John Taylor is a stock market trader, artist, and former landscape architect with an extensive professional background spanning over several decades. Born and raised in the Midwest, Taylor maneuvered his way to the East Coast during WWII after his brokerage firm transferred him from Chicago. Throughout the next ten years, he developed a personal trading system that allowed him to place trades shortly before the closing of the stock market, making significant amounts of money through the market.

Despite his dedication to work, Taylor was an adventurous father and often took his family on camping trips to different destinations, including local and New York-based destinations such as Buttermilk, Carogo Lake, and Glen Island. In 1959, John heard the word "Galapagos" for the first time from one of his clients who was establishing a colony in the islands. Taylor was fascinated by the idea and took his son out of school to join the colony, ultimately leading to a unique experience in life.

Taylor studied English at the University of North Carolina and later went on to earn a Master's degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University. He has worked for various organizations such as SWA Group, KTU+A, Stamper Whitin Works, and Peter G. Rolland and Associates, where he honed his creative and methodical skills. He has also owned Folk Art Ships and exhibited his artwork in various galleries, including Imprint Gallery and Mason Fine Art and Events.