In 2016, after nearly three decades of helping to grow Madden Media, John took a buyout and started 3rd Level Strategy+Consulting. John also serves as Publisher of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine.

During his career John served on the Board of Directors for the US Travel Association, the California Travel Association, the Texas Tourism Industry Association, and the Southeast Tourism Society. John was a frequent speaker at industry conferences, and has been honored with numerous tourism and media industry awards, including Shining Example Award from the Southeast Tourism Society, Ambassador Award from Travel South USA, Media Person of the Year Award from the Southern Arizona Advertising Federation, and Arts Supporter of the Year from the Tucson Pima Arts Council, Alumnus of the Year for the University of Arizona English Department, among others.

John’s tenure with Madden was marked by significant contributions in the company’s growth from less than 10 employees to more than 100 employees, with clients in more than 40 states. Under his operational guidance, Madden won hundreds of industry awards for excellence, including the US Travel Association Mercury Award for Best State Travel Guide, the Web Marketing Association Best of Show for Rich Media Advertising as well as Best Travel Advertising for Coop Internet Advertising. Madden has also won a Copper Cactus Award in Arizona for “Best Place to Work” for businesses with 75-250 employees.

John serves on numerous nonprofit boards, and was a founder and past president of four non-profit organizations in arts and education. John continues to garner recognition for his volunteer work and philanthropic activities.