Early Foundations in Problem Solving
Scott grew up in Fulton, Illinois, a small Mississippi River town surrounded by farmland, where creativity and hands-on problem-solving were part of everyday life. His mother, Lorna, was an interior designer, and his father, Art, owned a lumber yard and furniture store while also working as a carpenter. That environment left a lasting impression.
From building forts and radios to running a nightcrawler business out of a small structure he built himself, Scott’s early years were defined by making, experimenting, and learning by doing. “I had a really great childhood of crazy adventures,” he reflects.
From Engineering to Cabinetry and Product Innovation
He went on to study electrical engineering at Calvin University, launching his career in engineering and leadership roles at leading companies, including one known for inventing sliced bread.
After acquiring and later selling a cabinetry manufacturing company, he went on to co-found CLEO Cabinetry, expanding his focus to craftsmanship, operations, and product innovation.