Gladney Darroh was born in Houston, Texas in 1950, the youngest of three brothers in a tight-knit, middle-class family. Raised with strong values, he learned entrepreneurial grit early—selling pecans, mowing lawns, and peddling lemonade. A major shift came in 1962 when his family moved to Amite, Louisiana for a cattle feedlot venture that ultimately failed. In 1964, destitute, they relocated to Palestine, Texas, where Darroh juggled multiple jobs to support the family.

Returning to Houston in 1966, he attended high school and began selling Cutco knives, leading to a commission job in a shoe store where he thrived. He self-funded his degree in Economics from the University of Houston while working full time at Industrial Welding School, where he helped parolees and underprivileged youth gain welding skills and employment.

In 1977, inspired by his background in job placement, he founded Piper-Morgan Associates, becoming Houston’s top technical/professional recruiter for nearly two decades. Deeply committed to service, he’s been a longtime benefactor and board leader at Today’s Harbor for Children, creator of the musical This American Family, and founder of Loud and Clear, a voice therapy app for people with Parkinson’s. Darroh exemplifies resilience, service, and impact-driven leadership.