Mr. Wheaton had worked in both the construction and industrial industries prior to obtaining his formal adult education. Mr. Wheaton worked for several years as a journeyman carpenter building both commercial and residential structures. Due to economic downturn in the late 1970's, Mr. Wheaton began a career as an industrial electrician working for manufacturing facilities. This work entailed maintenance and repair of high voltage manufacturing equipment along with air compressors and boilers.

Mr. Wheaton received his B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health with emphasis in Environmental Affairs from National University in 1992. After college, Mr. Wheaton worked as Risk Manager for Hughes Network Systems/San Diego and Hughes Network Systems S.A. de C.V. Additional duties included Hughes Corporate compliance auditing of Hughes facilities under Federal and State OSHA and Environmental regulations. Mr. Wheaton was also in charge of Workers' Compensation and Security for the San Diego and Baja Mexico facilities. Subsequent to law school, Mr. Wheaton performed review of technical materials for Hughes for ANSI compliance.

Mr. Wheaton attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in December 1998. Mr. Wheaton is admitted to the Southern District of California. He has defended employers and individuals in civil litigation and in the defense of 132a and Serious and Willful actions. Mr. Wheaton has practiced Workers' Compensation law, both as Applicant and Defense. Mr. Wheaton also has appeared in Superior Court on ancillary matters and mediation related to both Workers' Compensation and general civil matters. Mr. Wheaton has appeared on Longshore and Harbor Workers matters.