His family values are along my lines. After graduating from high school, Graves went to the University of Missouri, earning a degree in agriculture. Graves went on to earn a master's degree in public administration at the school. In 1986, Graves began working as a field representative for former Republican governor Kit Bond in a successful U.S. Senate bid. Besides his work with Bond, Graves has also worked at Bryan Cave, a large Missouri law firm, and served as an assistant attorney general for the state in 1991.
Graves is now the prosecuting attorney in Platte County, managing a staff of six other attorneys.
When he was elected to that position in 1994, Graves was the youngest person to hold the office at 29 years old. Graves said his business and managerial experience could also help him in the treasurer's office. The couple has two young children and one newborn. In addition to the farm, the family owns and operates an educational toy and teaching supply store north of the city called Noggin Noodle. Roe, Graves' campaign manager, said business experience has taught Graves to be goal-oriented.