A Journey of Innovation
Transforming Technology into Business Value,
Real-World Impact, and Strategic Solutions.
As the founder of Paguar Informatics and CEO of CrewTracker Software, he has led pioneering efforts in operational efficiency, AI-driven platforms, and industry-focused SaaS solutions. His work bridges technical expertise with practical business impact, helping organizations harness the power of emerging technology.
John’s vision is to create sustainable value through purposeful innovation, education, and community leadership.
The professional journey began at White Motor Credit Corporation, where he started as a computer operator—a role that introduced him to the power and potential of enterprise technology. Through dedication, quick learning, and leadership initiative, he rapidly advanced to become Manager of Computer Services. In this early role, John was responsible for overseeing critical IT operations during a time when computing was transitioning from batch processing to real-time systems. The experience laid the foundation for his lifelong career in information technology and systems innovation.
Following his success at White Motors, John joined Praxair Inc. as a Programmer Analyst, where he expanded his technical expertise in large-scale industrial systems. His talent for both software and operations led to a relocation to San Francisco, where he was promoted to Manager of Business Systems for the Western Region. In this role, he supported production plants across the entire western United States, overseeing mission-critical systems that ensured uninterrupted operation in a demanding industrial environment along with internal financial systems. This experience further cemented his ability to align technology with operational excellence across geographically distributed teams.
Following Praxair, a global leadership role included serving as General Manager of IBS International’s Singapore subsidiary, where he established health IT relationships across Asia and helped launch a call center platform for Singapore’s government. He also held executive roles at Document Technologies Group.
Earlier, in 1995, he helped develop MediMate©, one of the earliest electronic medical record systems, deployed at the Cleveland Clinic Atrium Group. John’s career is defined by breakthrough thinking and execution. He co-founded RIS Logic in 1999, developing one of the first radiology information systems (RIS) from the ground up. Under his leadership, the company grew from a three-person startup to a $12 million acquisition by Merge Healthcare—eventually becoming part of IBM.
At Guardian Technologies, John led product strategy and helped create an AI-powered tuberculosis detection platform called “Signature Mapping” using digital pathology and image analysis. That system was deployed in South Africa and remains a landmark example of AI for global health.
His healthcare consulting experience includes major projects with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, including EMR integration with CVS MinuteClinic, leading-edge enterprise imaging, and the early adoption of IBM Watson in clinical environments.
As Senior Manager of Interoperability Initiatives at HIMSS Innovation Center, John orchestrated cybersecurity, analytics, and interoperability programs, helping shape the national conversation around healthcare IT. He also co-founded the Cleveland Medical Hackathon and was instrumental in building the HIMSS Cybersecurity Hub and innovation showcase.
A champion of human-centered innovation, John is the CEO and co-founder of DinkerBop, a company developing a simple, user-friendly radio for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Designed with intuitive controls and caregiver-configurable playlists, the radio provides comforting music with no learning curve. Future versions will integrate sensors and connectivity for enhanced care. DinkerBop exemplifies John’s vision to apply technology compassionately—creating meaningful solutions for underserved and vulnerable populations.
As CIO and co-founder of EmP Fitness, John is helping lead the development of a blockchain-based health and fitness platform that empowers users to securely manage and own their fitness data. The platform integrates wearable devices, personal dashboards, and gamified incentives to engage individuals and build community-based wellness ecosystems. By enabling users to share data with hospitals, insurers, and research institutions on their own terms, EmP Fitness reimagines how personal health data can drive value—both individually and systemically.
In his role as COO of InSportz, John helped launch a digital ecosystem that blends athletic development, health, and personal branding. The platform includes modules like InProfilez, SportzTube, and InSportzHealth, empowering athletes to build online sports resumes, manage their wellness, and showcase performance through data and video content. With elements of LinkedIn, YouTube, and wearable health integration, InSportz offers a comprehensive experience for players, coaches, recruiters, and fans. John’s leadership in product strategy and technology integration positioned the platform to evolve into a dynamic tool for sports engagement and athlete visibility. <BR> John is also the co-founder of IoT Directions, a consulting venture established in 2019 with partner Lawrence Voyten. The firm helps organizations harness the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) by guiding strategy, architecture, and implementation planning. From connected sensors to enterprise data integration, IoT Directions works across industries to identify meaningful use cases and deliver scalable solutions. Their mission is to bridge the gap between emerging IoT technologies and practical business outcomes—turning smart devices into strategic assets.
John holds an MBA in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix, a BA in Business Management from Lake Erie College, and an Associate’s in Data Processing from Lakeland Community College. He is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) and has served on planning and technical committees for Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE). He is also a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy.
John currently serves on the boards of Northern Ohio HIMSS.
He is the President of the Classic Thunderbird Club of Northern Ohio.
Awards & Authorship
Chapter Contributor
INNOVATIONS in RADIOLOGY
Cleveland Crains Notable Executives in Technology 2022
Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame
Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center
MEDIA
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award
Interview w/Michael Hudak
Blockchain in Healthcare