2024 Main Stage Speaker

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1977, John grew up in St. Louis, MO. At a young age of 13 John found himself at 315 pounds, but through hard work and dedication he lost the weight and excelled in football and basketball. He continued his streak of athletic excellence throughout his high school and college years in Mc Cluer Senior High in the heart of Ferguson, Mo. and Harris-Stowe State College respectively. Graduating with a Bachelors degree in marketing, he later went on to pursue his MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. John’s education in business coupled with his love for health and fitness gave him the ability to start his venture – Bad Ass Vegan – a health and nutrition company that strives to educate individuals on plant based nutrition. John’s love for his community brought forth the brainchild of “VeganSmart”, a plant based protein shake company with a foundation whose mission is to prevent obesity through education, physical activity and plant based nutrition.

John is also working on completing his first book in which he explains his remarkable journey in order to help others take control of their own health, happiness and life. Bad Ass Vegan has come out his it’s apparel line that will feature high quality, cruelty free clothing. Along with his gaming app company, John now is also stepping into a new realm in which he will be the co director/producer of the upcoming full length documentary “Hungry For Justice”… a film focused on food and social justice through the lens of  hip hop and urban culture,

Outside of health and fitness, John interests include public/motivational speaking around the world, reading, writing, brainstorming business ideas and most of all… helping others fulfill a healthy life.