Don graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He earned his CPA license in 1980. Don served as Managing Partner of Nietzke & Faupel, P.C. from 2001 through 2008. He continues as partner and head of the Tax and Audit departments.

Don participates in many professional, community and church activities. He is a member of the MACPA, AICPA, and the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council. He is also a member and past chairman of the MACPA Agribusiness Committee; member and past president of the Pigeon Rotary Club, past treasurer of the Pigeon EDC; and past treasurer and director of Bluewater Thumb Youth for Christ.  Don is a deacon at Elkton Missionary Church, where he also serves on the counsel.

A sports enthusiast, Don is an avid collector of baseball cards. (Call him if you have a good one to trade or sell!) He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Barb, and two teenage sons, David and Kevin.  Golfing and reading fill up his "spare" time.