Growing up in a family of real estate investors, John developed an early understanding of the dynamics necessary to realize great ideas.

 After earning a B.S. and Masters Degree from the School of Architecture and Planning at Catholic University of America, John turned his enthusiasm for design in directions as diverse as custom homes and international planning. In order to better understand market forces and their affect on cities, he trained with nationally recognized real estate consultant RCLCO.

In 2011, he recognized a market need for real estate being represented with a design-adds-value approach, and the Alter Urban Group was founded for sellers who want to maximize their sale by correctly preparing their properties for market, and for discerning buyers who want to customize their new home to their own specific needs and taste.