John’s journey into the hearing profession began 30 years ago, repairing hearing aids in his father’s lab in Ormond Beach, FL. He is a second-generation hearing instrument specialist. While earning a degree in Aviation Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, John’s father encouraged him to become a licensed hearing instrument specialist to serve as a career backup plan, and also because he needed the extra help at his practice. John earned his Florida hearing aid dispensing license in 1997 and helped his father open a second location in Port Orange, FL.

It was then that John found his true passion for helping others regain their quality of life through better hearing. He also enjoyed the technology side of the industry, as analog hearing aids became computer-programmable and eventually digital processors. John recalls the time Siemens (now Signia) launched their Music product line. He was fascinated by the fact that it had two channels and an adjustable crossover frequency. How could it get better than this, he thought.

In 1999, John earned his National Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and continued to practice in Florida until 2004, when he began the next step in his career with Siemens (now Signia) Hearing Instruments. His employment with Signia Hearing eventually brought him to the Carolinas as the Field Sales Manager for NC & SC, where he worked with hearing instrument specialists, audiologists, doctors, and university professors across both states. In June of 2011, John opened Sound Advice Hearing Center in Fort Mill, SC. He continued to work with Signia Hearing through 2016 as a contract trainer working with their accounts across the US and presenting at several of their conferences.

Since 2011, John has grown his practice and expanded into North Carolina, improving hearing for thousands of patients thanks to his passion and commitment to help others with their hearing needs. His commitment has not stopped there, however. He has been a member and sponsor of the River Hills Lake Wylie Lions Club since 2011, assisting with their hearing aid program, and was awarded the Unsung Hero Award in 2023.

John has served as the VP and President of the SC Hearing Aid Society and continues to serve on the board of directors as Past President Advisor. He also assists with the NC Association of Hearing Care Professionals and is on the planning and education committee for the Carolina Hearing Healthcare Conference held each year.

John was elected to the IHS Board of Governors in January 2025, where he serves the Southeast territory of IHS. His first year as governor was met with many challenges and victories to follow. “I owe the profession that I love to IHS. They have stood strong against organizations and politicians who discount the value we provide to the hearing-impaired community. They continue to fight to protect our right as hearing healthcare providers, so that we may serve our patients with the highest level and quality of care. That is why I have chosen to serve. It is my way of giving back and paying it forward to the future of our profession.”

When John is not at the office, he can usually be found enjoying time in the NC mountains with his wife or jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. He has logged over 600 jumps since 2021 and is proud to have earned his D-license, the highest license achievable in skydiving. His proudest accomplishment however, he says, is his children. His daughter graduated from high school at the top of her class with two years of college credits and is now attending Winthrop University. His son recently graduated from Air Force Basic training at the top of his class with honors and is training to be a jet engine mechanic.

What began as a “backup” career plan encouraged by his father has turned into a lifelong profession for John. “I am so thankful to work in an industry that continues to innovate new technologies that enrich the lives of so many people. That decision has opened up multiple doors for me along the way. Not only have I had the opportunity to help others with their hearing, but I have also gained some wonderful experiences in the corporate world and have even become my own boss and business owner. Now I have the honor to serve on the Board of Governors for IHS.”