John Lanager was born and raised in Erie, PA and graduated as Valedictorian from Vale Technical Institute with an Associate's degree in Automotive Mechanics. He then went on to Pennsylvania State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He moved to Miami, FL in 2003 to work for a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory where he eventually became an Engineering Manager. He decided to move to Knoxville and work for AMS so he could be closer to family. He has a sister, Jennifer, and a brother-in-law, Dan. He also has a nephew, Brandon, and two nieces, Kathryn and Aidyn. He sponsors a 10 year old girl named Valery, from Colombia, through Unbound.org. Unbound partners with families living in poverty, empowering them to become self-sufficient and fulfill their desired potential.

John's first job was as a paperboy at age 11, and following that, he worked in his family's bar/restaurant while growing up. He loves baseball, college football, and going to live concerts. He has been playing guitar for 40+ years. He majored in Classical Guitar before switching to Electrical Engineering. He has played in numerous bands (mostly metal, a few rock, and one country).