Slade graduated magna cum laude from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL. While in school he was involved in leadership positions with Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Campus Outreach and the Student Government Association. Slade was the student representative for the Board of Trustees and was named Mr. Montevallo his senior year.

After college, Slade worked at Lost Valley Ranch in Colorado and then as a director for campus outreach at Troy University. His time at Troy was pivotal, both in learning how to serve people and in growing his love for the Lord.

While working at Campus Outreach, Slade met the love of his life, Wendy. After several years at Troy University, he left and came to work for his father and their family business at Sunbelt Fire. Slade started as a truck territory manager in central and southern Mississippi and enjoyed visiting with fire departments and building new relationships.  

In 1999, Wendy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Slade and Wendy moved to Colorado Springs, CO, to be near the best medical care for her disease.

While in Colorado, Slade worked for Ajilon as an account manager in the IT industry and learned how to lead by serving people. After living in Colorado Springs for two years, Slade and Wendy were able to come back to the south and Slade rejoined the Sunbelt Fire team. Slade and Wendy have three children.

Slade returned to Sunbelt Fire as vice president and helped the organization become one of the top dealers in North America in their industry.

As CEO, Slade works to protect the company culture but still find ways to grow. He is part of C12 Business Forum, for Christian CEOs and executives, and he has joined the Strategic Coach program. Slade believes strongly in lifelong learning and service to others.

In his free time, Slade likes to exercise, spending time in the outdoors, read and spend time with his family.