Who is John Barlow? All About Lisa Barlow's Husband
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City hubby is a successful businessman with a fabulous wife.
That's Mr. Baby Gorgeous to you. Since joining The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alongside his wife Lisa Barlow in Season 1, John Barlow has been regarded for his gentle demeanor and supportive nature.
Always kind and encouraging, John is more than willing to put up with Lisa's antics — from chauffeuring her through the Taco Bell drive-through to watching her stage manage their son during prom photos. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the beloved Househusband.
Who is John Barlow?
Born in California, John grew up in Florida and Texas before heading to Utah for college.
After graduating from Brigham Young University (Lisa's alma matter as well!), John went on to become a successful businessman. According to his Instagram, he's a big sports fan, posting about basketball and attending football games with his wife. He's also a big traveler, taking his family all around the world.
One more thing to know about the entrepreneur? He has a tattoo of an infinity symbol on his left calf, which Lisa "hates." When fans first met John during Season 1 Episode 1 of RHOSLC, he mentioned he wanted a couple more, including a gorilla.
How did John Barlow meet Lisa Barlow?
John and Lisa met the old fashioned way... through her sister!
"I met John through my older sister. They served an LDS mission together," Lisa revealed during Season 1 Episode 1. "I think my sister might've even had a crush on John, which, I can't blame her."
RELATED: Lisa Barlow and Her Husband, John, Are Building a New Home
During Season 2 Episode 16, John shared how he got to know Lisa's older sister, Genia, and how their connection led him to the love of his life.
"John didn’t date my sister," Lisa later clarified on Twitter after the episode aired. "They went on one date."
In another post, she added some more background: "My gorgeous sister had amazing taste and I’m so glad I got to meet John through her."
What does John Barlow do for work?
John is a self-employed businessman who has had success with a number of companies including Vida Tequila and Jack Henry Spirits. He also runs Big Ventures LLC and LJB Investments.
According to a 2010 article in the Salt Lake Tribune, the couple found themselves in the tequila business by accident after they met a distillery owner during a trip to Mexico who didn't have an import contact in the United States.
"The distillery owner and the Barlows joined forces to create an ultra-premium brand that would appeal to American consumers," the article reads. "The venture took nearly $10 million, which the couple raised through investors, family, and their own savings."
In an exclusive interview for BravoTV.com, Lisa asked John what job he'd have if he could do anything in the world.
"What I'm doing right now. Driving Lisa around," he joked in the November 2021 clip, before clarifying that his answer held a little bit of truth. "I love what I do and who I do it with."
Nevertheless, later in the video he revealed he'd once wanted to be a professional volleyball player.
Lisa Barlow and John Barlow's Relationship
John and Lisa wed in July 2003. In the interview mentioned above, it was noted that John had been married once before.
"Remember when you used to come to my office to take me to lunch at least thre times a week and we were just amazing friends and you never came to my house unless you were bringing my fav treats?" wrote Lisa in a July 2018 Instagram post celebrating the couple's 15th anniversary. "One day you asked me to go to the movies with you and when we got out of your car, you held my hand. I’m glad you’ve never stopped. I’m def the most difficult one in our [heart]. Thanks for letting me always be me! I love our life together!"
While rumors that Lisa cheated on John swirled during Season 3 of RHOSLC, the couple put them to rest.
“No marriage is perfect,” John said in an Episode 5 confessional. “However, there is no question in my mind that there isn't any validity to those rumors.”
Lisa and John Barlow's Family
John and Lisa have two children: sons Jack and Henry.
"I'll keep it simple — I flat out love being a dad!" wrote John in an Instagram post on Father's Day 2023, pairing the caption with a sweet collection of photos with his boys.
In the BravoTV.com interview above, John shared that he has no desire for more children.
"I'm perfectly happy with the two boys we have. I think they're awesome," he said.
John Barlow's RHOSLC Friendships
While Lisa's infamous Season 2 hot mic moment put an end to her friendship with fellow cast member Meredith Marks, John's connection with Meredith's husband, Seth Marks, survived. Kind of.
"I mean, we have not spent time with the Barlows, but there’s no problem there that I’m aware of on our side," Meredith revealed during a November 2022 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Still, the men had to reckon with their friendship during the Season 3 reunion when John confronted Seth for making fun of Lisa.
"Our understanding was to not get involved or talk about our wives. I've never said anything derogatory about Meredith," he said.
Whitney Rose's husband Justin Rose, meanwhile, chimed in and said he could get the men back on the right track. "We're all the same person. We're supporting our wive through this process," he said.