Paul McKinley was born in Chariton, Iowa in Lucas County and raised on the family farm outside of Russell.

In high school McKinley was active in student government and also devoted time to football, track, baseball.

After receiving an unsolicited offer from a larger competitor, McKinley sold the business in 1991.

In 1999, McKinley challenged State Senator John Judge, who less than two years earlier had won the seat in a special election.

On July 7, 2009, McKinley announced he would explore running for the Republican nomination for the Governor of Iowa.