John Gravelyn is an analytical and entrepreneurial engineering leader turned real estate consultant, bringing nearly a decade of experience in project management, manufacturing innovation, and technical leadership at industry leaders Ford Motor Company and Rivian Automotive. As Founder and CEO of First Principles Partners LLC, John is on a mission to help engineers and analytical professionals make confident, value-focused home buying decisions—applying the same rigor, precision, and problem-solving mindset he honed in high-stakes engineering environments to simplify complex real estate transactions and maximize long-term value.

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Outside of work, John combines his passion for continuous improvement with his entrepreneurial drive—renovating and flipping homes, mentoring aspiring professionals, and exploring innovative ways to bring clarity, data, and transparency to the real estate market. He enjoys DIY projects, camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures, as well as traveling and exploring global cuisine. An avid lifelong learner, John regularly engages with audiobooks on history and business, keeping curiosity and personal growth at the forefront of his life. Through both his professional and personal endeavors, John strives to empower clients to make smarter, more confident, and less stressful decisions in their homeownership journey, helping them achieve real value in one of life’s most important investments.