Estes was born and raised in Los Angeles (Jefferson Park/Crenshaw district) and attended college at CSU, Cal Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA and post-graduate work at the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business. He joined the US Merchant Marines and the US Navy upon graduation. After sailing for 14 years, he became a Chief Engineer on ocean going vessels. Estes also worked as the corporate head of the Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability group for a major fortune 500 company. He has served as a consultant and special investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board and has worked on Environmental & Safety disasters across the globe to help make the world a better place.