Brian Dykeman was born in Endicott, New York. He attended the University at Buffalo for a year after high school. He spent six years in the Marines as a CH-53 Aviation Electronics Technician at HMH-361, HMM-265 (31st MEU), and HMH-462. After his time in the Corps, he worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an electronics mechanic where he overhauled radars and naval nuclear reactors. He is an electronics technician for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where he works onboard research vessels conducting fisheries management operations in the Pacific Ocean. In his off time, he enjoys hiking, fishing, birding, and taking nature photos.