After completing a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Canberra, John worked for The Earthmover & Civil Contractor as a reporter in 1993, before joining CHOICE magazine, the journal of the Australian Consumers Association, in 1994.
While at CHOICE, John developed and launched the award winning Computer CHOICE magazine, which is still a very successful magazine more than 12 years after its launch.
John went on to launch a number of successful magazines as a partner in a Media Advantage Communications, which he co-founded with Tom Crawley. Their magazines launches included Free Access, Total Image and Computer Craft. Their success caught the eye of entrepreneur Sean Howard, who attempted to buy the business in 2000. Sadly, the share market crashed before Sean could complete the sale.
John has also worked on projects for companies such as Harvey Norman, Myer, Dick Smith Electronics, Camera House, Microsoft, Epson, Soul Pattinson (API) and D-Link.
He has authored four computer and business-related books: How to Buy a Computer, How to Get More From Your Computer, How to Start a Small Business in the Real World and, most recently, Hacking MySpace. How to Buy a Computer, which was published by CHOICE Books, was one of that organisation’s biggest selling books of all time. Hacking MySpace was published in the US by Wiley Publishing, and was one the best selling MySpace books on Amazon in the months after its launch.
In 2004 John completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Technology in Sydney (distinction average).
During 2005-06 he held a management role at Integral Energy, where he gained key insights into corporate structures and processes, as well as in-depth knowledge of the energy sector.
In 2006 John formed Cogent Insights to help businesses with marketing communications.
In addition to his marketing and business consulting practice, John also serves on the NSW Government’s Fair Trading Advisory Council.