Having pledged Sigma Chi in my first semester in 1964 at NCSU, I was on my way to a successful college career or so I thought. Little did I realize that effort was required along with much dedication. Those qualities seemed to be elusive in my second and third semester. Consequently, I flunked out and then spent two years in the USMC before returning to NCSU.

After finally graduating, I went to work doing plant layout and design for a double knit plant before learning a part of the textile trade. The double knit industry fell into a death spiral and a group of us formed a textile dyeing and finishing plant to process light weight polyester interlock fabrics. Deep River Dyeing Company was formed in 1972 with production starting in February of 1973. Forty-one years later, I am still working at the plant in Randleman, NC.

My personal life has not been as successful as my business career. After three marriages, I am a confirmed bachelor, choosing not to venture into any more relationships that require vows to be repeated at some point.