John's Curriculum Vitae
With two degrees in writing, and decades of personal development and training, John is a master storyteller who uncovers the stories we tell ourselves to guide clients in healing and growth. The goal is new clarity, confidence, and
ability for clients to design and build the quality of life they want and deserve
EDUCATION
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE CONSERVATORY, Los Angeles, California 1991
MFA in Screenwriting
AUGSBURG COLLEGE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 1988
BA in Creative Writing
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COACHING TRAINING
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DAVID BAYER 2022-2023
DAVID BAYER 2022
DAVID KEY 2022
DAVID NEWMAN 2021
DAVID BAYER 2021
DAVID BAYER 2021
DAVID NEWMAN 2019
NEW VENTURES WEST 2005
6-month Personal Development Program
12-month Integral Coaching Program
INTEGRITY SOLUTIONS 2004
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE
TAKODA INSTITUTE, Minnesota
Full-time instructor teaching the following courses:
• “Introduction to Business Writing” - 4 sections
• “Advanced Business Writing (Public Relations)” - 4 sections
• “Public Speaking” - 4 sections
GLOBE UNIVERSITY, Minnesota
Adjunct Instructor teaching the following courses:
• “Film in Society” - 2 sections
• “Business Communications” - 2 sections
• “Introduction to Business” - 2 sections
• “Global Citizenship” 2 - sections
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE, Eagan, Minnesota
Adjunct Instructor :
• “Introduction to Film” - 1 section
NORMANDALE COLLEGE
Team taught semester of Creative Writing as BA degree requirement
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INSPIRED ELF PUBLICATIONS, Wayzata, Minnesota
Author/Publisher
• Wrote and published A Parent’s Guide to Santa Claus: 101 Ways to Create Christmas Magic
• Co-Authored Learning to Fly: Lessons From a Real Life Superhero​ Business book about working with a sense of purpose
FREELANCE
Screenwriter
• Wrote screen adaptation of Knight Fall by Mary Monica Pulver, currently in pre-production with Third Hemisphere Films in Minnesota
• Wrote original feature length screenplay, What Gifts We Give, currently being read by two production companies
• Wrote screen adaptation of best-selling books, Through Gates of Splendor and Savage My Kinsmen by Elisabeth Elliott, hired by Schmidt/Ross Productions of Orange County, CA
• Developed first-ever branching story structure (now standard in gaming industry) and wrote original script for computer game CyberRace, based on artwork by award-wining futurist Syd Mead (Star Wars, Alien, Tron, Elysium)
TWIN CITIES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Communications & Visual Storytelling
TAKODA INSTITUTE, Minnesota
Business Writing, Public Relations Writing, Public Speaking Instructor as well as Digital Marketer for American Indian OIC
GLOBE UNIVERSITY, Minnesota
Business Management, Business Communications and Film Instructor
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE, Minnesota
Film Instructor
ONTEND CREATIVE PARTNERS, Excelsior, Minnesota
Documentary Film Producer, Chief Operations Officer, Marketing Manager
• Produced award winning documentary film Top Performer based on best-selling book
• Developed marketing and communications effort that led to $2 million in 1st year sales
• Collaborated on creative development and management of 20 city training tour
• Built international film distribution network reaching 5 continents
EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT, Minnesota
Statewide coordinator of International Relief and Development efforts (volunteer)
• Generated sevenfold increase in donations 1st year as coordinator
• Built and trained statewide network of parish representatives
• Delivered keynote addresses on relief and development efforts statewide
• Wrote and designed educational training materials
• Produced Spirited Folk Concert Series and tsunami benefit CD
ARNOLD KOPELSON PRODUCTIONS, Los Angeles, California
Feature film script analyst
UNICORN STRINGS MUSIC COMPANY, Wayzata
President of folk music instrument marketing and sales company
• Produced internationally distributed educational videos and music CDs
• Developed all marketing, communications and training materials
• Delivered live presentations as well as individual training
• Generated numerous print and broadcast stories
PUBLICATIONS
• CO-AUTHORED AND PUBLISHED Learning to Fly: Lessons From a Real Life Superhero 2014
- co-author was best-selling business author
- book is about wholehearted engagement in your work and your life
• AUTHORED AND PUBLISHED BOOK A Parent’s Guide to Santa Claus: 101 Ways to Create Christmas Magic 2009
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received excellent reviews and media coverage
• PRODUCER CORPORATE DOCUMENTARY Top Performer 2007
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won Aegis award for Producing
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based on best-selling book by the same name
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foundation for national training events at Hampton Hotels, Best Buy and Outback