Hans was born and raised in New England. He graduated in 1990 from Eastern University with a degree in Youth Ministry. He went on to work in Los Angeles, Washington DC, and New York City doing urban youth ministry. Hans moved to Ohio and married Beth Wright in 1998 and started working with non-profits. It was here that Hans began to develop a love for and an interest in developing teams that are effective. Hans' love for rock climbing and the outdoors became the focal point of his teamwork development.