I attended Benair State School and then Kingaroy State High School.

My first working position was as a Bank Officer and I gained valuable experience as I worked in a number of locations around Queensland.

The call to return home to Kingaroy happened when Bean Growers Australia Ltd was established as a growers' co-operative.

I started as a clerk but was promoted to management status after working with the business for just four years. I was 24 years old when I became the Manager. Then at age 34 I was appointed General Manager / Chief Executive Officer.

Over time the company expanded and became a large enterprise, extending its reach into many parts of Queensland and NSW. It was then, and still is, a major force among Queensland's leading commodity-based agricultural businesses.

I retired as a full-time executive staff member in 2005 but was retained as a consultant / Director until December 2007. 

I must emphasise that the support and professionalism of the staff at BGA were extremely important to the success of this business which was a part of my life for more than 40 years. 

I am married to Marion and will celebrate 38 years of marriage in February 2012.

We have two sons: Craig and his wife Carmen have a beautiful young son William. Craig is a Major in the Australian Army currently based in Canberra (He has had deployment to East Timor and Afghanistan). Our second son, Jonathan, is engaged to Tegan and will marry in June 2012. Jonathan is a Strategy and Financial Analyst in Cairns (Jonathan has worked in Brisbane and Sydney during his career).