John Callies has been involved in the performance industry for over 53 years. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering, he worked for Pontiac Motor Division for 21 years; the last 12 years as manager of Pontiac Motor Sports. John left Pontiac and started Callies Crankshaft Co. Six years later he moved to help Joe Lunati get his company acquired by Holley Corporation. He then moved on to work with Camshaft Machine Company to develop a line of aftermarket performance cam cores. Five years later joined forces with Ed Morel to build Morel lifters into a top line of performance lifters.