John and his friends, Curtis Ellenton, Kevin Meyers, and Brian Scherbey, were playing a board game in the South Plaza when Gretchen Peregrine came across them. Their behavior deterred her from escorting them to the Tape it or Die hide out. The four men managed to slip their business cards in Gretchen's pocket just as she was leaving.
Chuck finds John, Curtis, Kevin, and Brian around a board game. After convincing them that there are girls in the Safe House, they agree to follow him there.
Alternatively, if a young, female survivor is in Chuck's party, they will join Chuck after noticing that he has a girl with him.