Fireside with John Kopilchack

What does it take to shape a city’s skyline while staying rooted in your community?

John Kopilchack joined Synergy in 2007 as an intern after a four-year career as a starter on the Wright State University baseball team. Over nearly two decades, he’s grown from project manager to Vice President, where he now leads all development activities.

In the last five years alone, John has overseen 500,000+ square feet of defense development representing more than $150M in private investment supporting Wright-Patterson Air Force Base — plus the Wright Station retail development in Springboro, home to Warped Wing, The Breakfast Club, Jersey Mike’s, and others.

Beyond the deal sheet, John has served as past president and board member of NAIOP Dayton and NAIOP Ohio, and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the YMCA of Greater Dayton. He’s deeply involved at Fairhaven Church — past elder, Kids Ministry, Small Group Leadership, and the Governing Board. At home, he and his wife Lexi are busy parents of three and coaches in nearly every sport their kids play.

In this conversation, we’ll explore:

• John’s path from intern to VP at Synergy

• What it takes to deliver $150M+ in defense development near WPAFB

• Building community-centered retail like Wright Station in Springboro

• Balancing leadership in business, civic life, and faith

• What’s next for commercial development in the Miami Valley

Whether you’re a developer, investor, or just passionate about Dayton’s growth, you’ll leave with real stories and real perspective.