Jim Kesterson was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Fort Dodge in 1974. Jim started his work career delivering papers for The Fort Dodge Messenger while also working at Brechwolds Grocery Store on the southside. After graduating from high school, he started at Iowa Central Community College but left school to purchase & operate a restaurant in Badger, Ia. The restaurant name was Kesterson's Badger Inn Restaurant. In 1984 Kesterson Realty Inc became a operantly company which continues today. In 1990, when Appraisal Certification came to Iowa, he became a Certified General Real Property Appraisal.