Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Tennessee in 1988 majoring in finance. He then attended Cumberland School of Law of Samford University where he was a member of the Cumberland Law Review and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1991. He was admitted to the bar, Tennessee Supreme Court, and Federal District Court the same year. Memberships include the Knoxville Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and American Bar Association (Business Law Section).