Grow your business
For business owners who want reliable full time staff in the Philippines, or AI systems that do real work.
Start free
Hire with Purple Cow
Every call is with me. Purple Cow also runs Tahanan, a property platform.
Move to the Philippines
For anyone planning a move, or already here and making the next big decision.
Start free
Plan the move
Also: Earn in Dollars ($147) and Crossbuilt ($347).
Meet people here
For anyone who lives in the Philippines, is visiting, or wants to see more of the world with a group.
Bridgehouse dinner
Join online
Watch and read
Videos and a weekly email about how life and business in the Philippines really work.
Start here
Follow along
Talk with me
Every call is 1 to 1 with me, by video. Choose the call that fits your question.
About hiring staff
About moving or living here
Running an event? Invite me to speak. Anything else, email hello@johnsmulo.com.
Know more about me
The story, the record, and what the press has covered.
About me
I build things here, then I teach what I learned.
I am American, born in Los Angeles. I lived in Australia until 2006, then started Purple Cow Agency in California in 2008. Today it is an outsourcing company with offices in the Philippines. I was also one of the founders of MedGather, a healthcare outsourcing company.
Teaching has always been part of the work. In the United States I lectured at universities, taught business planning, and advised small business owners through 3 Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
I moved to the Philippines in January 2020, weeks before the lockdown. I stayed. Now I share what I learn on California Expat, host Bridgehouse dinners, run Love To Travel tours, and teach business owners how to use AI. My test for everything I publish: would a Filipino be proud to share it?
The short version
- Los AngelesBorn in the United States.
- Until 2006Lived in Australia.
- 2008Started Purple Cow Agency in California.
- 2019Incorporated Purple Cow Philippines.
- 2020Moved to the Philippines in January.
- May 2026Received the Pusong Pinoy Award.
- TodayBased in BGC, Manila.
Awards and press
May 29, 2026
Pusong Pinoy Award 2026
From the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation.
Watch my video about it
May 30, 2026
Kwentong Bayani, DZXL News 558
Radio interview, the morning after the award.
Watch the interview
March 2026
Rise and Shine Pilipinas, PTV 4
My first TV interview in the Philippines, with host Dianne Medina.
What I run
The companies and the community
- Purple Cow AgencyOutsourcing company with offices in the Philippines, since 2008. Full time staff and AI systems.
- California ExpatVideos, a weekly email, guides, courses, and a membership about life in the Philippines.
- BridgehouseA dinner every Wednesday in BGC and Cebu City for people building a life here.
- Love To TravelGroup tours from the Philippines to other countries, with help on visas and documents.
Speaking and teaching
Where you can hear me next
Talks and classes for business owners, in person and online.
-
November 5, 20267:00-9:00 PM Manila time
How to Leverage Claude for Business Owners
TeachingOnline class with Emman Llego
-
November 7, 2026My session: Healthcare Outsourcing
RevConnex HealthCon 2026
SpeakingF&J MultiStudio, Ortigas, Pasig City
-
November 14-15, 2026My session: November 14, 3:00-5:00 PM
AI Masterclass Davao
Speaking and co-producingPinnacle Hotel and Suites, Davao City
-
December 16-17, 2026
AI Masterclass Cebu
Speaking and co-producingQuest Hotel Cebu, Cebu City
No public events are on the calendar right now. If you run an event, ask me below.
Where I have spoken and taught
- Saint Mutien College, PampangaTaught My Philippines, a 12 week course, 2026
- Startup Grind CebuSpeaker, February 19, 2020
- Universities in the United StatesGuest lecturer, marketing and business
- Small Business Development CentersConsultant, Solano, Contra Costa, and Sierra
- Chambers of commerceBrentwood, Rio Vista, and the Hispanic Chamber
Topics: AI for business, outsourcing to the Philippines, building a company here, and life as a foreigner here.
Invite me to speakMedia kit
Short bio, introduction for a host, long bio, and a photo, for media and event organizers.
Short bio
For a program, a post, or a caption.
John Smulo is an American entrepreneur based in Manila. He founded Purple Cow Agency in California in 2008. Today it is an outsourcing company with offices in the Philippines. He also runs California Expat, a media and education brand about life in the Philippines, and he received the 2026 Pusong Pinoy Award from the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation.
Introduction for the host
For the person who calls me to the stage. About 30 seconds.
Our next speaker is John Smulo. John founded Purple Cow Agency in California in 2008, and today it is an outsourcing company with offices in the Philippines. He taught business planning in the United States and has lived in the Philippines since 2020. He runs California Expat, and every Wednesday he hosts Bridgehouse, a dinner for people building a life here. In 2026 he received the Pusong Pinoy Award. Please welcome John Smulo.
Long bio
For a website, a press release, or an article.
John Smulo is an American entrepreneur who has lived in the Philippines since January 2020. He founded Purple Cow Agency in California in 2008. Today it is an outsourcing company with offices in the Philippines, providing full time staff and AI systems to business owners. He was also one of the founders of MedGather, a healthcare outsourcing company. In the United States he was a guest lecturer in marketing and business at universities, taught business planning courses, and was a consultant for the Solano, Contra Costa, and Sierra Small Business Development Centers in California.
John runs California Expat, a media and education brand about moving to and living in the Philippines, with a YouTube channel, a weekly email called The California Expat Letter, guides, and courses. He hosts Bridgehouse, weekly dinners in BGC and Cebu City for expats and Filipinos building a life in the Philippines, and he teaches business owners how to use AI.
In 2026, John received the Pusong Pinoy Award from the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation. He lives in Bonifacio Global City, Manila.
