Jerry earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Florida International University and also graduated from the Howard Johnson Hotel Management School. He began his hospitality career with the Howard Johnson Company as Assistant Manager of the Hollywood Beach Florida Complex. From there, he became Manager of Jo Billy's Ribs, which was a new restaurant concept for the Howard Johnson Company. Under his management, the sales increased over $20,000 per week. After this success, he was transferred to another Howard Johnson complex where he became supervisor of three additional properties in the Florida division.

Jerry joined Pearsall Operating Company in 1982 as Manager of one of its properties; and under his direction, the property obtained the highest Quality Assurance score ever received by a Howard Johnson franchise. Afterwards, he was promoted to handle the start-up operations of a Western Sizzlin Steak House. With this success, he was promoted to Director of Operations with daily responsibilities for eleven hotel and restaurant properties.

Jerry joined the First Carolina Management team in 1989 as Vice President of Operations and brought with him more than 14 years' experience in the management and supervision of hotel and restaurant properties. He has been heavily involved with the acquisition, refurbishing, development, and new construction of all the FCM managed/owned hotel properties.

Since the move to Rocky Mount, Jerry has been involved in community and industry service. He previously served on the Marketing Committee for Franchise Associates, the Gold Rock Merchants Association, and the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Jerry is very active in his church, serving as an Elder and on various leadership teams.

Jerry, his wife Sharon, and one of their two sons, Michael, are happy to make their home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Their other son, Nick, and his wife Christine reside in Wrightsville Beach, NC.