The oldest of 11 children, John learned to lead amid the chaos of a bustling family life, developing a strong independence, a frugal outlook and a disregard for the status quo.

John has earned multiple degrees from Brigham Young University, including in electrical engineering and an MBA. It was during his years at BYU that he met his future wife Sandy.

John has worked at large companies like 3Com. He has launched his own company, Cascadia. Now a consultant in the high-tech sector, John has flourished in an industry in which giant companies come and go depending on whether they can adapt to the demands of the market.

As a member of Utah’s House of Representatives for the past 10 years, John became one of the disruptive influences he has worked among for so long. He pushed back against entrenched bureaucracy wherever he could. That included a reform effort would become Utah’s near-flat tax system. He also led the charge for accountability in the state Departments of Health and Human Services. His efforts to reform the education system have been met with cheers from many who tire of an ineffective status quo not serving the needs of parents or students.

During his tenure in the Legislature, John served on committees covering nearly all of state government, including ethics. He has had the opportunity to see up close the problems within state government.