John grew up in California and has been caring of his family’s bison ranch near Wright, Wyoming since 1980. John obtained his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, CA in 1980. John’s family purchased the Durham Ranch in northeast Wyoming in 1965 with the vision of selling bison meat through their meat operation known as Durham Meat Company. The Durham Ranch is one of the oldest and largest bison operations in existence today.
In addition to managing the bison ranch, John serves as the President of the Powder River Energy Corporation Foundation, whose mission is to lend a helping hand to those in need in northeast Wyoming. John is a founding board member of the National Buffalo Foundation where he has served as president for several years and, continues to serve as a board member of the 30-year-old Foundation. John also previously served on the board of the National Bison Association for 10 years. During his time with the National Bison Association, John served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President. He continues to remain active with various bison industry committee positions.
John attends Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Wright where he has been a Parish Council Member for more than 15 years.
John’s hobbies include traveling, running and fly-fishing as well as spending time with family, cooking and eating. He has been a private pilot since 1987.
John feels very blessed to have a wonderful wife, Gaylynn. John and Gaylynn have 5 daughters and 5 grandchildren and counting.