John was certified in Photovoltaic Design and Installation by Solar Energy International. His interest in renewable energy and recycling goes back to the summer jobs as a "reclamation engineer" (aka garbage man) between years at the University of New Hampshire. After earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, John traveled to Japan where he resided and worked for three years. Upon returning to the States with his wife, he enrolled and earned a graduate certificate in Japanese at Cornell University. As alternative energy became a force in the Boulder area, John jumped into this beneficial and growing industry. After taking his design and installation course and spending the summer learning sales 'from the roof down', he joined the Bella Energy team.

Colorado Connection: John and his wife honeymooned in Colorado in 1995, and moved here in 1997. John’s Uncle Sam Shaw spent 20 years as a Public Defender in Boulder County. John participates in local sports – tennis, hockey and softball – and has been active in many small business associations. John, his wife and two children -- both of whom were born in Boulder County -- live in Louisville.