Prior to serving in the legislature, Brown taught Advanced Placement Government, Politics and United States History for 32 years in the North Kansas City School District. He also coached football and wrestling, and he was the VFW Teacher of the Year in 2010. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Social Studies and a master's degree in Educational Administration from Benedictine College, where he also played football for four years. In addition to teaching, Rep. Brown is a licensed realtor and co-owns a family real-estate business specializing in residential sales and property management.

Born in Kansas City, Brown currently resides there with his wife, Angela. They have two children, Nicholas and Ashley. He attends Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.