Born in Texas and worked as a cowboy before attending the U.S. Naval Academy. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he joined IBM and left to form Electronic Data Service and enjoyed considerable financial success. Became involved in veteran affairs during Vietnam war and became visible during a rescue of employees wrongfully imprisoned in Iran after the overthrow of the Shah. Entered into national politics in 1992 and ran on a third party ticket creating a grass roots interest which sees growth today.