Getting his start in live sound by launching MD Systems Sound in his hometown of Wichita, John came to Nashville in late 1990. In 2002 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of by opening Blackbird Studio – which quickly became a favorite of artists, musicians, producers, and engineers worldwide. In 2013, John opened The Blackbird Academy, dedicated to advancing the quality of recording education through a hands-on, professional training curriculum. In 2014, John received two Pensado Awards – the Educator Award and the Live/FOH Award.