Roots
“My roots are grounded in the family, service, and integrity – values that continue to guide every decision I make for Dublin’s future.” – John Reiner
Discover His Roots
Where his story begins, and Dublin’s growth continues
01 – Family Roots
John Reiner’s story begins with family. He and his wife, Sheila, moved to Dublin’s Muirfield Village in 1979, where they raised their four children and now enjoy time with their grandchildren. Guided by the values of faith, integrity, and responsibility, John has worked to strengthen Dublin’s neighborhoods, beautify its parks, and ensure the city remains one of the best places in America to raise a family.
The Reiner family’s legacy reflects a tradition of courage and service. In 1936, John’s mother, Bertha, helped a Jewish family escape Nazi Germany. Years later, John followed that same spirit of integrity — studying International Affairs and Urban Planning at The Ohio State University and completing further study at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.
From his earliest years, John combined education with action. He served as a Distinguished Military Graduate and U.S. Army Captain, earning recognition for leadership and academic excellence.
Professionally, John founded Oakland Nursery, Oakland Design Associates, and Oakland Interiorscapes, transforming them into some of Ohio’s most award-winning environmental and landscape design companies. Under his leadership, these companies received more than 200 state and national awards, including:
The Honor Award of the American Society of Landscape Architects, The National Landscape Award (multiple years), The Clifford E. Butler Award for Best Landscape in the World
The Ohio Environmental Beautification Award (40 times),And recognition from Columbus CEO and Business First for excellence, sustainability, and leadership.
John’s community and public service mirror his professional success. As Chairman of the Dublin Forestry Commission, he authored Ohio’s first statewide beautification laws — later adopted nationally. He served as Vice Chairman of Dublin’s Planning and Zoning Commission, helping shape the city’s growth, and played key roles in developing Bridge Park, BriHi Square, and the OhioHealth Hospital expansion.
His service extends far beyond Dublin. John has served on the Franklin Park Conservatory Board of Trustees, the Deaf School Park Board, and the Muirfield Village Architectural Review Board, and has lectured at The Ohio State University for over 50 years. He has also represented Dublin abroad through the Japan/U.S.A. Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, fostering international partnerships that continue today with Mashiko, Japan — Dublin’s sister city.
Throughout his life, John’s dedication to civic duty has earned him widespread respect — including being named Dublin’s Citizen of the Year (1990) and a Community Hero by the U.S. Olympic Committee for carrying the 1996 Olympic Torch.
From local service to global causes, John’s life has been shaped by a belief that freedom, community, and responsibility matter — the same values he brings to his work for Dublin today.
💚 Leadership. Integrity. Service. A lifetime devoted to Dublin’s success.
02 – Service and Leadership
Service has always been at the heart of John’s life. As a U.S. Army officer, he rose to the rank of Captain and was named a Distinguished Military Graduate — experiences that instilled discipline, courage, and leadership. On Dublin City Council, John helped bring projects like Bridge Park and Riverside Crossing Park to life, shaping a walkable, European-style city center. He also advanced senior services, championed healthcare access, and proving his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
John has taken the oath of office three times, a reflection of the trust Dublin residents continue to place in his leadership and integrity. His service reflects a lifelong dedication to protecting and advancing the interests of the people he represents.
03 – Business Legacy
As the second-generation co-owner and President of Oakland Nursery, John has carried forward a proud family tradition and expanded it into one of Central Ohio’s most respected companies. Under his leadership, Oakland has grown into a multi-division enterprise that includes retail operations, tree farms, wholesale services, and large-scale landscape projects. His designs include Schiller Park, the Franklin Conservatory, and downtown beautification programs such as the North & Broad Streets revitalization effort.
His work has even been judged alongside Walt Disney projects, a testament to the creativity, excellence, and vision he brings to both business and community. Today, Oakland Nursery is a true anchor of the regional economy, creating jobs and fueling community pride.
04 – Passions and Lifestyle
Beyond business and public service, John is a man of energy, adventure, and passion. From his younger days wrestling bears to carving down the slopes on skis, he has always embraced life with boldness and courage. An outdoorsman at heart, John thrives in nature — whether it’s surfing the waves, hiking rugged trails, climbing challenging peaks, skiing fresh slopes, or simply exploring the beauty of Ohio’s seasons.
His passions are matched by hundreds of character and project community involvement, reflecting a life dedicated to service, authenticity, and inspiring others.
