Prior to graduating college, I started a turf management company that provided turf and landscape maintenance in addition to chemical applications. My sons run the business now. In owning my own business I learned many valuable lessons in the field of; account management, customer service, financial administration (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable), personnel management, equipment maintenance, capitol improvement forecasting, contract negotiations and many other valuable lessons and skills associated with being a successful business owner.After operating the company for several years I took a job in the youth services field where I served as a juvenile probation officer and eventually promoted to director of youth services for the county I represented. Over the 14 yrs I worked in the industry, I had a great opportunity to learn about our justice system and spent many hours in court rooms conferring with circuit judges, district and defense attorneys, as well state and local law enforcement investigators. After retiring from the youth services field I began a career with the Arkansas Forestry Commission where I learned the ins and outs of managing timber and providing forest fire protection to local land owners.I now manage and direct a program at the Texarkana Independent School District that trains and finds employment for students with Autism!
