By KEN SHMIDHEISER, Editor
Somerset — A respected Pulaski County civic and business leader has joined the Commonwealth Journal as advertising director.
“I am excited to announce John Bolzé as the newest member of our management team at the Commonwealth Journal. John brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the local market. His attention to detail and emphasis on customer service will be an asset to our sales team and advertising clients,” said Jack McNeely, CJ publisher.
Bolzé, 51, and a 35-year resident of Somerset, has strong roots in Pulaski County. He is the son of Art and Betty Jo Bolzé. His mother was a physical therapist at Oakwood until her retirement. He is the oldest of four boys — his brother, Bruce, also lives in Somerset, and his brothers Scott and Kevin now live in Lexington.
Bolzé graduated from Pulaski County High School in 1975. He subsequently attended Somerset Community College before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
His wife of many years, Wanda, was a full professor with the University of Kentucky, spending 34 years at the SCC campus until her untimely death to cancer on Nov. 27, 2006.
Bolzé has led an active career in sales, public relations and marketing. He managed the Camera Shop in Somerset before becoming sales account manager for the Metro Piston, and subsequently the Auto Trader, a position he held for many years.
He then joined Jeff Treado Automotive Group as director of marketing, public relations and customer service, later moving to a position as service manager for Don Marshall Chrysler.
In more recent years he served as finance and insurance manager for Alton Blakley Honda-Mazda.
He most recently joined the management team at Somerset Refinery during the tenure of Roy Shirley and Frank Lynch. Early on, Shirley and Lynch acquired Southern Tire and Bolzé was assigned to manage the business until it was sold. He then was named credit manager for the refinery and served in that position until its recent sale.
“Following the death of my wife and the emotions that came with it, I tried early retirement and even considered relocating to Florida. But I found I couldn’t leave this community and all the support and friends I had here. Instead, I decided to begin a new challenge and am glad the opportunity became available to join the Commonwealth Journal team,” Bolzé said.
In addition to his business career, Bolzé has been an active volunteer civic leader. Her currently serves on the Adanta board of directors; is volunteer chair of the Lake Cumberland Area Chapter of the American Red Cross; is sergeant of arms for the Somerset Rotary Club; and has been active in Boy Scouts.
His hobbies have included travel and scuba diving, and he is an accomplished photographer.
Asked what he likes best about his new position as Commonwealth Journal Advertising Director, Bolzé said:
“I have so many friends here and I love this is community. I am happy that I will be able to have an active role helping develop and promote their businesses. After all, this is home.”
