Originally born in Urbana and raised in Celina, Representative Adams attended Celina Senior High School. Following graduation in 1978 and several years working at Bethlehem Steel, he left to join the United States Navy. He earned the exceptional honor of being selected to serve in the Navy SEALs and was assigned to a SEAL team in California. He also served overseas and assisted in training tactical units in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

While in California, Representative Adams furthered his education by attending Mesa Community College in San Diego. Upon returning to Ohio, he attended Edison State Community College to continue his college education and began working at a local furniture business. He worked hard to build the experience and financial stability necessary to purchase his own business, and in 1997 he fulfilled his dream of having his own business by purchasing the Francis Furniture Store in his hometown of Celina.

Representative Adams is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio (NFIB) and was appointed to the NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council in Columbus. He has also been awarded both Legislator of the Year by the American Legislative Exchange Council and the Watchdog of the Treasury Award by United Conservatives of Ohio.

Representative Adams has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Shelby County United Way and was elected as president in 1991. He served as the chairperson of the annual Shelby County United Way Campaign, as president and member of the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association of Shelby County, and as vice president of the Shelby County Rotary Club.

While Representative Adams is gratified by the success he has enjoyed in his business and community endeavors, his greatest joy is his family. He and his wife Tara reside in Sidney and have seven children- Alex, Brian, Andrew, Maria, Lisa, Claire and Matthew.