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. Don moved from Partner to Consultant at the end of 2019 as he phases into retirement. He continues to provide valuable services to a group of business clients.
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 served as chairman of the MACPA Agribusiness Committee. Don is a a member and past president of the Pigeon Rotary Club and currently serves as treasurer. He also served as treasurer and board member of Bluewater Thumb Youth for Christ for many years, and currently is board member of the Pigeon Fund of Huron County Community Foundation.