Previously from an agricultural background John established Garland International (originally John Garland & Co) in 1961 to specialize in rural associated property and business sales in Western Australia.
In 2007 John was awarded a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his service to the Real Estate industry and the community.
A Past President of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (1986-88) and recognized by that body with the Kevin Sullivan Award in 1992. He was acknowledged with a Life Membership of REIWA in 1993.
As a past Deputy World President of the Paris-based FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation), John was responsible for the Asia-Pacific area and in recognition of his contribution he is one of the very few Australians to receive the FIABCI Medal of Honour.
Mr Garland is currently a Board member of the Perth Regional Development Authority.
