John has over 40 years of real estate development experience. He has developed multiple properties in California, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. Since 1990 his focus has been solely in Wisconsin where he has built residential subdivisions and numerous multi-family properties. McKenzie Apartment Company owns and manages nearly 1500 apartments in Madison, Middleton, and Verona.

For many years John has devoted much of his time and energy to improving the community with a special focus on helping disadvantaged youth find support, guidance, and career training to break the cycle of poverty. Noteworthy projects include the McKenzie Family Boys and Girls Club of Sun Prairie WI and the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center (MRWC) in Fitchburg WI. The MRWC is a state of the art skilled trades and wealth building training center that has received national attention and triggered a partnership between the National Association of Homebuilders and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to replicate the concept throughout the country. The idea has been recently adopted in 30 cities and is expected to expand.

In recognition of his efforts, John has received tributes that were entered into the United States Congressional Record in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden for volunteer service toward building a stronger nation. In 2022 John and his wife, Jo Ellen, received the Outstanding Individual Philanthropist of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Madison. Also in 2022, the McKenzie Family received a Lifetime Achievement award for philanthropy.