Mr. Ernstes' responsibilities have ranged from editing scientific tomes and publishing manuscripts to basic research and organizing conferences. He has authored and edited several books, including: Farm Foundation: 75 Years as a Catalyst to Agricultural and Rural America.

Mr. Ernstes is an accomplished military aviation photographer, gardener, amateur geologist, and naturalist. He has put his research skills to use by comprehensively researching his family history back to the 1600's. His curated barbed wire collection is one of the largest on public display in the state of Texas.

Mr. Ernstes is also recognized internationally as an expert in the symbology and meaning of US Air Force unit insignia and flight scarves and is currently working on a book on the topic.

Mr. Ernstes is married with a young daughter.