John grew up in Westchester County, New York and is the oldest of 7 children. He received a B.A. from Fordham University (paying for it by working in the local liquor store), then went on to do an MBA at Pace University. He began his career as a Portfolio Manager at E.F. Hutton Asset Management before moving on to head up the Connecticut Investment group for U. S. Trust Company. There he co-managed two of the firm’s proprietary mutual funds, served on multiple committees including the Portfolio Policy Committee and met David Tillson with whom he would later start Eagle Ridge.