Origins
Who is GATE Founder, John Raatz?
Visual Bio - Highlights
Origins Pages
The Origins pages explore the early inspirations, formative experiences, relationships, creative endeavors, and professional milestones that led to the creation of GATE—as understood and reflected upon by its founder, John Raatz.
These pages are currently a work in progress. Additional stories, text, photographs, and other visual materials will be added, while the content, sequencing, design, and layout continue to be developed and refined.
The following four pages offer a selection of highlights from John’s life, creative journey, and professional work from 1967 to the present. Through stories, insights, pivotal moments, and experiences—some seemingly ordinary at the time—the pages trace the threads that, in retrospect, illuminate and foreshadow the emergence and unfolding of GATE and the broader vision of transformational entertainment.
Together, they provide a glimpse into the influences and experiences that have shaped John’s evolving understanding of consciousness, creativity, compassion, and the potential of entertainment, arts, and media to contribute to cultural transformation. They explore how ideas take root, how experiences become insights, and how seemingly disparate events and relationships can, over time, reveal a larger pattern of vision, purpose, and destiny.
At this stage, the Origins pages are intended primarily as a preliminary overview for prospective publishers, collaborators, and others who may be considering or evaluating books and other projects by John. They are not intended to constitute a complete biography or definitive account. Rather, they serve as an evolving introduction—providing context for the life, work, experiences, influences, ideas, and relationships from which a substantial body of creative and professional work has emerged over nearly six decades.
As additional stories, images, milestones, and supporting materials are gathered, the pages will continue to evolve. The work will continue until the Origins pages are complete and ready for publication and presentation.
In Brief: Who Is John Raatz
John Raatz is a pioneering entrepreneur, strategist, and influencer in the realm of transformational entertainment, arts and media. His work centers around leveraging storytelling and creative expressions to uplift consciousness and inspire positive cultural change.
Key Roles & Contributions
• Founder of The Visioneering Group
Raatz established this PR and marketing firm with a mission to “link spirit, vision, and progressive values with compassionate communication to promote a positive and sustainable future.” His firm has supported numerous thought-leaders and creators in the wellness, spiritual, and “new paradigm” spheres.
• Founder & Chairman of GATE (Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment)
Alongside honorary co-founders, author Eckhart Tolle and actor Jim Carrey, Raatz launched this nonprofit dedicated to supporting Creative Artists and fostering transformational content in entertainment. GATE supports education, connection, collaboration, and advocacy for Creative Artists aligned with higher human values.
• Senior Advisor - Jim Carrey, Some Kind of Garden Media
• Personal Manager & Entertainment Advocate
Raatz has represented prominent figures and artists including Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Madonna, Donovan, Kenny Loggins, and the ensemble Dead Can Dance, among others. He integrates both ethical intention and marketing know-how in serving his clients.
• Executive Director of the David Lynch MA in Film Program
At Maharishi University of Management, Raatz held a leadership role in this graduate film program, bringing his ethos of media as a catalyst for social good into academic settings.
Why It Matters
John Raatz’s work is all about elevating the purpose of entertainment, arts and media—by encouraging content that speaks to deeper truths, holistic human values, and unity. Through Visioneering and GATE, he’s created platforms and support systems that help align creative expression with conscious transformation. Many people yearning for more meaningful, uplifting media find his efforts deeply resonant.