Biography

As an author, photographer, and innkeeper, he writes about, photographs, and implements many facets of ecotourism, ecotravel, and "eco-preneuring." He is the co-author of Rural Renaissance: Renewing the Quest for the Good Life , and his photography or articles have been published in Wilderness Travel, Solar Today, Home Power Magazine and many other magazines.

John developped as a professional photographer and writer while at Penn State, contributing to national and international magazines as a freelance journalist. Jaunts to Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Scotland, Belize, and Guatemala generated additional material. His images and/or stories have been published by Fodor's Gold Guides, The Discovery Channel, Wisconsin Trails, and more. John is a 1996 recipient of the Outdoor Writers Association of America Scholarship Award. Before leaving Penn State in 1997, he completed his M.S. in studies related to ecotourism and recreation management.

His farm-based ecotourism enterprise, Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 Eco-Destinations in North America" by Natural Home and Garden Magazine.

He is co-founder of the Rural Renaissance Network, and through it works to provide resources and information to individuals, families and communities about creative, healthy, ecologically mindful and socially responsible living in rural and small town communities across North America. He speaks drawing on his years of experience on to inform his audience of ecotourism and travel as well as on "eco-preneuring" - how businesses can use renewable energy and resources to be both more sustainable and more profitable.