John has been in yacht sales since 1976, working his way up from a broker to co-owning former yacht brokerage Stan Miller Yachts alongside his brother. A native of Southern California, his introduction to boating came on Lake Arrowhead, where he enjoyed racing sailboats and cruising on classic wooden Chris Crafts. In 1965, the Buettner family moved to Huntington Harbor, which ultimately cemented his future in the boating world. 

He began his career as a broker at Stan Miller Yachts in 1976 and then co-owned the business with his brother, beginning in the mid-1980s. During his time in the industry, John has proudly represented top-tier boating brands worldwide, including Viking, Grand Banks, Cabo, Hatteras, Sabre, Back Cove, and more. He specializes in sportfishing yachts and Grand Banks (having represented the GB brand for almost 40 years of his career.) 

From the first boat, he owned – a 31 Bertram, to his favorite – a 38 Eastbay, John has the history and experience to help you discover the right boat for you and your family. He enjoys the process of meeting and listening to buyers, educating them on boat ownership, and at the end of the day — helping his clients make their boating dreams come true. He has lived the ‘boating lifestyle’ on a daily basis and is lucky enough to have found a career that enhances that lifestyle.

When he’s not busy helping clients realize their boating dreams, John can be found at Catalina Island, enjoying time on the water with his children and grandchildren. “When the sun is shining, there is no other place I’d rather be on Earth than Catalina.”

John is a licensed Yacht Broker with the State of California and the State of Florida.