Before he ever built a company, John Horney built speed. His passion for cars started young, long before Advanced Systems, Inc. became one of Cherokee County’s most trusted names in general contracting.
At just 16, he bought a 1978 Trans Am, which he still owns today. Over the decades, that same Trans Am evolved from a street cruiser into a 1,000-horsepower beast, lovingly rebuilt and refined—a symbol of the same craftsmanship and commitment that would later define his business.
For John, cars have always been more than machines. They are reflections of discipline, patience, and heart. His garage today is a collection of excellence, housing a Porsche Turbo S, a McLaren 765LT, and a Lamborghini Revuelto—each a reflection of speed, precision, and beauty.
“I think you’re just born with it,” John laughs. “I’ve always loved cars. The sound, the feel, the way every detail matters—it’s a lot like building anything that will last.”
And that’s exactly what John has built—not just a dream garage, but a dream life. His business, Advanced Systems, Inc., began in 1990 with just $10,000 and a determination to succeed. However, just as tuning an engine for peak performance requires more than passion, John knew success would need more than that. It would demand faith, discipline, and doing the right thing when no one was watching.
Advanced Systems began, like many American success stories, in humble, hands-on fashion, fueled by grit. In the early years, John wore every hat—estimating jobs, lining up crews, managing finances, and often working side by side with his team. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty or stay late to ensure the work was done correctly.
Yet as the company grew, he quickly realized he couldn’t do it all alone. If Advanced Systems was to thrive, he had to pivot—from "doing the work" to "building the business." That meant trusting others, investing in a strong team, and shifting his focus from job sites to big-picture leadership.
That shift was transformative. Early success was achieved through retail projects across the Southeast, notably with Rent-A-Center, one of Advanced Systems’ first major accounts. Those partnerships opened doors into retail upfits, cemetery development, financial service offices, and healthcare centers. John learned to stay versatile—something that would prove vital in an ever-changing economy.
Flexibility became key. “We never stayed stuck in one industry,” John says. “We pivoted when we needed to, and that helped us weather storms when the economy changed.” Advanced Systems became known not only for high-quality work, but also for its ability to adapt quickly, creatively, and professionally.
John’s philosophy remained simple throughout every project: Treat every job like it’s your own. Build it right. Build it to last. “You have to build the way you’d want it built if you were signing the checks,” he says. “That mindset has served us from day one.”
Faith has been the unshakable foundation of John's journey. He doesn’t view work as just transactions—it’s stewardship—stewardship of relationships, stewardship of opportunity, and stewardship of trust. To him, each opportunity to build or lead is a blessing—and a responsibility.
“We’re here for a short time,” John reflects. “Everything we have—time, talents, treasures—was given to us to honor God and bless others. It’s not about stacking up trophies or accounts; it’s about impact.”
That belief took on even deeper meaning in 2011, when John faced his greatest personal challenge: a stage three cancer diagnosis. Facing the unknown, he leaned into his faith, his family, and the world-class care at MD Anderson. After months of treatment, prayer, and resilience, John emerged stronger, deeply grateful for every new day.
“It changes you,” he says. “You stop taking time for granted. You realize every blessing you have is meant to be shared, not stored up. You look at every day as a gift to steward well.”
Today, standing tall at 6'4", John Horney is the rare kind of leader whose strength is matched by humility. Whether leading a construction team, mentoring a young entrepreneur, or taking a sunrise drive in one of his prized cars, he carries a steady, grounded spirit that speaks louder than any title or trophy. He leads by example, not just with words. John is an avid cigar aficionado who enjoys unwinding with a well-aged cigar after a long day, often pairing it with good conversation and lake views. His collection reflects his appreciation for craftsmanship, just like his cars and construction work, every detail matters.
His connection to Cherokee County is woven into everything he does. After years looking across Cobb and Cartersville for the perfect location, John found his dream home on a peaceful lake, where mornings begin with glassy water and evenings end with grandchildren laughing across the porch.
“This is home,” he says. “We thought about getting a place in Florida or maybe the islands. But honestly? I can’t imagine being away from my kids, my grandkids, or my community. This is where my heart is.”
Life today runs like a finely tuned machine: home, business, and gym are all within a 10-minute drive of each other. John jokes that he’s “living the dream,” but it’s clear his dream is rooted in something more profound than comfort—it's built on gratitude, purpose, and genuine connections with people.
He believes deeply in giving back, not as a duty but as a way of life. Whether through supporting nonprofits, sponsoring local causes, mentoring young leaders, or investing in Cherokee County’s future, John sees generosity as essential to living a whole life.
“Life’s like a river," he says. "Blessings flow into your life so you can send them downstream. If you don’t, you get stagnant. That’s not the life I want to live.”
At Advanced Systems, that spirit of giving back runs through the company culture. John has built a team that values craftsmanship, integrity, and community impact as much as profitability. Hiring the right people, forming the right partnerships, and maintaining a long-term perspective on success have enabled Advanced Systems to survive and thrive.
“We didn’t survive 30-plus years by accident,” John says. “We survived by staying true to our values, caring for our people, and never forgetting that a handshake still means something.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses struggled to stay afloat, Advanced Systems pivoted once again, shifting its focus heavily toward healthcare construction and facility projects. That agility helped the company survive and thrive, expanding its portfolio and impact.
Today, with three grown children, a growing fleet of grandchildren, and more horsepower in his garage than ever, John Horney stands as a living testament to what it means to live wide open: chasing excellence, cherishing faith, and choosing generosity over comfort at every turn.
He hopes the next generation—including his grandkids—sees that the accurate measure of success isn’t found in what you collect, but in what you contribute. It’s in how well you love, how well you lead, and how faithfully you give.
His cars may roar, but his legacy hums quietly through every project completed, every life touched, and every blessing passed downstream.
In the end, John believes success isn’t about what you hold onto. It’s about what you build—and what you give away.
Life’s a river — it’s not meant to be hoarded. Blessings flow in so you can send them back out. - John Horney
About Advanced Systems, Inc.
Founded in 1990 by John Horney, Advanced Systems, Inc. specializes in general contracting across the retail, healthcare, and financial industries. Based in Cherokee County, Georgia, the company has built a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and strong client relationships. Whether building retail spaces or healthcare facilities, Advanced Systems approaches every project with the same core values: treat others well, build with excellence, and leave a legacy that matters.