John Boyanoski has worn a lot of hats over the years. He is an author of four books; the random guy who kept an FBI secret for almost two decades before it was revealed as part of an HBO documentary; a former newspaper reporter; a husband to a wildly successful wife; a dad to two kids; and a sometimes-runner. He also has served on an innumerate amount of boards and commissions in the past decade.
It made us wonder what he actually does. In his real job, he is the president of Complete PR, which is a public relations firm based in Greenville. It’s there, he says, he makes some of his biggest impacts on Greenville by helping numerous brands tell their story in fun and clever ways.
So what makes him tick? Keep reading.
● What are your favorite things to do on your days off?
My days off typically include a very long run on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail and then a walk downtown with my kids. I actually like doing handyman projects around the house as well, but my wife doesn’t always trust my work.
● What is one movie you’ve watched more than five times?
I enjoy a lot of off-beat movies and often rewatch them to see new things. If I had to pick one, it would be the first Star Wars (Episode 4) because I remember watching it on television as a kid and how that was a big thing that I got to stay up late.
● What are three books you would bring with you to a deserted island?
Ball Four by Jim Bouton. It’s probably my favorite book of all time. Does Lord of the Rings count as one book? Any collection of Doonesbury comics.
● If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what album would it be?
Abbey Road by the Beatles with Marquee Moon by Television coming in close second.
● In your opinion, what’s the most rewarding part of working in your job?
I get to talk to people every day and learn more about them. I love hearing other people’s stories. My wife finds it funny because I will talk people’s ears off if given the chance.
● As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A lot of things, but being a sportscaster was really high on the list starting in high school. It’s actually what I planned to major in at college, but switched really quickly.
● If you could be part of any sitcom family or friend-group, which would you choose?
I think being part of the Scooby Doo gang would be fun. As long as Scrappy Doo isn’t there. Wait, would that make me Scrappy if I was there?
● Tell us a funny story about you that most people don’t know?
I was once stopped for jaywalking in downtown Greenville. The city was cracking down on it about 15 years ago, and I was crossing Broad at Main. I thought the officer was joking until he started writing a ticket. It was just at that point one of Greenville’s biggest developers came walking by, and made a crack that “I needed to be taken off the streets” for good. He obviously thought I was just talking to the officer. However, when the officer told him what was happening, the developer dropped a “Don’t you know who this is?”. He then started leaving messages for the Mayor White, the Chief of Police, City Manager on a flip phone (this was 15 years ago.) This poor police officer started looking at the developer really scared and asked me, “just who are you?”. Needless to say he let me off with a warning.
● Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars and it’s not even close.
● What are some of your favorite things to do in Greenville?
I love discovering new places and things that are off the beaten path. I usually do this during runs. I actually love to trail run, and there are some interesting things you see in the woods around here. Both good and bad. I like finding out more about the local history. Greenville is a place with some funny stories….you just have to dig around for them.