John T. Fleming was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. His interest in architecture and desire to build was borne of a family tradition that dated back to his great, great-grandparents.
As a young man, John worked for Mies van der Rohe, one of the most renowned architects of modern times. From that experience John derived a passionate belief that the same principles of design and construction could be applied to life. And that ordinary people could accomplish the extraordinary by following similar building concepts.
John spent many years within the ranks of a major U.S. corporation. Since retiring in 2005, he has founded Ideas and Design Group, a consulting organization, and Black Educational Events, LLC, a producer of Historically Black College/University events that focuses on demonstrating to youth the importance of education. In 2006, John became publisher and editor in chief of Direct Selling News, the respected trade publication serving executives in the direct selling industry. John is a past recipient of the Direct Selling Education Foundation's highest honor, The Circle of Honor Award.