John is Better Trail’s expert on all things outdoor gear and manages the site’s robust gear content and testing operations. He also leads the business side of things, constantly evaluating data and performance metrics, and is integral to the site’s strategic planning and growth. Prior to Better Trail, John kicked off his career working as a Product Information Specialist at REI Co-op, while simultaneously earning his MBA at Seattle University. He was the first employee at Switchback Travel in 2015 and was instrumental in helping grow it into one of the most successful outdoor gear review websites on the internet, eventually becoming Editor-in-Chief. 

While John loves nothing more than a big day out, he also excels at snack-size fun, often disappearing midday for a Lunch Lap—mountain biking, trail running, or skiing in the hills behind his house. John lives in Wenatchee, Washington, with his wife Maggie and two spunky daughters.