've dealt with complex data systems, compliance issues, and the integration of various technologies to improve      business operations.
  • Telecommunications  – Working in telecommunications give me insights into large-scale network infrastructure, service delivery, and customer-facing technology solutions.
  • Manufacturing  - My current work in manufacturing offers a different set of challenges, where IT infrastructure supports production systems, supply chain management, and product lifecycle management. In this sector, I oversee enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, which help streamline      manufacturing operations, inventory management, and procurement. Data integration across departments such as sales, production, and logistics are key to improving operational efficiency. Security remains a top priority in manufacturing IT, especially as industrial control systems  (ICS) and operational technology (OT) become more connected.

Skills and Expertise:

My extensive experience across multiple sectors means I have a solid understanding of the diverse IT needs in each industry, including regulatory compliance, data security, and the implementation of scalable IT solutions. In my current role, I am leveraging this experience to manage complex IT projects within the fast-paced and competitive manufacturing sector.


It’s clear that my leadership in IT project management is informed by a deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of IT, as well as my ability to adapt to various business environments. 

Life

My personal life and interests reflect a well-rounded and thoughtful individual with a mix of passions, routines, and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what makes me unique:

Family Life:

  • Father to Three Engaging Young Adults – My role as a father to three young adults speaks to my commitment to family and involvement in shaping their lives as they grow into their own.


Personal Interests:

  • Vacuuming – I have a love for vacuuming, which may sound unique, but it often reflects a love for order and cleanliness, or perhaps a therapeutic routine that helps clear both physical and mental spaces.
  • Fear of Snakes – Everyone has their phobias, and a fear of snakes is fairly common. It's a small but relatable part of my personality.
  • Coffee – You like my coffee black, which suggests a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to life, valuing simplicity.
  • Chocolate – My fondness for chocolate points to my enjoyment of life's little indulgences, and who doesn't enjoy a good sweet treat every now and then?

Hobbies & Beliefs:

  • Chess as a Sport – Proficient in but enjoy losing in both Western Chess and Chinese Xiangqi. I believe that chess is a sport, which highlights my intellectual and strategic mindset. Chess requires critical thinking,  patience, and discipline—qualities that can also reflect how I approach life and challenges.
  • Gym Routine – Spending my mornings at the gym shows a strong commitment to health and fitness. It’s clear that I value physical well-being and make it a priority in my daily life.

Tech Habits:  

  • Don't wear a Watch, But Always on my Phone – While I don't wear a watch, I can't be away from my phone or computer. This suggests a preference for technology and staying connected.

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