John grew up on a farm in the Arvin/Lamont area, where he learned the value of hard work and practical problem-solving—skills that have shaped his entire career. He graduated from Arvin High School then earned a Business degree from CSUB with concentrations in finance, marketing, and economics.
His professional path began in real estate, where he started selling homes when a nice house cost around $30,000 and later moved into investment and development. He then dove into workers’ compensation, becoming an expert in the field and even developing a pioneering legal structure that allowed non-professionals to own and operate professional medical practices in California. John went on to create eMedData, a technology solution that returned claims control to employers, and later acquired and streamlined a light business jet manufacturing company—reducing parts count by 35% and bringing engineers and mechanics together more effectively.
About eight years ago, John made a complete change of direction. He founded the **Epiphany Foundation**, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism. The program provides free room and board in exchange for full participation in a structured recovery program—including mandatory AA/NA meetings, church services, counseling, and work therapy. Participants gain practical skills, often in construction and trades, while rebuilding their lives in a supportive, sober environment. The Foundation’s unique model has earned national media attention and is making a real difference right here in Kern County by addressing both addiction and the need for job-ready skills.