Local Resident Reaches New Heights

Mineola resident John Wilson, Jr. grew up in Mineola and is also the CEO of the New Jersey based-company VMC Group. Like many people who have hobbies, Wilson’s is most likely different than most.
This mountain climbing enthusiast reached the summit of Mount Rainier in Washington state and the Himalayas in Asia this past year. Within this past month, he reached the summit of Aconcagua in Argentina—the first of seven world summits Wilson plans on climbing.
So how did this CEO become interested in mountain climbing?
“When I was younger, I used to climb all the trees in the Mineola neighborhoods and even some buildings,” Wilson recalled. “As I grew into a teenager, I started to get into a bit of trouble because I started to climb taller trees and buildings on other people’s property. When I turned 15, my parents didn’t want me staying home during that summer because they feared that I would continue to get into trouble. They sent me away to a hiking and mountain climbing program in the Canadian Rockies where I developed a passion and urge to climb mountains. As I grew into my 20s, I became busy with family, starting a business and didn’t have as much time or resources to continue doing what I grew to love. On my 50th birthday, my wife gave me a surprise trip to the Himalayas. The trip reignited my passion and sense of urgency to achieve my dreams.”
Over the past year, Wilson reached the summit of Mount Rainier and the Himalayas.
“Each trip was the hardest thing that I had ever done,” he said. “The preparation for each mountain starts six months before. The final three months before the climb develops into very high-intensity training to achieve peak physical condition. I maintain a strict diet to ensure I am receiving the proper nutrients to remain in top health.”
Wilson said that when he climbs the mountains he truly lives in the moment and feels a sense of freedom.
“In today’s world, during these trips is the only time that I am living in the moment,” Wilson said. “My mind becomes less cluttered allowing me to feel exhilarated and at a sense of peace once I reach the top.”
This past month, Wilson traveled to Argentina to reach the summit of Aconcagua—a staggering 22,841 feet.
“Like any other mountain, we follow a guided process one step at a time,” he said. “Although I reached the summit of Aconcagua, the accomplishment still seems surreal to me.”
Immediately upon Wilson’s return from Aconcagua, he has continued to train to upkeep a base fitness level since now he plans to climb the other six world summits.
“My family is very supportive, but they have concerns,” he said. “They miss me dearly and worry about my safety because I have minimal access to phone service during these periods. However, they always encourage me to continue following my dreams.”