When Tech Meets Clay: Why Tech Leaders Are Finding Their Place in the Arts

Here's something I've noticed over the years: the most interesting people in any industry tend to have passions that have nothing to do with their day jobs. Take John Snyder, for instance. As CEO of Net Friends, he's been navigating the complex world of managed IT services for nearly three decades. But mention his name to anyone in Durham's arts scene, and they'll probably tell you about his pottery. Yes, you read that right—a tech executive who spends his free time shaping clay on a wheel.

That duality is exactly why Snyder's recent appointment to the Durham Arts Council Board of Directors makes so much sense. The arts council announced last month that Snyder would be joining their leadership team, and honestly, I think this kind of cross-pollination between tech and arts is something we should celebrate more often.

Why Should Tech Leaders Care About the Arts?

Let's be real for a second. When most people picture a tech CEO, they probably imagine someone who lives and breathes code, servers, and cybersecurity protocols. And while Snyder definitely does that (his company has been serving businesses across North Carolina for over 30 years), he's also someone who understands that strong communities need more than just good technology—they need culture, creativity, and connection.

In a statement, Snyder said that "Durham Arts Council has a tremendous history of celebrating the arts and its mission deeply resonates with me." That doesn't sound like someone checking a box for corporate social responsibility. That sounds like genuine enthusiasm from someone who actually gets what the arts bring to a community.

Durham Gets It

What I love about this story is that it's happening in Durham, a city that has quietly been building one of the most interesting creative ecosystems in the Southeast. The Durham Arts Council itself serves over 400,000 people annually through arts education, exhibitions, grants, and community events. They've been doing this since 1954, which means they've had decades to figure out how to make the arts accessible to everyone.

And Durham's businesses have taken notice. Net Friends has been a longtime sponsor of DAC's annual CenterFest Arts Festival, which brings the community together in downtown Durham every year. That's not just philanthropy—it's recognition that a thriving arts scene makes the entire community more attractive to talent, investment, and opportunity.

The Business Case (Because Someone Will Ask)

Look, I know some folks will wonder why a tech company would invest in arts partnerships. But honestly, the business case is pretty straightforward. Communities with strong cultural offerings attract and retain skilled workers. They foster innovation by bringing together people with different perspectives. And they create environments where businesses want to set up shop.

Snyder seems to understand this instinctively. He joined Net Friends back in 1999 and became a co-owner in 2009, growing the company into the Triangle's leading managed IT services provider. Throughout that growth, he's maintained his commitment to community involvement, including serving on the National Small Business Association's Leadership Council, where he's engaged federal policymakers on issues affecting small businesses.

But here's the thing that really stands out to me: Snyder is described as "an avid potter, bringing the same dedication and craftsmanship to the wheel." That tells me everything I need to know about his approach to business. Whether he's managing IT infrastructure or shaping clay, he's applying the same principles—attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to craft.

The Takeaway

We spend a lot of time talking about "work-life balance," but maybe we should be talking more about "work-life integration" instead. John Snyder isn't compartmentalizing his interests into neat little boxes. He's letting his passion for technology inform his business leadership, and he's letting his love of pottery inform his understanding of creativity and craftsmanship.

The result? A more well-rounded leader, a more engaged community partner, and a reminder that the best things happen when we stop forcing false divisions between "technical" and "creative" pursuits.

So the next time someone tells you that tech and arts are on opposite ends of the spectrum, point them to Durham. Point them to John Snyder. And maybe suggest they sign up for a pottery class while they're at it.

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If you're a business leader looking for ways to give back to your community, consider exploring partnerships with local arts organizations. You might be surprised by what you gain—and no, you don't have to be a potter to start.

Tags: ['tech leadership', 'community involvement', 'durham arts', 'business and culture', 'local business', 'managed it services', 'creative economy', 'arts sponsorship', 'north carolina business', 'leadership', 'small business']