I grew up in Litchfield, MN and graduated from Luther College, Decorah, IA in 1970 with a B.A. in Art and Political Science. Starting in 1970 worked as claim representative for two insurers, the last of which (Northland) traveled nationally attending mandatory settlement conferences. In 1978 licensed as a multi-line independent adjuster, and worked as a sole practitioner until 1999 when the opportunity arose to administrate commercial auto claims for the transportation industry.