Before working for Polygram and BMG John was employed thus:

• August 1982 - September 1983
  T.O.L. Distribution Limited; Position: Sales and Marketing Director
• August 1979 - August 1982
  Conifer Records Limited; Position: London/National Accounts Sales Executive
• October 1978 - August 1979
  Wren Electronics Limited: Position: Sales Manager of 'shop in shop' HiFi department in Owen Owen in Liverpool.
• March 1977 - September 1978
  Continental Record Distributors Limited; Position: Senior Sales Representative
• June 1976 - March 1977
  Owen Owen Limited, Liverpool Position: Sales Manager/Buyer Record Department

John trained as a Primary School Teacher at University of Lancaster School of Education at Edge Hill, Ormskirk, but decided that at the age of 21, the music industry was of more interest.