Vern’s interest in ventriloquism was inspired by watching Paul Winchell and his characters, Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff, on television. Vern began his ventriloquism career during his days as a Cub Scout when he saw an ad in Boys Life Magazine about learning the art of ventriloquism. Vern completed the Maher School of Ventriloquism correspondence course and was rewarded with his first puppet figure, as a gift from his parents. Vern was soon entertaining his fellow Scouts, classmates and family with his own Jerry Mahoney.

Vern went on to entertain at Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquets, community events and church gatherings. With time taken to finish college, establish a career in broadcasting, gain experience as a teacher, get married and raise a family Vern still managed to pursue the art of ventriloquism.

Today, Vern regularly entertains for corporate events, fairs, festivals, retirement community centers and assisted living facilities; wherever there is a need for fun family-oriented entertainment. In addition to these venues Vern draws upon his education, broadcast entertainment experience and teaching skills to provide informative, fun-filled instruction for school assembly and library programs.

Vern is a member of the North American Association of Ventriloquists (NAAV) and the International Ventriloquists Association (IVA). Vern’s dedication to the art includes assisting those learning ventriloquism, through presentations at the annual IVA convention in Las Vegas and teaching college level courses on humor writing.