Conrad attended USC and graduated with a degree in Accounting. While in college and after graduation, Conrad worked for Arthur Young & Co. in downtown Los Angeles. During that time, he took the CPA examination, accrued the required two years of practical experience, and earned his CPA license. In 1964, Conrad left Arthur Young & Co. to join the regional CPA firm, Hutchinson and Bloodgood in Glendale, California. He spent 24 years with the firm, becoming managing partner before leaving in 1988 to join a client of 9 years, The Hartwell Corporation in Placentia, California, as CFO. Transitioning from public accounting to working for a privately held company gave Conrad the opportunity to travel internationally, learn about the aerospace business, and attend airshows in London, Australia, and France. Since moving to the Gardens, Conrad has been an active member of the Gardens Club serving as both the Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer.