Paul Bailey was born and raised in Flint, Michigan and upon graduation from Northwood University in 1986 with a degree in business administration joined Western Auto Supply Company as retail store manager in Dallas, Texas. In 1988 Paul joined DHRG, a Dallas based executive search firm and in 1989 was the first employee of Austin McGregor after the company relocated to Dallas. Together with Chip McCreary, Paul completed numerous searches in the high tech, manufacturing, and retail fields.

In 1992 Paul left Austin McGregor for the opportunity to work directly for the founder and chairman of Paul Ray Berndtson, Paul Ray Sr. During the next three years Paul completed dozens of senior level searches for Paul Ray Berndtson, the 5th largest executive search firm in the world, in the areas of consumer products, high technology and manufacturing.

In 1995 Paul realizing that the smaller boutique executive search firms offered a higher level of service and flexibility to their clients, returned to Austin McGregor as Vice President/Partner. In 1997 Paul opened Austin McGregor's Midwest office near Champaign, IL where he and his wife Holly reside.