Born in Lurgan, John was the fourth child in a family of six. His father Henry was born in the Shankill area and his mother Doreen, originally from Dromore, had moved to Arthur Street as a young girl.

John attended St Paul’s High School before joining the well established clothing industry in the town, Saracen's, as a work study engineer. He worked his way up into various management positions within the industry but realized it was in decline.

“The clothing industry was in trouble," he said, "and I knew I needed to change industries and formalise my management experience so I took on a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies at Jordanstown and after completing this moved to Nacco (Hysters) for several years working as a production manager in the Craigavon site completing an MSC in management."

John’s latest career progression has led him to Cookstown to work for CDE. The company is expanding with new premises and assembly plant worth in excess of £5.4million, which John will be responsible for overseeing.

Married to Cathy, the couple have two boys, James (10) and Josh (7) and are quite an active sporting family, doing a 'bit of everything' according to John. Father and sons can be found at Lurgan swimming pool most Saturdays and Josh is already showing signs of becoming a good footballer having played for the junior section of Lurgan Town on a number of occasions. Living near Silverwood, John also tries to find time for a game of golf whenever time permits.

If you could trade places with anyone else for the day who would it be and why?

As I am a keen Liverpool supporter I would have to say Steven Gerrard, not only for his great football skills and lavish life style but his wife Alex is not bad either.

Describe your perfect day...

This would be on safari in Kenya (although not under the present unrest) looking at all the wonderful wildlife, taking a hot air balloon ride, a picnic and then relaxing with good company (ie the wife Cathy) a nice meal and a bottle of wine.

Have you had any regrets in life?

I think everyone has some regrets but all in all so far so good.

If you could change your job what would you do instead?

Well, as I have just joined CDE at such an exciting time of expansion and growth I am really enjoying the buzz of being part of such a dynamic company, so I would say that I am more than happy in my current role.

Party animal or couch potato?

I would say neither.