Growing up on a small farm in Middle Tennessee, Daniel Porter learned about hard work and problem solving. He used that work ethic and those skills to become a certified automobile and heavy equipment mechanic and a shop foreman. His real-life experiences running a business and dealing with people in this school of hard knocks prepared him for his next career. Little did he know that the burglary of a shop he managed would lead to that career change. He used those problem-solving skills to identify the thieves and bring them to justice. Bitten by the investigation bug, he enrolled in the criminal justice program at Middle Tennessee State University. This was about the time he opened his own successful repair shop. 

Following graduation from MTSU, Daniel closed his business and became a loss prevention manager for a large retail store in Nashville. He was responsible for supervising associates in the apprehension of shoplifters and the prevention, detection, and investigation of employee theft. One of many important lessons learned was “a shoplifter will steal your profits, but an employee will steal your company.” A few years later, he became a licensed private investigator and conducted a variety of investigations, including insurance fraud, personal injury accidents, and criminal defense of a variety of crimes, including capital murder. 

Daniel seized the opportunity to become a fraud investigator for the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and later the Department of Transportation, where his mechanic background was invaluable. This is when he discovered his love for public speaking and training others. His commonsense approach to investigations and ethics as well as his funny and engaging style appeal to all types of audiences. He has provided live and virtual training at conferences in the United States, Canada, and Jamaica for multiple professional organizations such as AGA, CFE, and IIA as well as for governmental agencies such as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He has been a frequent guest lecturer at Middle Tennessee State University and the Vanderbilt University School of Law. 

Following retirement from the state, Daniel became a full-time public speaker and trainer, and provides consulting and investigative services. Daniel has been a Certified Fraud Examiner for over 20 years and served twice as president of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. 

He has been married to Trish for over 35 years, and they enjoy traveling and being together.