Born in Switzerland, graduated at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) with a Masters Degree in Engineering. Emigrated to the United States in the 1970s. Worked as engineer in private industry for several years. Completed post-graduate studies and was awarded MBA, and later Ph.D. in Business Administration for Dissertation on "Value Elements of Patented Mining Claims in National Forests". Works currently for the U.S. Forest Service, managing the valuation program for the Alaska Region. Maintains professional designations as Certified Forester (CF-SAF) and Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA-ASFMRA).