Sam graduated from Middlesboro High School in 1972 and attended Tennessee Wesleyan College, of Athens, Tennessee, where he graduated in 1976 with a B.S. in Behavioral Science and a teaching certificate. Sam brings with him 12 years experience as a officer in the United States Marine Corps, along with 14 years of hands on work in retail with Mobil Oil, ExxonMobil and Lewis and Raulerson, Inc. The leadership skills instilled by the USMC and real world business experience with small business in the oil industry have provided him the tools to consult existing and aspiring small business owners.