Before entering public service, Preston spent nearly 25 years in financial and operational leadership positions in the private sector.

His mother grew up in Germany during and after World War II and his father was born in an Appalachian coal-mining camp.

He joined Lehman Brothers in 1985, ultimately serving as a Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking Department.

He took over SBA at a time when the agency was under fire for its disaster loan operation's response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

Preston pledged to improve processing and disbursement of SBA disaster loans to storm victims at his confirmation hearing.

[15] The SBA ordered agencies to eliminate inaccuracies in the federal small business contracting database and recertify their size status regularly.

[17] Preston drove many other operational reforms throughout the agency,[13] including changing the loan guaranty program to make it more effective and easier to use.

[18] Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) praised the reforms: "Preston is widely credited with correcting major problems at the Small Business Administration … Mr. Preston inherited an agency in disarray, and he's worked hard to right its course and to improve relationships with Congress … We may have some differences on policy, but he's always been professional, responsive, and dedicated to the mission."

He initiated reforms to enable the FHA to handle its increasing volume of loans;[23] broke ground on two public housing developments in New Orleans that had been on hold due to lack of funding;[25] and finalized regulations that had been stalled since 2002 to help consumers find lower costs mortgages and avoid harmful loan offers.

In an October 2010 appearance on CNBC, Preston laid out a path forward, noting, "[W]e've got a situation right now where, you know, the federal government's basically doing all the mortgages.

The process, Oakleaf says, transforms waste "into an asset," increasing clients' reputations for sustainability while enhancing productivity.

[32] Preston discussed the company's new approach when he co-hosted CNBC's morning show "Squawk Box" on December 22, 2011.

Waste Management CEO David Steiner said he became interested in Oakleaf in part because of its focus on customer relations.

The company is North America's number one business focused on customs brokerage and trade compliance, with operations also in Europe and Asia.

Preston's experience "building sustainable platforms for growth" and his "ability to heighten employee engagement and drive a customer service culture" were key attributes for his appointment cited by Livingston International Chairman of the Board John Clancey.