Have you ever wondered what happens to a former governor, ambassador, and presidential candidate once the political spotlight dims? You might picture them retiring to a quiet life of golf and grandkids. But Jon Huntsman Jr.? He’s taken a much more interesting turn.
Let’s be honest: If you’re not a politics junkie, you might have forgotten his name. He was the guy with the perfect hair and the moderate Republican vibe who ran for president in 2012. He also served as ambassador to both China and Russia—no big deal, right?
So, what is Jon Huntsman Jr. doing now? Buckle up, because his post-political life is way more fun than you’d expect. He’s not just sitting on a beach; he’s building things.
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From Diplomacy to Wheelbarrows
That’s right. Jon Huntsman Jr. is now the CEO of a manufacturing company called Huntsman & Sons. The company makes wheelbarrows, garden carts, and other heavy-duty equipment.
It sounds humble, doesn’t it? A former ambassador to the Kremlin is now thinking about steel bearings and pneumatic tires. But trust me, he’s having a blast.
He told a reporter recently that building a wheelbarrow is “more satisfying” than politics. Why? Because when you finish a wheelbarrow, you can actually see it work. You can’t always say that about a foreign policy negotiation.
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Finding Joy in the Grit
This is where the story gets inspiring. Huntsman didn’t just take a random job. He went back to his family roots—his grandfather started the original Huntsman manufacturing company in 1924. It’s a story of legacy and practicality.
He’s now literally getting his hands dirty. He walks the factory floor, chats with welders, and figures out how to ship a cart to a farmer in Iowa. It’s a world away from the marble hallways of the State Department.
And here’s the kicker: he seems genuinely happy. That’s the part we should all pay attention to.
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Why This Matters for You and Me
Okay, so you’re not a former diplomat. You probably don’t own a wheelbarrow company either. But Huntsman’s pivot is a masterclass in reinvention.
Think about it. He spent decades climbing the ladder of high-stakes politics. He met with world leaders. He debated on national TV. Then he walked away to make simple, durable things.
This isn't a step down. It’s a step sideways into something more real. He swapped political spin for the sound of a hammer hitting steel. How refreshing is that?
The Unlikely Lesson
The lesson here is that life doesn’t have to be a straight line upward. You can go from the White House to the workshop. You can trade power suits for safety goggles.
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Huntsman proves that it’s never too late to get your hands on something tangible. He’s 64 years old, and he’s starting a new chapter. That should give you a little jolt of energy.
He’s also writing a book and giving speeches about leadership. But his heart? It’s clearly in that factory, figuring out how to make a wheel that doesn’t wobble.
A Little Inspiration for Your Own Life
So, what can we learn from a man who traded diplomatic cables for product warranties? First: Don’t be afraid to totally change your lane. It’s okay to surprise people.
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Second: Find the work that feels real to you. If your current job makes you feel like a cog in a machine, maybe it’s time to look for something with a bigger physical payoff. Even if it’s just a hobby.
And third: Remember that success isn’t always about having the biggest title. Sometimes it’s about having the most durable product. Or the most honest handshake.
Jon Huntsman Jr. is building wheelbarrows now. And he’s giddy about it. If a former ambassador can find joy in a backyard cart, imagine what you could do if you let go of your own expectations.
So go ahead. Check out his company’s website. Or better yet, go fix something in your garage. You might just find a surprising piece of happiness waiting for you between the nails and the sawdust. The fun is in the doing, not just the planning.