I began working as a young adult in manufacturing working shifts at a printing factory. When I came to Fletcher, I continued in manufacturing, this time in Plastic Injection Molding at Nypro (now Jabil) in Arden. In my time in these factories I learned the value of hard work and the rewards of teamwork, commitment, and shared success. I also became familiar with the challenges of working long hours on a household and the physical toll manual labor takes on a person's body.

After our son was born the long hours, long stretches without a day off including weekends and holidays away became an increasing challenge for our household. We decided I would go back to school and complete my education. I enrolled at Blue Ridge Community College, right here in Henderson County. In my time at BRCC I discovered my passion for the discipline of Economics. It was one of those revelations that just clicked and I knew it was the right path.

Before long I enrolled at the University of North Carolina Asheville in the Economics program. After completing my degree I entered the private sector with a new career in renewable energy with a solar development firm.