John married Faye in 1974 and they have a son Baird and daughter Jordan. John and Faye founded Solid Systems Engineering Co. offering systems for mining and power. October 2008 it was acquired by a London company. They started Air Control Science Inc. 1994 to develop innovative pollution control systems for coal-fired power. In 2007 it was acquired. John has authored and co-authored numerous patents. He serves the National Coal Council for the Secretary of Energy, and boards of Energy Corporation of America, University of Colorado Leeds School of Business and other humanitarian boards. He is CEO of Breakthrough Energy LLC a capital investment and technology firm associated with energy production.