Don grew up in Ashland, WI, flunked out of Northland College three times; finally given a letter to please not reapply. He floundered for a moment and was accepted at Ashland Teachers College becoming class-president for his two years there. He graduated from UWS, was offered a teaching position, then a free MS in reading and soon after became a principal... Upon reaching the highest level of seniority and education he resigned and moved to CA to live his dream.