Arnold is a Durham native, graduated from Durham High School in 1970 and attended East Carolina University. Arnold formed Allenton Management in 1989, after 17 years of working in the property management business for his former employer Allenton Realty and Insurance Company. Arnold has a North Carolina real estate brokers license and is the broker-in-charge at Allenton. Arnold and his wife Diane, who is also a Durham native, have two children. He is past president of the Durham Association of Realtors and has received their Distinguished Service Award and was named Realtor of the Year in 1982. Arnold is past chairman of the North Carolina Association of Realtors (NCAR) Property Management Division and past chairman of the NCAR Legislative Committee. He received the Regions 4 Service Award from NCAR in 1989. Arnold is also past president of North Carolina Chapter 56 of the Institute of Real Estate Management and earned the Certified Property Manager designation in 1978. Arnold served as a member of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education for ten years and is past treasurer of the Durham Public Schools Scholarship Foundation. He and his wife continue to be active in their support of the athletic and performing arts programs in the Durham Public Schools. Arnold is a member of UNC Educational Foundation and loves the Tarheels. He plays golf and is a big NASCAR and Durham Bulls fan. Arnold has volunteered for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for over 20 years and currently assists with state championships in golf, football and basketball. Arnold is President of Allenton Management and his responsibilities include oversight of the homeowner association and commercial management areas.