After graduating from Bellarmine High School in 1975, he went on to the University of Santa Clara where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing and Economics, and then continued on at the University of Santa Clara Law School where he received his Juris Doctor Degree.

After passing the Bar Exam, John practiced for two years in his Family's law firm emphasizing Real Estate Law. It was at this point when John realized his true calling was real estate not law, so he left the family business and took a job at the San Jose office of Grubb & Ellis Company Retail Properties group.

While at Grubb & Ellis Company John Machado was a consistent top performer. Within his first three years at Grubb & Ellis Company, John obtained the title of Senior Marketing Consultant (a title given to the top 3% of Agents nationwide). John was the youngest and first Retail Senior Marketing Consultant for the San Jose Office.

The Association of South Bay Brokers named John the top Retail Broker in the Valley in 1990, 1992 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

In early 1994, John left Grubb & Ellis Company after a 10 year practice and took a position with Colliers International where he is a Senior Vice President in charge of Retail Properties.

Through his career, he has brokered approximately 1,000 ± leases and sales all of which are of the Retail product type.